Springfield Moms, IRL with Brittany Carpenter

Brittany Carpenter is an Instagram influencer and local dietitian here in Springfield, Mo. When she’s not helping her 45,000 followers with gut health advice — while offering delicious-looking meal ideas — she’s running a functional medicine clinic and mothering two little girls: Amelia, who is 7, and 4-year-old Chloe.

---

Q: How do you spend your days right now—work, home, hobbies, or anything in between?

I’m the owner of Dietitian Brittany, a functional medicine gut health practice where I help women get their lives back from gut issues that are running the show. Genuinely one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

When I’m not with clients, I’m creating content on Instagram (@dietitianbrittany) — it’s become both a thriving community and a creative outlet I didn’t know I needed.

Outside of work, you’ll find me on walks listening to my favorite podcasts or at the Library Center grabbing some new books. I’m a physical book person — digital just doesn’t do it for me. Right now, I’m deep in perimenopause reading instead of novels. If you know, you know.

I’m in a puzzle club — four of us, once a month, 500 pieces, coffee, and real conversation. We’ve been going strong since 2020. My friend group also has a thing for rogue plans: escape rooms, murder mysteries, Not Your Grandma’s Bingo, hikes, or just a brewery and good company.

And honestly? Being a mom feels like a hobby right now in the best way. My girls are at such a fun age — weekends look like Silver Dollar City, playdates, and spontaneous little trips for questionably sanitary hotel pools and dry hotel breakfasts (but it’s my girls’ favorite thing).

And did I mention I’m married? Seth and I have been together 16 years. He is genuinely my best friend, and I mean that with every ounce of my being. Imagine the most present, patient husband and dad you can think of… who gets down on the floor to play kitties with the girls, lets them paint his toenails, dances in the kitchen, and happens to cook like a Michelin star chef. That’s him. I’m a lucky one.

Q: How do you recharge or find rest, recovery or rejuvenation?

I’m a true extrovert — being around friends and family is genuinely what lights me up. Working from home as an extrovert is its own kind of torture, so I welcome any excuse to get out and be around people.

You know that dog who bolts out the front door the second it opens? That’s me, every time.

Q: What’s a podcast or creator you listen to in the cracks of your day?

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson. Amazing guests, every topic imaginable, and I leave every episode learning something new about myself or the people around me. The British accent doesn’t hurt either.

When we’re on longer road trips, my husband and I default to Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard — great guests, easy conversation, perfect for the car.

Q: What tiny luxury do you treat yourself to when you can?

A facial at Acacia Spa — nothing better.

Q: What’s your child deeply into this month?

Amelia (7) has been really into “Crunch Labs” on Netflix. She has always been so creative and loves to build and engineer things. This has strengthened that spark for sure.

Chloe (4) is my partier — we have been loving listening to Olivia Dean. “Okay Love You Bye” is our favorite.

We also have loved getting I’m The Chef Too boxes and cooking up some yummy treats. I bought the subscription for Christmas, and we will likely do it again! This past month, we made bunny bundt cakes and, before that, gummy gemstones.

Q: Is there a book, show, or series you’re turning to at the end of the day?

Seth and I have been hooked on “Paradise” on Hulu — we have just the finale left. When I really want to zone out, nothing replaces good old reality TV. I just finished “Age of Attraction” on Netflix, and it was perfectly corny and ridiculous.

Q: What’s an everyday product that makes your life 5% easier?

AI (does that qualify?). It’s a bit terrifying knowing how many jobs it will replace, but it does make so many things easier in business. It streamlines processes on the backend, so I have more time to myself.

Q: Is there a habit or routine that you swear by?

Moving a little, every day.

Q: What’s your go-to cheap or no-cost outing around Springfield?

The library is the first thing that comes to mind…unlimited books for free? Yes please.

Also, Nathaniel Greene Park. It’s beautiful for solo runs, playdates, and picnics!

Q: What dinner in your rotation always gets eaten without complaint?

Tuscan Salmon with angel hair pasta and asparagus.

Q: What’s helping you feel grounded in this season of life?

My girls. As I mentioned, they are at such good ages where they feel like babies still, but are also looking like adults. I’m not ready for big kid problems, so I’m soaking in this time in between.

Brittany’s message to readers:

Life is too short to not feel good. If you’re wasting your days focused on not feeling your best, there is no greater investment.