"Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day" Weekly Wisdom

Will you share with me a Registered Dietitian you are celebrating today?

(It is 100% ok if it is yourself and all the other people you admire and look up to in this profession.) 

I truly believe in this profession, the people who have made it their passion and purpose in life and who start and end each day by being robustly daring.  Why are my fellow colleagues "robustly daring" in my eyes?  

1. Registered Dietitians not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.

2. Registered Dietitians support each other (and if they don't, they better start)

3. Registered Dietitians are the food and nutrition experts who translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. 

4. Registered Dietitians have college degrees, completed an internship, passed a national exam AND maintain continuing education. We are smarty pants who know our stuff!

5. Registered Dietitians help EVERYONE along their personal wellness journeys, no matter who you are, where you come from or what size or shape you are. 

6. Registered Dietitians work in the communities we live in and care about.

7. Registered Dietitians are advocates for improving the nutritional status of ALL Americans and people around the world. 

8. Registered Dietitians are not afraid to promote facts not fear, from the ground up when it comes to our food systems

9. Registered Dietitians are the most valuable and credible source of nutrition information. 

10. Registered Dietitians are my people because they create conversations that truly matter and aspire for greatness in everything they do. 

Today we celebrate all the Registered Dietitians in the world. 

Thank you and always continue to be robust, be daring and to #embracethehellyeah!

~AE

Weekly Wisdom and Daily Food Choices

Do you believe the average person makes over 200 food choices a day?

I was a little skeptical, until I started counting. I think a registered dietitian might make a few more (I averaged close to 400 a day). Which got me thinking...if this is true, why in the world aren't more, if not all of our services covered by health insurance?  Why aren't food and nutrition classes a staple of our education system starting in Pre-K and provided yearly into post-secondary education?  Why do people not realized a registered dietitian is an important part of the long-term health and happiness of the human race?

We are all faced with our own unique set of food choices in a day and we all base our decisions on what we have learned, what we believe and how our lives are shaped around food. There is always a place for a registered dietitian to be a part of these daily decisions. How can registered dietitians make our place at the table and how can we help navigate each persons journey?  Share with me!

#embracethehellyeah | #lessstuffmorelife

~AE

Weekly Wisdom and Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day!

Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day!

You know who your Doctor is. You know who your Dentist is. Do you know who your Dietitian is?

Today I celebrate all the Registered Dietitian Nutritionists on this great big and beautiful earth. Thank you for having the passion to pursue this awesome profession. Thank you for making our space relevant and important in health and wellness. Thank you for being innovative and pioneering new places of science and research. Thank you for being a profession who believes in the future and invests in students and interns. Thank you for proving our importance in business, education, health care, retail, media, communities and the endless opportunities where dietitians are worthy of being. Thank you to all those who have gone before me to pave the way for me to find my place as a food and nutrition expert. Thank you for practicing your purpose everyday, no matter what it is because it is important and I support you, no matter what. 

Thank you to every Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, you are my joy everyday. You are the reason I am here, doing what I love and sharing your journeys. Today we celebrate each other and remember we are all on the same team. 

#embracetheheallyeah | #lessstuffmorelife

~AE

#WeeklyWisdom and National Nutrition Month Nosh

How are you celebrating National Nutrition Month?

I started off the month polishing off a bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs (shimmer edition) so I feel I am 100% killing it so far. I really did, rang in March 1st with a bang!

Along the way in my dietitian career, I have heard something very similar to the quote above a few different times. I think I can sometimes get too focused on nutrition and forget the very important food component. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics did not choose a theme this year for National Nutrition Month, so I thought I would share my forever theme:  Nutrition means nothing without food. There would be no Registered Dietitian Nutritionists without food and I think we really need to take a step back and soak this phrase in for a hot minute. In this weeks podcast with Carrie, Nicole and Dave, all of the importance of this topic came to light and got me thinking more of what this month means to me. 

Sometimes I get a little preoccupied with food trends. 

How the does golden milk match latte taste?  Where can I buy the rosemary MCT oil infused cauliflower pizza crust?  What benefits have you noticed from the Reishi mushroom infused coffee? Many of us are privilege to even know what any of this means. I am privileged. The majority of our clients and customers do not have one clue what we are talking about. 

We need to go back to basics and really remember the food. Where does it come from?  How do we get it? How do we prepare it? How do we store it?  How do we nourish our bodies with it?

Food is not the same for everyone. We come from different heritages, backgrounds and geographical  locations. Everyone shops, cooks and eats in very unique ways.  All of us have different grocery and dining out budgets. All of us have different access to food. National Nutrition Month is about putting food first and honoring how everyone has their own journey with food. 

#embracethehellyeah | #lessstuffmorelife

~AE

5 Nutrition Noshes and Wisdom Wednesday

Nosh One. Wisdom

We made it everyone!  Spring is was officially here on Monday, woo hoo!  Which is why it was no surprise that today it snowed!  Oh Iowa.... It is ironic to me how the first day of Spring correlates with a complete shift in my mindset. The sun is out longer, my mood is more on the positive side and I get a little adventurous vibe. I want to be more active, go explore, cook more, open windows and just start letting the party in. It is also the time of year I start "cleaning" and this year is a BIG cleaning adventure encompassing everything:  my home, my closet, my food, my emails, my music, my purse, my car, my everything. I cannot wait to share with you next week week what my cleaning looks like. But for this week, I am going to share with you the party. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation

Sometimes I am surprised by gestures of giving. Not that I don't think I am worthy, just feeling all warm and fuzzy when someone does something so kind and thoughtful without a reason. This crazy, fun, something exhausting and empowering journey would be nothing without the undeniable kindness and support of the amazing people in my life. This microphone is a gift that makes the future bright, beautiful and damn exciting. I would love for you to listen to the conversations this microphone gets to hear by going to iTunes and picking one of the podcasts. 

You're just a click away:  Conversations with Anne Elizabeth

Nosh Three. Week in Review 

Pure sweetness and joy on my counter top. 

I was present with members of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and President Christy Frese when Governor Terry Branstad declared March National Nutrition Month!

I decided after an 8 year sabbatical, I would celebrate St. Patrick's Day with my friends this year.  It was fun starting off the day with cocktail club and a traditional Irish Coffee. Jason and Kevin whipped the cream by hand in a tag-team effort. It was delicious!  I have never had a traditional one and I highly recommend experiencing this cocktail at least once in your life. 

We headed to the infamous Irish bar, Sully's where I enjoyed a non-green beer.  The only thing missing in my Coors Light is my straw. 

My friend Justin quickly pointed out that is what the picture was missing, so I decided the picture was missing him and I!

After Sully's we headed out into the kick-ass weather of around 65 degrees and made our way to downtown Des Moines, where we accidentally missed the parade but watched some basketball at the Hoops and Hops on Cowles Commons and Iowa Craft Beer Tent. 

I lost my straw but I had these gems with me. Lucky me!  Cheers to the next time St. Patty's falls on a Friday! Then I might be ready to partake in the festivities again. 

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week

The start of Spring deserves a worthy workout playlist:  Signs of Spring Workout Playlist of the Week by Anne Elizabeth on Apple Music

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now

Avocados! Well I love them all the time but avocados are very hip and cool right now. If you haven't tried them in a while, you need to do it. Right now!  There are many different ways to eat avocados and I love them any and every way. My favorite is guacamole but I can eat A TON of it and avo's are still high in fat, so it's best not to over do it. Once of my favorite guac preparing tips is to make it with Siggi's Dairy plain yogurt.  Not only do you decrease the amount of fat you eat but you increase the protein and calcium. 

For a simple guac:  1 container of plain Siggi's yogurt, 1 large ripe avocado and 1/2 cup of any salsa (fresh or jarred) of your choice.

Mash avocado and mix in the yogurt. Blend in the salsa and enjoy with your guacamole vehicle of choice.  My current vehicle is unsalted sweet potato chips by Terra. This does make 2 servings, so find someone sweet and share. 

I am LOVING this picture. And you know what day it is!!!! My mom is in Palm Springs on vacation and riding a camel (with my Uncle John on the back), so I had to include it for things I love right now. You are awesome Ruth!

May your week be like the smile my mom has on her face!

~AE

Registered Dietitian Day Wisdom Wednesday!

National Registered Dietitian Day. I never thought this day would exist back in 1997 when I decided that was what I wanted to be when I grew up. I am so happy it does.  Registered Dietitians (RD's) are my favorite people and let me tell you why...

The individuals who enter this profession do so with abandonment. The abandonment of being selfish. The very moment they decide to make this their purpose in life, they dedicate their lives to science and giving of others.  They have one title but carry so many responsibilities. They become counselors, educators, culinary experts, problem solvers, navigators, scientists, mathematicians, investigators, insurance specialist, advocates, speakers and authors. Sadly, this is only a small representation and sadly they do not get the proper appreciation and deserved respect. Registered Dietitians do all they have in their powers to help others live the healthiest life they can through food, nutrition and science. 

The next time you have a question about nutrition, make sure to seek out THE expert. Search for a professional with the RD credentials. This RD cared about YOU enough to go through extensive schooling, training and testing to provide you with the most accurate nutrition information. They did not do some bullshit class online or have a semester of it in college and declared themselves an expert. They became the REAL nutrition expert through the required discipline and dedication to this field. 

So I ask you today, find a Registered Dietitian on this 8th of March and give them a big-ass hug for being an awesome human being. 

Weekly Conversation

My conversation today is with Anita Turczynski, RD, LD

Anita is a one of those people you meet who just radiates positivity both personally and professionally. It was interesting to know she initially majored in accounting in college. While she was navigating her future career plans and after shadowing a registered dietitian, she truly discovered her passion for nutrition. This lead her to an interest in food service nutrition and also a love for nutrition education with children in a public school system. She enjoys the variety of working in school nutrition and also seeing how nutrition education in schools really impacts nutrition at home.

Please click here to enjoy my conversation with Anita

Week in Review

It is always fun to see yourself published in another place besides your own blog!  This past week, I had a fun little article in the Des Moines Register about one of my favorite foods: avocados. If you are looking for something a little different than guacamole, this quick read will leave you with a fun and adventurous recipe that will tickle your taste buds. Promise!  

Then there is this amazing member of my tribe, Stacey. On March 1st, she brought a brand new human that never existed before into this world. I am in awe of my girlfriends and boss ladies who took on the craziest and hardest profession of being a mom, plus everything else they do!  I don't know if my old age has made me realize how hard it to bring a human into this world and then to raise them to be a good human.  Stacey, you are a rockstar and Finley is one lucky girl to have you as her momma.

Workout Playlist of the Week

Hell yeah it had to be food inspired for National Registered Dietitian Day!  Righteously Delicious. 

Listen to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day Workout Playlist of the Week by Anne Elizabeth on Apple Music

What I Love Right Now

I have decided to celebrate this past week with the perfect Registered Dietitian food. 

I am not kidding. Thanks to Hurts Donuts and Hy-Vee, I had donuts more than once this past week and I loved every bite.  No, I did not eat all of them in the pictures, I did share but this is probably why I love my job so much. I love being real. I love that my boss set a box of these donuts in front of me and I was happy to eat a chocolate glazed donut with toffee bits on it with out one worry of judgment. I love being able to tell a client who struggles with food addictions that I have mine too. We are human and it happens. We should not beat ourselves up and we should not have a bad relationship with food. When you start creating negative feelings about certain foods, it can lead to other issues which can be much harder to overcome.

I love food. I love eating food. These are 2 different sentences with 2 different meanings.

I love food for all the bizarre, sciency and intricate actions happening in our bodies after we eat. I love food because it may help prevent certain health conditions and may improve quality of life. I love food because it constantly starts conversations that matter.

I love to eat food because of how it gives me energy, endurance, brain power and strength. I love to eat food because it brings my heartbeats together at a table talking, laughing and sharing each others lives. I love food because it is art, it is a poem, it is a fond memory.  It is my mom's chocolate cake or my dad's chicken kiev.

I love food, I love eating food and I love being a Registered Dietitian. 

~AE

National Nutrition Month Wisdom Wednesday

Happy National Nutrition Month!  Every March, every Registered Dietitian I know, gets a little excited there is a whole month dedicated to what we are beyond passionate about: nutrition. I love nutrition. No seriously. I am not kidding.  I think it is mind-blowing how food is the fuel our bodies use for EVERYTHING!  When you are eating an apple, did you ever stop and think about how you are consuming the antioxidant Vitamin C and it is protecting your cells to help lower your risk of chronic disease? Or how Vitamin C plays a role is making collagen to aid in wound healing (hello paper cut) and to keep your skin healthy? This is exactly why I became a registered dietitian. I want to spread the message of all things wonderful about food and your health in the preventative stages, starting at birth. 

This month, I also sincerely want to celebrate my favorite people. Registered Dietitians are the most awesome professionals I know. I am inspired constantly of the intelligence, passion, devotion and purpose of my peers. This is why I wrote my book, this is why I do my podcast. I want to celebrate our profession and these kick-ass professionals. I want the world to recognize the importance of THE nutrition experts.  It is the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. If you know one, give them some praise this month and especially next week on March 8th. It is their day and they are 100% worthy of a little celebration. 

Weekly Conversation

My conversation this week is with Jenny Norgaard, RD, LD

Jenny and I go way back to meeting each other during our internship and have shared many great experiences we still discuss and laugh about today, as well as a lifelong friendship.  She initially was going to go into nursing and decided after a conversation with a registered dietitian in her hometown, she was hooked. After experiencing a variety of careers in the dietetics field, Jenny currently feels at home and is very passionate about the preventative side of health and wellness.

Click here to enjoy my conversation with Jenny

Week in Review

Since I was away from home for a few days last week, gangster kitty missed me a little bit. I have been home for about a week now and she has finally stopped meowing constantly and feels comfortable leaving my side. Last week, not so much.

I enjoyed this moment of her softly laying her head on my arm and dreaming. Her little kitten paws were curling up and she was purring so it must have been a pretty stellar dream.

Now only if she would just quit shedding!!!!!

Last year, I was telling a co-worker that I would rather receive a bouquet of basil than a bouquet of flowers. I am pretty much basil's #1 fan and it is the gift that keeps on giving.

When I arrived at work last week, I have a lovely "Bouquasil™" sitting on my desk, with yummy container of pesto and birthday card. My co-worker remembered. Complete kindness.

Let's just say, I have been eating it all week and it is almost gone. I made these fancy pizza's Monday with goat cheese and tomato sauce.

Workout Playlist of the Week

I am so excited for spring and had to put together a motivating March Playlist.

Listen to "In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb" Workout Playlist of the Week by Anne Elizabeth on Apple Music











What I Love Right Now

If you want to make a great tasting, quick and healthier pizza at home, you should give Golden Homes Ultra Thin Pizza Crusts a try. They have 2-3 packs of family and personal sizes which will accommodate anyone who is in need of a pizza fix. Thank goodness I had some in the freezer for my "bouqasil™" bonanza!  Whole wheat, whole grain and protein options are available as well. I am a huge fan of the protein crusts. They get really crispy in less than 12 minutes and can hold a lot of toppings (my test for any pizza crust).

At Thanksgiving last year, I learned all about a supplement that every woman in my family was taking. How did I not know about this?  Collagen. I know I have been losing it rapidly when I gander into the mirror every morning and see my temples sinking in and my laugh lines, but I did not know you could help decrease the loss of it by using it daily. Not only is our skin made up of collagen but so are our nails, hair, joints and bones. This seems like a no-brainer!

It is available in pill form and in a powder. After much research, I opted for the powder. When you are looking for a collagen supplement, it is recommend for >3000 mg of both Type 1 & 3. I chose this one from Neocell.

Mix well with water and drink on an empty stomach and do not take with other protein-rich foods, because they will compete for absorption. It is tasteless so I have no problem drinking this at all!

I have only done this consistently for 3 weeks, so I will report back in 3 months to see if I notice a different. I would love a little less knee pain when I run as well as thicker hair and smoother skin. Can you help me with that collagen?  Please?!?!?! Thank you in advance!

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

Every time I eat or drink, I always ask myself "Is this the best I can do right now, in this very situation and moment?" 

What you put in your body is a conscious  choice.  Your body is not a wastebasket so why put garbage in it? Not every situation is ideal but if you make the best choice you can, you will eat and drink the right things.