Hi friend,

For all of you in our May Miles Challenge we are nearing the half way point!

This week, want to introduce you to Josie Showalter, MS, RDN, LDN — one of our Oregon-based dietitians

and a former Division I sports nutrition specialist who now helps people of all kinds build a healthier, more joyful relationship with food and movement.

Josie's path into nutrition started with her own story — navigating disordered eating, restriction, and exercise addiction. She came out the other side with a mission: to help others unlearn the harmful rules diet culture taught us and rebuild from a place of self-compassion. She's especially passionate about working with neurodivergent folks — which is exactly what she's talking about this week.

Ever notice how some days you know a walk would feel good, but you just… can't get yourself out the door?

🎥 Watch Josie's video here → [Click here for our Facebook group] or [Click here for the Instagram link]

What "neurodivergent" means, in case the word is new:

Neurodivergent describes brains that process the world differently than what's considered "typical." It's an umbrella term that includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and more.

It's not a diagnosis. It's not something to fix. It's just a different operating system.

Why does this matter when we're talking about nutrition and movement?

A lot of standard health advice was built around a neurotypical brain — one that experiences hunger on a predictable schedule, can plan meals ahead without burning out, transitions easily between tasks, and isn't overwhelmed by sensory input.

For many neurodivergent folks, that's not how it works. Task transitions are genuinely harder (which is exactly what Josie's video is about). Hunger cues might be muted or absent until you're suddenly ravenous. Executive function challenges can make meal prep feel impossible. Sensory sensitivities mean certain textures or smells are non-negotiable — not picky, unbearable. Medications, especially ADHD stimulants, can suppress appetite for hours.

When you bring those realities to a dietitian who assumes everyone's brain works the same way, the advice misses.

A dietitian who specializes in this works differently. She'll help you:

• Build food and movement routines that don't rely on "remembering" or "willpower"
• Find sensory-friendly options for your non-negotiables
• Use transition hacks to lower the cost of starting
• Work with your brain instead of fighting it

That's what Josie does. No shame, no rigid rules, no pretending every brain works the same way.

So this week — try it. Pick one walk. Attach one thing you're genuinely looking forward to. See if the transition feels different.

💚 -Team SDG

P.S. Josie is currently accepting new patients in Arizona, Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, Virginia, and Illinois. If this video resonated — for you or someone you love — just reply and Val will get you connected.