Wisdom Wednesday

There is no other joy in the world than when someone does something nice for you, just because. It can be as simple. There is no other joy in the world than doing something nice for someone else. It too, can be simple. You never know when you make someones heart smile. Never hesitate to perform an act of kindness. It can be as simple as slicing an apple. 

Week in Review

When I was in Boston, my 4th godchild turned 1! I am sad I was unable to attend Lucy's day of celebration but I am very excited for the many more birthdays to come. Let's face it, she will never remember that I wasn't there and if necessary, photo shop could always place me there. 

While I was gone and walking The Freedom Trail (in cute shoes, I might add), I was thinking about what I would get her for her birthday. Not only would she not remember me being there, but she would probably easily forget about any gift I could bestow upon her. Then it hit me. I love to write, why not share one of my favorite things with her?  So, each year on her birthday, I am going to write her a letter.  Who knows what I will include in each letter (which could get interesting as time goes on) but it will be my way of giving her a gift of history, memories, stories and a sincere piece of my heart. Each letter will be left un-opened and tucked away until her 18th birthday. Hopefully, this will be a gift she will never forget and it will be something I can give her, just-in-case I miss another day of celebrating Lucy. 

Holiday season is quickly approaching with the kick-off with Halloween. Since I do not fancy a lot of decor when it comes to the holidays, I usually bypass the seasonal items available for purchase. This past Saturday, I just couldn't walk by this adorable white pumpkin. In pure Anne style, I spruced this tiny creature up with some polka dots and a sad attempt at a fancy bow. It comfortably sits on my mantle and I enjoy it's small but adorable presence in my home. Thanks to my friend Barb for hooking me up with the pretty ribbon and paint for my dots. 

The rest of the week will be filled with calls and preparation for the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting in Ames, IA this year. I am excited to spend time with Iowa Registered Dietitians next week in our pretty kick-ass conference we have each year. This year is about passion!  I am all about passion friends! There is nothing better than hanging out with Registered Dietitians (this is a fact) and even better when we are focusing on our passion and purpose.  I am sure I will have many inspiring and fun things to share from the conference in the next couple weeks. 

Workout Playlist of the Week

Since being back from traveling, I am GETTING AFTER IT this week and let me tell you, I need all the motivation I can get!  You can't see from the picture what the last song is, but it is my favorite in the playlist this week. Are you ready?

Listen to my Workout Playlist of the Week by on Apple Music.

What I Love Right Now

While I was meandering through the grocery store, I could stop craving something sweet. My mouth was watering for a candy bar, kettle corn, ice cream, chocolate chips, pretty much anything with sugar in it. I came across these pouches in the applesauce aisle and instantly was curious. Big Slice kettle cooked apples are not your average pouches of apples. There were numerous flavors and the one that jumped out at me was cherry vanilla. Ingredients are simple (cherries, apples, Madagascar Vanilla, yum, yum and yum) and the taste is awesome. I had this grand idea of warming it up in the microwave and tossing Quaker Oat confetti on the top. It was the exact curbing I needed for my sweet tooth. Almost like warm cherry pie and satisfying. It would be even better with a little vanilla ice cream, but next time, I am going to freeze some vanilla Siggi's yogurt and top it off. These are going to be a great treat for the winter months, without the guilt. There is also 12 different flavors from chai (whattttt?) to banana mango & hemp seed. Another really great thing I love about this product is for every pouch purchased, a donation is made to Sparkle, to provide hope and help to women in need. Love it!

It is that time my friends, slumber is calling my name. May your Wednesday be full of greatness and joy!  

~AE

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.

Wisdom Wednesday

You know who your Doctor is. You know who your Pharmacist is. You know who your Dentist is. 

Do you know who your Dietitian is?

Today is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. If you need guidance on anything nutrition, you need to seek out the nutrition expert. 

Find your Dietitian here:  http://www.eatright.org/programs/rdfinder/