What inspired you to become a dietitian?
I was inspired to become a dietitian when I stumbled across Robb Wolf’s The Paleo Solution. I am no longer a follower of the Paleo Diet, but this book sparked my interest in the science behind how what we eat and don’t eat affects us both mentally and physically.
What have you learned most from your experience in this field?
Fat is not evil! On a more serious note, the most important thing I’ve learned from my experience in this field thus far is that successful weight loss and weight maintenance go beyond dieting and exercise and must include behavior change. This is sometimes referred to as the three-legged stool of weight loss/weight maintenance.
What do you find to be the most interesting nutritional fact?
Funny fact: Neither strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries are actually berries, yet bananas, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, and avocado are.
Serious fact: The protein in eggs has the highest biological value (a measure of how well the body can absorb and utilize protein). All parts of an egg are edible, including the shell, which has high calcium content.
What’s your favorite Medifast tip?
My favorite Medifast tip is to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. Water helps control calorie intake; maintain the balance of body fluids; regulate body temperature; cushion joints; protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues; get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements; keep skin looking good; maintain normal bowel function; and many other things.
If you could have one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to choose one food to enjoy for the rest of my life, it would be a Chipotle burrito bowl. I like to add delicious fajita veggies, pico de gallo, a little cheese, and chicken. I appreciate that their ingredients are always fresh and that they try to obtain naturally raised meats from local sources when possible.
