What an RD Eats in Jackson Hole

There is a major misconception that registered dietitians are the “food police.” That we’re eating healthy 24/7, only eat “clean” and organic foods, and we never eat dessert.

Nope. That’s not my approach to health. Frankly, I feel like the message of “eat less, be smaller” is tired, not relatable and it’s not actually healthy in most cases.

I decided to become a registered dietitian to actually combat that exact messaging – to help people realize that food is amazing. We need all kinds to fuel our bodies and our minds. And saying “food is fuel” is missing the mark. Because food connects us socially as well!

One of my favorite parts about being a registered dietitian in Jackson is enjoying the local dining scene, tagging local businesses on social media, and showing them and the community that I’m a registered dietitian who eats all the foods so I can climb all the mountains instead of feeding into the narrative that we must earn our food and that’s why we’re active.

It’s been 8 years since I visited Jackson Hole for the first time, and my love for the local food scene has continued to grow. Keep reading below for some of my favorite spots in Jackson Hole.

Favorite restaurant to dine out in Jackson Hole? Favorite Dishes?

Local has been one favorite spots for years. It doesn’t matter if I show up for solo dinner or with a group of girlfriends, I always have a nice evening at the bar. A couple of my favorite items on their menu include the herb roasted bone marrow and the veggie burger (the best veggie burger in town in my opinion). I also love restaurants that partner with local farmers and businesses, and that’s made clear in their vision statement:

“We are committed to sourcing the food we provide as locally as possible, reducing and redirecting the waste we produce and increasing the efficiency of our daily operations to use less energy. Furthermore, we will do our best to leverage our position as a premier restaurant in Jackson Hole to create positive change in our community. As a business leader we are proud to support local sustainability programs, continuously improve upon our own operations and do our part to ensure a healthy Jackson Hole well into the future.”

For lunch, I am a sucker for a salad from Persephone Bakery. They change them depending on which produce is in season, and the flavor combinations are unique and delicious. Dietitian Tip: add grilled chicken to up the protein!

Go-to takeout spot

Pizza and Thai food are my favorite takeout foods! I tend to go for pizzas with more veggies than meat, like the Mushroom Chutes pizza at Calico. I gravitate towards duck dishes at Thai food restaurants, so I really love Teton Thai!

Favorite coffee spots? Usual coffee orders?

During the summer months, I love the espresso spritzer from Persephone Bakery. I order it as is – no edits! Otherwise, I prefer oat milk in my coffee – not because I have a dairy allergy, I just like the way it tastes – and Pearl Street Bagels makes really good oat milk lattes and mochas! Plus, a bagel is a great snack prior to activity! Carbs are your friend before you head out for a hike, a bike ride or a ski tour!

Lunch on the go! Which grab-and-go items do I choose?

Pearl Street Market has a great, consistent selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks. My picks: chicken salad wrap, caprese sandwich or the superfood salad.

Creekside Market has some of the best sandwiches around! The Turkey Club is my preference - get it on wheat or sourdough- sub spicy mustard for mayo, pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss cheese, add red onions. To take it to the next level you can ask for it grilled!

I’m also looking forward to trying more grab-and-go options from the new Snake River Roasting location in downtown Jackson. I’ve heard great things about the bowls, specifically the Mediterranean bowl.

Teton Lunch Counter is also a great option of locally sourced food!

Celebratory Meals

I don’t ‘save up’ for celebratory meals - it’s just like any other day! Restricting ourselves leads to binge eating so that’s the last thing I want to do. For a special occasion (or any day really) Glorietta is the perfect choice! The lighting is warm, and there’s just a glow that is so inviting. The fun part is that they update their menu seasonally! One great dish to try is the Summer Truffle Risotto. The Skuna Bay Salmon or the Farm Fresh Rainbow Trout also sound lovely - something a little lighter to go with pasta

Desserts and Treats

The peanut butter cup at Trio has got to be one of my favorites. I’ve always been a big fan of the peanut butter-chocolate combo (Reese’s are my favorite candy by far). I also love the Cream + Sugar mini ice cream sandwiches at Bin22.

What about food for bike rides or other activities?

What about snacks during my ride?

If I’m out being active, one of my favorite sweet treats to carry with me is a chocolate chip cookie from Persephone Bakery. It travels well, contains sea salt and nuts, and it just hits the spot! One of my main tips for fueling your outdoor activities: bring food you actually like that you know you will eat!

I bring a mix of real food options and sports nutrition products that taste GOOD! This includes Skratch Labs products, Muir energy gels, pretzels, a fruit puree pouch, and a donut!

Post-bike ride spots

I could eat at Streetfood at the Stagecoach pretty much every day, but I love it especially after a bike ride. My favorite dishes: shrimp tacos, lamb burger with a kale salad or the tuna poke bowl.

My favorite time to eat at The Bird is after a bike ride - because carbs & beer 😏 I actually only have one minor intolerance - the combination of ground beef combined with alcohol. So for this reason you won’t see me eating a burger. I love the wings and the turkey Reuben sandwich.

What are some of my favorite après spots

I will say I make sure to fuel and hydrate my body before I put away my bike in the summer or hang up the skis for the day in the winter, but once the boots are in the locker, I’m definitely looking for a snack and a beverage. Some of my friends and clients who are ski patrollers have a saying: “Boots on: hungry. Boots off: thirsty.”

If I’m in the village, I do like to post up at the bar in Teton Thai if I can snag a spot! Their spicy margarita is probably my favorite in the valley.

If I’m skiing on Teton Pass, no pass lap is complete without a stop at Stagecoach Bar in Wilson. I used to be a big fan of IPAs when I was younger, but now I go for lighter beers like Roadhouse’s Highwayman or Pacifico Mexican Lager with a lime.

I don’t have many “rules” when it comes to nutrition, but a guideline I go by when I’m drinking alcohol: “Hydrate, Dehydrate” – meaning I drink water while I’m drinking alcohol to offset the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

What I’m looking forward to as we transition into fall

I am not ashamed to admit that I am a lover of pumpkin spice lattes and the beautiful colors the aspens turn when the temps start to get a little cooler. I’d say I always look forward to that seasonal transition so much more than others.