Learn more about…
Tess Patterson, RD, LD, RYT-200
Food and movement have always been meaningful parts of my life. Growing up as a competitive athlete, I loved moving my body and experienced food as it was meant to be—enjoyable, connective, and life-giving. The transition to college, however, disrupted that sense of balance. I lost my athletic identity and, in its place, developed an eating disorder that gradually unraveled many areas of my life.
With the support of those who loved me most and through a profound period of personal and spiritual growth, I began to see that my worth and identity extended far beyond performance, control, or appearance. Sitting in my first session with a dietitian was a turning point. For the first time, I felt truly heard—and I began to reconnect with food in a way that felt nourishing rather than fearful.
That experience shaped the work I do today. I’m deeply passionate about helping clients rebuild trust with food and their bodies, challenge diet culture’s subtle and persistent messages, and understand nourishment as essential to both physical health and overall wellbeing. My goal is to support changes that are not short-term fixes, but sustainable shifts clients can carry with them throughout their lives.
How I can help
services & specialties
Services
Specialties
Fees & Insurance
Appointments:
Virtual & in-person nutrition counseling in Southlake
In-person 1:1 yoga sessions in Southlake
My qualifications
Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Sciences with a Minor in Educational Psychology
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with my Bachelors of Science Dietetics and a minor in Psychology, and my Masters of Science in Nutrition & Health Sciences with a minor in Educational Psychology. I completed my Dietetic Internship from Iowa State University in June 2018, and was given the opportunity to spend extensive time in the IOP treatment facility at Children’s Medical Center in Omaha. I also wrote nutrition curriculum as Lead Dietitian during my time at Eating Disorder Solutions.
I have written for the Eating Disorder Registered Dietitians and Professionals (EDRD Pro) and was featured on the You’re Not That Special podcast to talk about Releasing Control & Leaning into the Unknowns.
I also am a certified yoga instructor (200-hr RYT), and offer trauma-informed yoga services through individual sessions and yoga classes. I offer a safe, supportive space for all levels and all bodies. Read more about my yoga services.
Free Monthly Yoga Class for Athletes
9:30 – 10:30am one Saturday a month
Click below to see dates and RSVP – space is limited!
Nutrition services
I work with adolescents and adults who want to improve their relationship with food and/or fuel their bodies for performance in a way that supports both physical and mental health. I specialize in working with athletes, active individuals, and clients navigating eating disorders or disordered eating, including those who find themselves at the intersection of performance pressure and food struggle.
Some clients come to me focused on healing their relationship with food. Others come wanting to perform better in their sport. Many come carrying both goals at once. I’m experienced in supporting each of these paths—without minimizing either.
Eating Disorder & Disordered Eating Care
I work with adolescents and adults navigating eating disorders or disordered eating, including chronic dieting, food rules, fear of eating, binge–restrict cycles, and body image distress. My approach is weight-inclusive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based, with a focus on restoring nourishment, safety, and trust with food.
In this work, I help clients:
I’m especially mindful of how perfectionism, control, athletic identity, and performance pressure can fuel disordered eating in athletes. For clients who are active or returning to movement during recovery, I help ensure that nutrition supports healing rather than reinforcing harm.
Sports Nutrition & Performance
I also work with athletes and active individuals who want to improve performance, recovery, energy, and consistency through science-based, weight-inclusive sports nutrition. I support high school, collegiate, recreational, and competitive athletes across a variety of sports.
I’m a runner and former competitive volleyball player, which gives me firsthand understanding of athletic culture and the pressures athletes face around performance, body expectations, and “doing more.” I bring both clinical expertise and lived athletic experience into my work, helping clients fuel their bodies in a way that is confident, supportive, and sustainable.
In my sports nutrition work, I help athletes:
Optimizing performance is important, but not at the cost of health, so I don’t use weight manipulation or restrictive strategies. I believe a well-fueled athlete is a strong, consistent, and sustainable athlete.
Let’s Get Personal
In my free time I am a foodie and travel monster through and through. I enjoy running and like to travel to various places around the country to run races! But I also love to check out all the local DFW goodies, delicacies, and delights. You will most likely catch me playing with my beautiful golden retriever who is a constant source of joy and entertainment. Be on the lookout for her to join in virtual sessions!
You can book a nutrition appointment or yoga session with me by clicking below or by emailing me at tess@nourishedsoulcenter.com.