A Day in the Life of Meghan Cray, our RDN at Accord

A Day in the Life of Meghan Cray, our RDN at Accord

Metabolic health is a growing focus within the mental health community, especially areas like nutritional psychiatry, and metabolic intervention. For clinicians like Meghan Cray, our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Accord, the journey into this field wasn’t one she initially envisioned.

Just like any other clinician, dietitians have a variety of different areas they can choose to focus their career on. Sports nutrition, pediatric, public health, geriatric, the list goes on. Metabolic health, specifically metabolic psychiatry, is a very unique area of holistic health that is sparking more recent research and discussion. However, this is not something they teach in Nutrition 101 or Psych 101 and certainly not an area our dietitian thought she would be in when she started her career.

Before becoming a dietitian, Meghan understood that health is multifaceted, extending beyond just what we eat. Our gut microbiome, mental health, sleep patterns, sunlight exposure, physical activity, and stress levels all contribute to our overall well-being.

This interconnectedness is the foundation of Accord’s Metabolic Residential Program.

Accord’s philosophy supports a comprehensive approach, and Meghan’s role as the dietitian embodies this. As the program dietitian at Accord, each day looks different based on the needs of Accord’s active clients. Meghan typically arrives at around 7am, which is the target wake up time for clients, in order to set their circadian clock. Breakfast preparation involves crafting meals that adhere to the ketogenic diet program, designed to support mental health and metabolic function.

Each client has individualized macronutrients set by the dietitian with a common goal to adhere to a ketogenic diet for mental health and maintaining ketosis. Again, the diet aspect of the program is just one layer of the overarching metabolic health program. Each week, our dietitian leads three interactive nutrition education groups. Diving into all sorts of topics, from the art of mindful eating to the Do’s and Don’ts of dining out, and even the mysteries of decoding nutrition labels. A big focus here, and one of the most important parts of this ketogenic health program is making sure these skills translate into real-life scenarios. Whether it’s crafting the perfect grocery list and then going to the store, or tackling a restaurant menu together, we’re always finding new ways to make healthy choices that stick.

In addition to education, Meghan conducts weekly one-on-one nutrition assessments with residents. These assessments focus on weight metrics, ketone levels, and adherence to the ketogenic diet, all essential elements of the metabolic health program. The opportunity to closely monitor clients’ progress and witness their transformation is one of the most rewarding aspects of Meghan’s role at Accord.

In summary, Meghan Cray’s role as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Accord’s Metabolic Health Program exemplifies the power of metabolic health care. From crafting ketogenic meals to leading interactive nutrition education and conducting personalized assessments, Meghan’s day is dedicated to supporting clients in their journey toward better metabolic and mental health.

Her ability to integrate the principles of the ketogenic diet into a broader metabolic intervention program ensures that clients receive comprehensive care, addressing not just diet but sleep, stress management, and overall well-being. Through this multifaceted approach, Meghan helps clients make sustainable, life-changing health improvements every day.

Ready to transform your health? Discover how Accord’s Metabolic Health Program can help you achieve a better balance in mind and body. Contact us today to explore how our program can support your metabolic health journey. https://accordmh.com/program-description/