07/02/2024
✨This June was my 5-year anniversary of becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist!🥳
Reflecting on my journey so far as an RDN, here are 5 things I’ve learned:
1️⃣ Most of us already have all the information we need to make healthy changes in our lives. We have information thrown at us constantly throughout our day from the media, from our friends and family, and from other sources. Yet we often struggle to make changes, even when we want to. Knowing what to do is not enough. What’s the deal? The right motivation, guidance, and support from a trusted person is often necessary for us to turn that information into action.
2️⃣ It’s not about the food. I see this everywhere. Food-related issues, like stress and anxiety around eating certain types of foods, often stem from underlying mental health struggles rather than from the food itself. We see the stress and anxiety, but that may be just a symptom of something else. The underlying issues must be acknowledged and addressed before the food issues can fully be resolved.
3️⃣ Physical health still reigns supreme, but it’s not. Mental health is just as vital as physical health, sometimes I think even more. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing every aspect of our lives. Basically, mental health makes up who we are as a person more than physical health. It must be taken care of.
4️⃣ Food is more than the sum of its parts. Food has physical nutritions that nourish our body, yes. But food is such a huge part of our lives and thus is so much more. Food connects us to others, changes our emotions, reminds us of our childhood, and so much more. It’s ok to enjoy the positive things that come along with the physical nourishment of food.
5️⃣ Your body knows best. The human body is hands-down incredible—smart, resilient, and interconnected. It deserves to be listened to over any other voice—friend, family, or media. It is the house in which you experience life. Take care of it with compassion and care.❤️
I am so grateful for the opportunity to support others on their wellness journey, and to continue learning and growing myself. Being a non-diet dietitian rocks!🌵🌸
