The Junk Food Nutritionist

This blog usually focuses on food. But there’s so much more to health and wellness than that.  As a Registered Dietitian, I recognize that and often play the role of “wellness coach,” helping people find the resources they need. I also am often part of an interdisciplinary team a.k.a. a health care team. Health care professionals don't work alone. We work together and know when to refer clients (patients) to other professionals. So, even though I can't treat your mental health directly, I can direct you those who can...

As we approach the New Year, we are looking at possible New Year's Resolutions or ways we can better ourselves.  I don't want you to look at New Year's Resolutions in a negative light. Some people make New Year's Resolutions that they know they aren't going to keep because they're making sacrifices. They might even view it as a punishment. For example, many people think they overindulged during the winter holidays and have to start at New Year's diet to make up for it.  But you shouldn't look at resolutions as punishments or sacrifices. Instead, make a New Year's Resolution because you love yourself and care about improving yourself.  See how that's a gentler approach? When you're phrase it this way, you're building yourself up rather than tearing yourself down.

I’m always trying to better myself. The first time I remember trying to make healthier habits was when I was in seventh grade. I decided that my breakfast of toaster pastries wasn’t a smart choice. I haven’t eaten them since. That was also when I realized I was living a fairly a sedentary lifestyle and started exercising outside of gym class. No wonder I became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, then, right? In the years since, my diet has changed and my exercise has changed, but so have other aspects of my health. At the time, I didn’t think about social health, spiritual health, or mental-emotional health. But, now, I know that these are equally as important. In 2015, I decided to work on my mental-emotional health. I started seeing a free counselor and set keeping a gratitude journal as my 2016 New Year’s Resolution. I successfully wrote in it daily, always listing at least 5 things I was grateful for that day, sometimes listing several dozen. My 20...

I already knew I wanted to make some sort of strawberry-swirled brownie. I chose hers for a base because I liked the portion sizes. She makes desserts for two! As in, I wouldn’t have a bunch of extra dessert sitting around for days on end and possibly getting moldy (which has, unfortunately, happened). Strawberry Swirl Brownies Adapted from https://www.dessertfortwo.com/strawberry-swirl-brownies/ I already knew I wanted to make some sort of strawberry-swirled brownie. I chose to use Christina's brownies for a base because I liked the portion sizes. She makes desserts for two! That means, I wouldn’t have a bunch of extra dessert sitting around for days on end and possibly getting moldy (which has, unfortunately, happened). That said, I had to vegan-ize it. 6 strawberries, fresh or frozen, pureed 1 Tbsp. chia seeds 4 Tbsp. margarine 1/3 c. cocoa powder 1/4 c. stevia-sugar blend 3 Tbsp. aquafaba (chickpea brine), or another vegan egg-replac...

If you missed last week's post, I reviewed Sam Turnball's new cookbook, Fuss-Free Vegan: 101 Everyday Comfort Food Favorites, Veganized. Sam and her publisher gave me permission to share one recipe from the book with you and I chose her Fudgy Double Chocolate Brownies. If you know me, you know I love dessert...