Healthy Back to School Lunch & Snack Ideas As Seen on Fox Carolina News

It’s almost back to school time, and we are talking a lot about healthy lunchbox and snack ideas with our clients right now. I recently shared them with Kari Beal on Fox Carolina News. Check out what I head to share below!

Part 1 : Healthy Lunch Ideas

CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW

Registered Dietitian & Mom Tips:

  • Meal plan for 2 lunches for your kids and alternate them. You don’t need to be coming up with 5 different lunches each week – keep it simple and save money by meal planning!
  • Build a healthy lunch box using these 4 ingredients: whole grain, protein, produce, and something fun that’s sweet or crunchy

Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas:

  • Whole wheat turkey and cheese wrap, dried apricots, sliced cucumbers, and chocolate covered almonds (pictured above)
  • Veggies Made Great Muffins, Greek yogurt + granola, grapes, and veggie sticks (pictured below)
  • PB&J on Whole Wheat Bread, hummus + baby carrots, cheese stick, and chocolate chips
  • Ham & Cheese Roll Ups, pretzels, pineapple, and a mini-KIND bar
  • Cheese quesadilla, black beans, avocado, tortilla chips, and strawberries
  • Egg Muffins, cheerios, blueberries, tomatoes, and a whole wheat fig bar
  • Whole Wheat Bagel with Cream Cheese, raisins, sliced bell peppers, and a piece of dark chocolate
  • Tuna Salad on Whole Wheat Bread, pistachios, kiwi, and hippea puffs

Need an easy button? Check out these prepackaged lunches.

And last but not least here are our favorite lunch box containers:

Looking for more healthy recipe ideas? Check out our Real Life Nutrition Membership!

Access 330+ Registered Dietitian authored healthy recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, smoothies, and more. Simply add the recipes to your recipe box and a grocery list will auto-populate for you! BONUS: you will also receive a meal plan every Friday, have access to a flexible meal planning nutrition course and a live group coaching call once per month. Click here use code BACKTOSCHOOL to get your first month for only $15! (Offer valid through 8/31/23)

Part 2: Healthy Back to School Snack Ideas

Click Here to Watch Now!

Registered Dietitian & Mom Tips:

  • PSA: A snack after school isn’t going to ruin your kids dinner! Offering a snack when they say their hungry will teach them to listen to their body + hunger cues and promote a healthy relationship with food.
  • For a healthy snack choose a carb for energy + protein/fat for sustainability
  • Meal plan for 2-3 snack options for the week. For little kids ask them “do you want X or Y?” and for big kids can write it down and post on the refrigerator for them to choose from.

EASY Healthy School & After School Snack Ideas:

  • Goldfish + Babybel Cheese
  • Popcorn + Jerky Stick
  • Apple + Peanut butter
  • Clementine + Cashews
  • Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
  • Veggie Sticks + Almonds
  • Greek Yogurt + Fruit
  • Granola Bar
  • Tortilla Chips + Guacamole
  • Whole Wheat Toast + Peanut Butter
  • Crackers + Jerky
  • Pita Chips + Hummus

RECIPE: No Bake Honey Nut Cheerio Bars (photo above):

Yield: 12 Bars

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, and honey and microwave for 30 seconds and stir until smooth with a fork.
  2. Fold the cheerios into the melted peanut butter mixture using a wooden spoon. 
  3. Once combined, scoop the cereal mix in a 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan sprayed with avocado oil. Spread into an even layer pressing down on the top to ensure everything sticks together.
  4. Cover and place the peanut butter cereal bars in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or until completely set.
  5. Once set, slice into 12 bars and enjoy!

Note: You can also use almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter instead of the peanut butter.

Looking for more healthy recipe ideas? Check out our Real Life Nutrition Membership!

Access 330+ Registered Dietitian authored healthy recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, smoothies, and more. Simply add the recipes to your recipe box and a grocery list will auto-populate for you! BONUS: you will also receive a meal plan every Friday, have access to a flexible meal planning nutrition course and a live group coaching call once per month. Click here use code BACKTOSCHOOL to get your first month for only $15! (Offer valid through 8/31/23)

Shifting the Focus from Weight to Health

Brittany Jones Nutrition Group is a weight inclusive practice – but what does that mean?

Simply put it means that we believe that health is not defined by your weight.

A person in a small body is not always healthier than a person in a larger body – and a larger person is not always unhealthier than a person in a smaller body. In fact evidence shows that taking a weight-focused approach in which someone puts a focus on weight loss and dieting can be harmful to ones health, often times resulting in disordered eating and/or eating disorders among other health conditions.

We appreciate that bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and weights. We work with our clients to improve their health by focusing on behaviors regardless of their weight. We provide respectful and compassionate care of people in all body type, shapes, sizes, and weights.

Our approach to a healthy lifestyle takes the focus away from weight and instead focuses on health promoting behaviors to improve health including:

  • A healthy relationship with food without restriction
  • Eating a variety of foods that provide nutrition + enjoyment
  • Being mindful and flexible while managing your chronic disease through food
  • Trusting your body to tell you when you are hungry and satisfied
  • Giving yourself permission to eat all foods
  • Eating regular meals and snacks
  • Feeling safe around all foods (i.e. being able to keep all foods in the house without a binge)
  • Moving your body in a way to celebrate it rather than punish for something you ate or control your size
  • Learning to accept your body and take good care of it – knowing that all people are of value regardless of size, shape, or weight

We believe that the weight you are when practicing these behaviors is the healthiest weight for you.

Our body size is often influenced by many factors outside of our control including genetics, income, education, social support, where you live, work, and play. NOTE this weight cannot be told to you by a health care provider or a BMI scale.

Still not sure about this approach? Below we de-bunk some common weight focused myths:

MYTH #1 Weight is the best measure of health. “Overweight” or “obese” mean unhealthy and “normal weight” means healthy.

FACT: BMI does not tell us about individual health and it doesn’t recognize that healthy bodies come in many shapes, sizes, and weights. Health can exist in diverse bodies and BMI was created to be used in groups of white males in a research setting. You are not that.

Your risk for disease depends more on your lifestyle than your body weight. Factors like genetics, income, and stress can influence disease. For example, heart disease and diabetes affect people of ALL weights. People of all sizes benefit from activities that support their health such as eating a variety of food to support disease, moving in a joyful way, and managing stress.

MYTH #2 The best way to improve health is by losing weight

FACT: Studies (and our dietitians 35+ years of cumulative experience in this field) show that restrictive diet and exercise programs poorly affect mental and physical health. Research also shows the more you diet the more you weigh.

Dieting has been associated with:

  • An increase in weight
  • Muscle loss
  • Bone loss
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Increased risk of eating disorders
  • Body image issues/body dysmorphia

MYTH #3: “If I’m not actively trying to control my weight, I’ll gain a lot of weight and worsen my health”

FACT: People can improve their health and manage chronic disease without a focus on weight loss. In fact, people who do not focus on weight loss tend to have better mental health, lower stress, a better body image, and a better quality of life while managing their health. When we focus on health promoting behaviors our body settles at it’s healthy weight – sometimes that’s less than you are now, sometimes it’s more, and sometimes it’s the same. We need to give our body the opportunity to figure out what is healthy for you without trying to manage it through dieting and non-joyful exercise.

MYTH #4 I’ll just diet to lose the weight quick and then focus on maintaining.

FACT: More than 95% of weight loss attempts do not lead to long-term weight loss or health improvements. In fact, most people who lose weight on a diet will gain it back +5% more within two years. Because of this trend, dieting is actually a better predictor of weight gain than weight loss.

Are you:

  • Sick of losing the weight and gaining it back?
  • Sick of hearing about weight loss drugs and surgeries?
  • Do you just want to be healthy and not focus as much on the scale?

Our Registered Dietitians can help! CLICK HERE to set up a FREE 15 minute discovery call and learn more about what it would look like to work together.

20+ Dinner Recipes done in 20 minutes or less!

We totally get it – some nights you just *need* a quick and easy week night dinner recipe.

Often times a healthy and balanced recipe that incorporates your protein/carb/veggie all in one recipe in just 20 minutes or less can be very hard to find!

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite recipes from the Real Life Nutrition Membership that can be made in 20 minutes or less. Click the links below and save these recipes to your recipe box!

Not a member? Sign up here for only $29/month!

Some quick meal staple items: salad kits, frozen cooked grains like brown rice and quinoa, pre-cooked frozen chicken/shrimp/burgers, cooked chicken sausage and meatballs, and organic canned low sodium beans.

5 Tips to Lose Body Fat

View More: http://kellimcabeephotography.pass.us/brittany-jones-rebrand

Have you ever come across a product that says it will help you “lose 10 pounds in a week?” Maybe you bought that product, tried it, lost the weight quick, and then gained it back the 10 pounds that you lost PLUS two more. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to burn body fat. Extreme fad diets may last in the short term, but they aren’t sustainable and can actually hurt your overall health.

Now that you know that fad diets and fat burning supplements aren’t the trick, what methods actually work? The Registered Dietitians of the Brittany Jones Nutrition Group are here to answer your questions with science based knowledge! First, let’s talk about what fat is. Fat is stored in the body when the number of calories consumed is higher than the number of calories burned. It doesn’t matter if it’s protein calories or fat calories or carbohydrate calories, if more energy is entering the body than leaving, the body stores extra energy as fat. 

Losing body fat and being able to sustain that new body fat percentage takes time and hard work – but it’s doable! 

Incorporating healthy habits into your every day is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Start slow, reach out for support, and give yourself grace during the process. Here are some habits to incorporate into your healthy routine that will promote sustainable fat loss. 

Lift Weights

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to solely do cardio to burn body fat. Strength training increases muscle mass. Muscle mass needs more energy to maintain its size, and when you have more muscle mass, your body needs to burn more calories (muscle mass is metabolically active vs. fat which is not). Aim for 2-3 strength training sessions a week incorporating all the major muscle groups. Functional movements such as deadlifts, squats, bent over rows, and bench presses, are excellent exercises that work many muscle groups at the same time. 

Move More, Sit Less

According to a 2008 Vanderbilt University study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the average American spends 7.7 hours a day sitting. To put that into perspective, that’s 55% of waking hours spent sitting down. Weight lifting is great for building muscle, but to maximize your efforts, be sure to stay active outside the gym! This is your chance to gather a team to play volleyball, take a walk after dinner with the family, or ride your bike down the street. To increase activity in your everyday routine, try taking the stairs, parking further away, or taking a 5 minute walk and stretch break at work.

Eat A Nutrient Dense Diet

Fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, and lean proteins are all foods found in a nutrient dense diet. Looks for foods as close to their original form as possible. For example, veggie chips seem to be nutrient dense. I mean, “veggie” is in the name, so it must be healthy, right? Not necessarily. Real vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and broccoli are going to be a more nutrient dense option. Veggie chips have been broken down, dehydrated, and have unnecessary added sugar and salt. Diets with high sugar and salt intake can be inflammatory causing the body to hold onto extra water weight and fat. A good tip to keep in mind is to fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. That way you know you’re getting fiber and nutrients in every  meal. Focus on lean proteins like lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds. 

Our Registered Dietitians take an all foods fit approach in our practice, and there’s no reason to completely cut out your favorite fun foods such as cake on your birthday or a drink with friends. The key is to focus on nutrient dense foods most of the time, and occasionally have those fun foods. A healthy lifestyle is not about deprivation and we want to help you to focus on fueling your body without restriction. Celebrations and social events are important for your well-being too!

Drink More Water 

The body uses water to regulate internal temperature, transport nutrients to cells, digest food, and flush out waste. It seems so simple, but drinking more water can actually help burn body fat. The more hydrated the body, the more calories it is able to burn at rest. A dehydrated body slows down the metabolism to compensate, and a water-starved body will not be able to burn fat effectively. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces (ex. a 150 pound person should aim for 75oz water per day). Find a water bottle that suits your style and take it with you wherever you go. Having water with you at all times will help you increase your water intake and decrease the risk of dehydration!

Make Sure You Are Eating Enough 

Cutting too many calories too fast can actually do more harm than good, and unfortunately this is something we see frequently. Extreme restriction puts your body in starvation mode. It recognizes that it isn’t getting enough fuel, so it slows down the metabolism in response to conserve energy. It holds onto body fat because it doesn’t know when the next serge of fuel will come. Work with a Registered Dietitian to learn more about your personalized energy needs, and learn to listen to your hunger and fullness cues. 

Cutting body fat takes work, but if you incorporate these healthy habits into your routine, your results will last a lifetime! To lose body fat, focus on eating a nutrient dense dense diet, moving your body, and drinking lots of water. Incorporating healthy habits into your routine may not give you results as quickly as a detox tea, but the outcome is healthier, more sustainable, and less risky!

Interested in cutting body fat? Our Registered Dietitians can help ! Click here to set up your free 15 minute discovery call.

Written by Brittany Jones, MS, RD, LD and Gabby Childers, Brittany Jones Nutrition Intern

 

Heart Healthy Cooking Segment with Fox Carolina

Did you know that the recommendation for sodium per day is 2400mg which is 1 TEASPOON total per day?

Most Americans are getting way more than the recommend amount (not to mention some restaurant dishes can have 2000mg+ sodium in them). High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it’s symptoms are not always obvious, and watching your salt intake is one way you can combat this risk factor.

Instead of adding salt to foods in cooking or at the dinner table, try using herbs and spices instead! Watch my Fox Carolina segment below for more tips, and click here to get the Go Red for Women  Herbed Veggie Skillet recipe that I demonstrated on the show!

Greenville Restaurant Week 2019 Dietitian Picks

jianna

Photo Credit: Jianna

It’s Restaurant Week again in South Carolina! Here in the upstate there are tons of local restaurants offering special 3-4 course menus from January 10th – 20th 2019.

I love this time of year to get out of the house (because these 20 degree nights are no fun) and try something new! However it does come at an interesting time, just ten days into the New Year. If you are focused on healthy eating habits but want to support Restaurant Week, this post is for you!

I’ve taken some time to look over the menus, and below are my top 10 healthy picks for this year. I chose these options using the portion plate concept. I was searching for options prepared using a healthful cooking method, featuring lean meat or fish, lots of vegetables, and whole grains. (Note: I was not given nutrition facts for any of these dishes, and these recommendations are based on the menus descriptions from each restaurant. This blog post is not sponsored by Greenville Restaurant Week nor any specific restaurant. All opinions are my own.)

tupelo

Photo Credit: Tupelo Honey Cafe

But before we get started, I wanted to share my tips for Restaurant Week:

1. Choose if it’s an 80% or 20% meal. These are my personal healthy restaurant week menu picks, however I am totally down for some She Crab Soup and Mac and Cheese every now and again. It’s important to think about your week, and your goals, and decide if you want this particular meal to be an “80% meal” or a “20% meal.” What does that mean? I work with all of my clients to find a balance between functional and fun foods – without cutting anything compeltely out – you can read more here. So, these picks below would be considered an “80% meal” or a healthy option, but of course there is a time and place for fun foods as well!

2. Use the fullness scale to pace your eating. Three to four courses is a LOT of food! I would recommend checking in with yourself regularly, and being sure to eat until you are a 6-7 on the fullness scale (with 10 being overly stuffed and 1 being ravenous). This will make sure you are not uncomfortable when leaving the restaurant, and keep you feeling great!

3. Get a box for dessert or split it. You will see my picks below focus on the appetizers/main course, without a mention of dessert. Chances are you will fill up on the first two courses, and I would recommend splitting the dessert with a friend/family member, or bringing dessert home to eat or share later!

So without further ado….

10 Greenville Restaurant Week 2019 Dietitian Picks

  1. Basil Thai: Fresh Basil Rolls + Basil with chicken/shrimp/tofu
  2. Generations Bistro and Bar: Seared Tuna Poke + Fresh Pasta Pesto Primavera
  3. Ji-Roz: Greek Salad + Rabbit Stifado
  4. Jianna: Grilled Pear Salad + Sea Scallops with Farro, Kale, Carrot and Citrus
  5. Larkins on the River: Larkin’s House Salad + Mahi Mahi with stone-ground yellow grits, and roasted cauliflower
  6. Lazy Goat: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad + Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Polenta, and Roasted Root Vegetables
  7. Nose Dive: Tuna Poke Bibb Wraps + Cedar Grilled Salmon with Jasmine Rice, and  Braised Bok Choy
  8. Rick’s Deli & Market: Gourmet Greens + Herb Crusted Salmon with Vegetable Medley
  9. The Farehouse: Kale Salad + Trout dip with veggies + Seared scallops with pomegranate sauce over roasted root vegetables, and parsnip puree
  10. Tupelo Honey Cafe: Slow Roasted Beet Salad + Spiced Blistered Vegetables + Charred Broccoli with Kale (V)

Have questions about healthy dining out options, or want to learn more about my concierge nutrition packages? Send me a message here!

 

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies Two Ways

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Who doesn’t love peanut butter cookies during the holidays? I put a spin on this classic recipe using almond flour (gluten free) and giving my guests the option of choosing peanut butter and jelly, or peanut butter and chocolate.

I recommend using organic fruit preserves (without high fructose corn syrup) for the jelly option, and you can use Nutella or the Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Butter for the cocoa ones! You’ll also want to be sure to get the NATURAL peanut butter without hydrogenated oils, as these are trans fats which will build up plaque in the arteries. The World Health Organization is banning hydrogenated oils due to it’s tie in with heart disease in 2023, but until then just read the ingredients and be sure to avoid them to keep your heart healthy.

Check out my easy to make recipe below, with only 6 ingredients! Each cooke comes in between 90-100 calories (depending on filling), has less than 10 grams of carb, and over 3 grams of protein to keep you full!

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Gluten Free Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Serves: 24 Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Natural Peanut Butter (no hydrogenated oils in the ingredients)
  • 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
  • 1/2 Cup granulated sugar, more for rolling
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
  • Organic Fruit Preserves and/or Cocoa Spread

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
  2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients (except filling) and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  4. Shape dough into 24 small 1-inch balls
  5. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat
  6. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet
  7. Lightly press the center of each dough ball with your thumb to create a well
  8. Add ¼ teaspoon of jam or cocoa spread in the center of each cookie
  9. Bake for 7 – 9 minutes, until set on the outside but still very soft – do not over bake!
  10. Slide the parchment papaer from the baking sheet onto the counter. Let cool for 5 minutes before enjoying!

 

The 2018 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide is Here!

Healthy Holiday Gift Guide 2018

The holiday gift giving season is here 🎄

This year instead of buying your loved one another sweater or scarf, give the gift of health! Check out my Healthy Holiday Gift Guide with options for everyone on your list.

For your busy friend or family member

One week of Freshly meal delivery!  There a lot of meal delivery services to choose from, but for your ulta busy friend/family member there is nothing like healthy prepared meals delivered to your doorstep. Freshly offers healthy pre-made meals that you pop into the microwave for an easy lunch or dinner! Perfect for the busy parent, professional (CPAs love this during busy season!), or new college grad living on their own.

For the office

This holiday season don’t be the third person to send chocolates or popcorn to the office, check out these unique and healthy KIND Holiday Cubes! I have been a member of the KIND nutrition collective for a couple of years now, and I love their products. Not only are they a delicious snack, but they are also filled with healthy fats and protein to fight the afternoon slump.

For the pizza lover

Pizza doesn’t always have to be a treat meal, and these pre-made cauliflower pizza crusts by Cali’flour foods are gluten free and low carb! Top each pizza with your favorite cheese, veggies, and lean protein for an easy Friday night dinner.

For the cook

Some of my favorite healthy kitchen gadgets include: an air popper to make your own healthy snack at home, a sous vide for percise cooking, and of course an Instant Pot for quick cooking grains and one pot meals! Not sure if they have these already? Check out our Meal Planning Bundle featuring healthy recipes and a weekly meal planner.

For the one who is stressed out

Stress has been scientifically proven to promote disease and weight gain. Research has shown that meditation for even a couple minutes per day can decrease stress. The Calm App has been named Apple’s App of the Year and Editors’ Choice by Google Play. Get them a 1 year membership here, or turn it into a gift basket by adding on the Calm Sleep Mist , and Calm Work Book as well!

For the fitness lover

We all know how important stretching and foam rolling is, but few of us take the time to actually do it. Help your friend or family member feel better, prevent injury, and improve performance with this TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller! The design is modeled to feel just like a massage therapists hands, and comes with an online video library as well.

For the subscription  box addict

Subscription boxes are great, but you tend to end up with a lot of mini-samples – not with FabFitFun! They offer 8-10 FULL SIZE samples of high end products with each box valued over $200. BONUS they also get access to FABFITFUNTV with free workouts. Give a gift subscription here.

For the person who has everything

Sometimes gifts of experiences that we would never give to ourselves are the best gifts. I love the Spa Finder Gift Card  because it allows your friend or family member to find a spa near them and treat themselves to some self care, whether it is a massage, mani/pedi, or a facial.

For a healthy 2019

Gift the gift of health this holiday season with a Blush Nutrition Gift Card. Blush Nutrition gift cards are available for any amount and can be redeemed for a la carte appointments or any nutrition coaching and meal planning package.

Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season!

 

Healthy Game Day Recipes

It’s that time of year again – tailgating season! I recently shared my tips with WSPA’s Carolina Morning with Sibila and Christy. Check it out!

https://youtu.be/TIBz2xhkOfI?si=XcKDzNuP-juLnAWd

A lot of my clients ask me how they can stay on track with their healthy habits while watching the big game. My biggest tip is to bring the vegetables! You know there will most definitely be carbs and proteins at the tailgate, so be sure to bring something that you can fill 50% of your plate with.

Here are two of my favorite game day recipes featuring veggies!

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Game Day Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

A healthy take on wings!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 head cauliflower; chopped into bite size piece
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2/3 Cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 Tablespoon organic unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ Cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
  • ¾ Cup Yogurt Blue Cheese dressing, for serving
  • Parchment paper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450F.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, water, black pepper and garlic powder.
  3. Place the breadcrumbs in another small bowl.
  4. Dip each cauliflower piece in the egg batter until coated evenly, then dip in the breadcrumbs, and place on a baking sheet pined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, combine the melted butter and hot sauce in a large bowl.
  6. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and gently toss with buffalo sauce.
  7. Place the cauliflower back on the parchment lined pan and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until cauliflower is tender and crisp.
  8. Remove from oven, and serve yogurt blue cheese dressing.

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Mediterranean Avocado Dip with Sweet Mini Bell Peppers

A fun veggie dip that is packed with protein and healthy fats.

Serves: 6

  • 1 avocado, pitted and removed from peel
  • 4 oz fat free feta cheese
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ¼ small red onion
  • ¼ Cup parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12oz sweet mini bell peppers

Directions:

  1. Add the pitted avocado, feta cheese, lemon juice, red onion, parsley and pepper to food processor.
  2. Pulse food processor until smooth.

Want to know more about finding a healthy balance? Set up  your FREE  15 minute call here!

Meet the Fall Blush Nutrition Intern: Taylor!

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This is my 7th year as a dietetic internship preceptor for Winthrop University, and I am SO excited for this year because it’s my first time taking interns in private practice! In the past I have taken interns while working in outpatient clinical and food service, but I am very excited to show my interns what being a dietetics intrepreneur looks like.

I’d like to introduce you to Taylor, who is interning with me this August/September. Keep reading to learn more about his background, interests, and being an #RD2Be. Be sure to tune in on Thursday September 6th for his Instagram story takeover!

Meet Taylor

Q: You are a dietetic intern at Winthrop University. Tell us a little bit about this internship and the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian.

 

A: Getting accepted into a dietetic internship is a required process that you have to go through in order to become a Registered Dietitian. You must first complete a bachelor’s degree and receive a verification statement from a school accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. You then have to get accepted into a dietetic internship and complete a minimum of 1200 supervised hours through an accredited program. Once you complete your 1200 supervised hours, you are then eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration national exam to become a Registered Dietitian. Registered Dietitians must gain licensure in their state of practice, and commit to a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years.

Q: Where did you complete your Undergraduate studies?

A: I received my Bachelors of Science and was a double major in nutrition science and dietetics at the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!

 
Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job is to work as a sports dietitian for a major professional sports team.

 
Q: Why did you choose to go into the dietetics field?

A: As a former competitive high school wrestler, I was able to first-hand experience the alleviating properties of nutrition. From struggling with disordered eating, to simply athletic performance, changing my eating habits completely changed my life as an athlete and a person.

I chose dietetics because I want to help people understand that nutrition doesn’t have to be as complex as we might think. I want to help people implement basic lifestyle and nutrition practices that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives to sustain long term success.

 
Q: You live a healthy lifestyle everyday and also love fitness. Tell us about your experience being a group fitness trainer.

A: Being a group fitness trainer has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I have had the opportunity to train a variety of people from ages 5-85. Through this, I have had the privilege to watch and assist people of all ages and fitness levels in overcoming boundaries and achieving goals that they never thought they could. From someone getting their first push up to someone squatting 400 lbs, I love watching people push their limits, motivate each other, and understand that physical activity is for everyone regardless of your size, shape, gender, or age.

 
Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: If I had to pick a favorite dish or food, I would say definitely sushi. If there’s a restaurant that serves sushi, I’ve probably been there.

 
Q: What are you must excited about working as the Blush Nutrition fall intern?

A: I am super pumped about getting to help people make small lifestyle changes that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. Following Brittany’s expertise and methods, she sets up her clients for long-term success, and I am super excited to learn from her and her methods.

 

Welcome Taylor and thank you for all of your hard work this fall to continue to build the Blush Nutrition brand!

Want to know more about a Registered Dietitian vs. a Nutritionist? Read this.