A Week of Transitions

Hey yo! June is in full swing and transitions and transformations are happening a plenty. Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, I have been in a health challenge with 2 of my girls, Stacey and Laura. I kind of jumped on board after the guidelines were established, but I am still really happy I did. We are focusing each challenge on health and wellness. We are almost done with the first one of 21 days that will end, ironically at 11:59 pm on the 21st. I am transforming myself into a healthier me and I am kind of digging it. The next challenge is a little longer and a little tougher, but that is perfect to keep me on track this summer. 

Along with my own personal wellness challenge, I am assisting Hy-Vee Fitness's personal trainer Andrew, get kids fit over a 5 week fitness and nutrition challenge this summer. We are 2 weeks in and it was perfect timing to talk National Dairy Month. We focused on how milk really does a body good and how chocolate milk (yes creamy and delicious chocolate milk) is the BEST recovery drink after a any physical activity. Move over sports drinks....who doesn't love chocolate milk? 

This week, I also spent some time talking, catching up and laughing with a couple of my favorite people, Amanda and Jodi. Jodi drew this adorable little picture and this "Picasso" gives a pretty great idea of this friendship. Jodi and I like to refer to ourselves as the "oldies but goodies."  

Friday was one of my biggest transitions of the year so far. I had completed by services as President of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A year never seemed so short!  It was one of the greatest experiences I have ever been bestowed. I was supported by a fantastic Board and Council who unselfishly volunteered their time to continue the greatness that is the Iowa Academy. I decided to greet my ladies and gents with a few breakfast noshes to get the day started as a thank you for all they have done over the past year. I am very proud of all that was accomplished and looking forward to all that will be accomplished in the future. 

Executive Board Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2015-16. Lori Winborn (Past President), Anne Cundiff (President), Christy Freese (President Elect)

My predecessor, Lori, was a phenomenal leader and teacher. She was always there for support and guidance, which was vastly needed on occasion. My successor Christy, was also inspiring by the way she processed and thought out next steps and the future needs of the Iowa Academy. Pretty proud of the Executive Board of 2015-16. 

Then it was time to pass the gavel and Christy became the 2016-17 President of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

And here is the new Executive Board of 2016-17, me, Christy and our new President Elect, Becky Prostine. These ladies are going to do amazing things, you just watch!

This president was ready for a little celebratory cocktail. The night was beautiful on Friday and it was great to slip off my shoes and sip on something cold. 

The week ended with it being Father's Day Weekend and my first Father's Day without my Dad. This picture was taken 2 years ago on Father's Day and it just makes me smile. My Dad always was so happy to see me. He gave the best hugs and kisses any girl would love. I missed those this year. But reflecting over the past week, I felt them. I felt the hugs and kisses of a proud and loving father. And that is all I could ask for when he is worlds away.  

AE

Iowa Dietitians: The Real Nutrition Experts

I am a little bit in awe after this past week.  Of the dedication, devotion, passion and purpose I experienced with 249 other dietitians from Iowa. I realized now, more than ever, that I am one lucky gal to be the President of such an amazing organization, the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

We had our annual meeting in Coralville, Iowa with this years theme:  Registered Dietitians Living in the Heartland. Our meeting chair Bridget and her chair-elect, Tina, did an outstanding job organizing and planning this stellar event.

The best part about the meeting was having Registered Dietitians from all around the state coming together and rejuvenate all the reasons they have put their lives into this profession. I love meeting new dietitians and hearing about their interesting careers outside of the dietitian bubble I live and work in. It is also great to connect with dietitians I know but haven't seen in years.

Since our meeting was all Iowa based, I wanted to share my favorite Iowa products with the group. Frontier Coop based in Norway, Iowa is a company that has been an Iowa-based co-op for 40 years (before organic certification and before Fair Trade). Their history of sourcing and distributing natural and organic products makes us a leader in the natural products industry.  You can find our products at stores like Hy-Vee, Whole Foods and local natural food stores across the U.S. and Canada. 

Then there is this little place known to Iowa as Scratch Cupcakery. I stumbled upon this tummy pleasing bakery when I needed a sweet-treat for a dear friend's birthday. When I clicked on the "About" section of the website, the first line of this Iowa-based sweet treat heaven, completely got me:  "Ever had a dream that you just couldn't let go of?"  I know exactly how this Iowa entrepreneur feels and can relate. This bakery holds a special place in my heart because of their story, a very special birthday celebration and how they will help cater to individuals with food intolerance. Thanks for making me and 249 dietitians smile! 

My third Iowa product I love and wanted to share was Ecolips:  The best lip balm for the world. It is. For real. My favorite. I am obsessed with the perfect lip balm. It cannot be too thick, have staying power, moisturize and smell good. Check, check, check and check. They are also organic, gluten-free and cruelty free. What is also really cool is you can create your own perfect stick of balm. You can pick your ingredients, your packaging and the name of your lip-saving perfection, all from beautiful Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The last but not least favorite Iowa product I shared with my fellow dietitians, was Nicks Sticks. This is my go-to afternoon snack, everyday. I am on the go constantly and need a high protein snack with lower sodium and none of the junk found in other meat snacks. I am a big fan of their turkey and spicy turkey sticks. They are free of MSG, nitrates, and red dye. And Nick Wallace is the guy who makes these snacks. He is an Iowa farmer and lymphoma survivor. Who wouldn't want to share this healthful and delicious snack?

One of the best part of the conferences was spending time with friends. I had to reflect a little on my almost 15 years as a dietitian. I have made some of my best and long last friendships because of dietetics. My friend Jenny has been a friend since our internship and I would have never guessed we would have stayed so close and also become co-workers during the midst of our careers. And then there is my dear friend Brenda. She was my preceptor during my internship and has taught me everything I know!  She has been a person who has stuck by me through really difficult dietitian and personal experiences.

I am very fortunate to have had this experience in my professional life. These 2 days were meant for the dietitians of our organization to keep believing in their passion and purpose and to not lose site of why they are a Registered Dietitian.  I know that if there is a day I feel a little defeated, this president is going to jump into her comfy shirt, eat a cookie and know that she is a member of the greatest group of dietitians in the nation.