Confessions Of A (soon-to-be) Dietitian

As a professional who spends much of their day telling people what they should and shouldn’t eat you probably think (and would expect) that I practice what I preach.

I totally agree.

That’s why I never tell my clients to stay away from ice cream, pancakes or fresh baked cookies. And that it’s OK to eat after 7pm (just be mindful of portions!) Because lets be honest – I eat a ‘desert / snack’ every night, and always after 7. And more often than not they include chocolate, peanut butter, ice cream, cookies or all of the above (in moderation of course ).

So, if you told me I had to have a sliced apple instead I would pretty much panic. All other good efforts (daily exercise, eating green vegetables at every meal, choosing lean proteins and whole grains versus refined) would be diminished because I would be completely focused on trying not to have a desert after dinner. And, I would feel completely defeated when I caved.

“Oh, You ran 5 miles and ate oatmeal for breakfast? That means nothing. YOU ATE ICE CREAM AT 8:30PM!!”

Please don’t get like that.

Stick with me here…basically, that story is my long-winded way of making a point. And I think you’ll like it so keep reading.

While you don’t have to stay away from the bad foods entirely, you should try and build every meal around the goods ones. Like kale, and beans and quinoa.

So here’s where that whole ‘practice what you preach’ thing comes in:

I don’t really like quinoa.

I know, I know – terrible, right? I mean how many times have I told you to eat it?! I even did an entire post dedicated to its awesomeness.

Compared to other whole grains quinoa is at the top of its class.  A grain with 2x the amount of protein as similar sides such as rice, and rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. And, the protein that it does offer is “complete” meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids (proteins our body can’t make and needs from food). It is versatile, letting you prepare equally delicious breakfasts, lunch and dinner, and in at least 1 recipe on every food site, magazine or blog of late.

For all the above reasons and more I want to like it. No, actually I want to LOVE IT.

Just like I want you to like love it.

So, just like I’m going to tell you to eat more quinoa, kale, and beans, I’m going to keep eating more too. Even if we don’t LOVE it. Because foods like these are just so packed with good-for-us nutrients that we should keep trying, keep cooking and keep eating them. And one day maybe we will start to like them. Or even love them.

Because those little bites and little efforts are what lead us to big change.

So while we sit at 8pm eating our bowl of ice cream we will know that our efforts are there, our bodies are healthier and our brains are happy. For exercise, quinoa, kale, love, family and friendship alike.

This year, thrive off your friends and your family, your daily exercise habits, clean eats and everyday treats. Be well and promote wellness daily.

Happy 2013!