Can you start out by telling us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, attended college at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and just recently got married and moved to Los Angeles after 10 years in Minneapolis! I started my blog, A Nutritionist Eats over three years ago as a way to share nutrition tips, recipes, and foods I love with others. Blogging is a wild ride – some days I wonder why I do it, and then there are times when it totally pays off.
When did you become a nutritionist and where did your interest in health and nutrition come from?
My family was very health-oriented. We were active and ate mostly wholesome foods, so I’ve always been surrounded by health and good nutrition. When I was in college, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do but after I spend a summer at a weight management camp in New York, I decided on Nutrition. I then took a ton of science classes and graduated with a B.S. in Nutrition.
Can you tell us more about what you do for a living, working for a non-profit anti-hunger organization? What is it all about?
I am the Communications Manager at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, which is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. We award grants and do lots of education and advocacy work around hunger in America. I love my job!
What are some healthy staples you keep in your fridge or pantry on a regular basis?
Having a stocked fridge, freezer, and pantry makes healthy eating so much easier and I always try to have foods that are ready to eat or can be prepared quickly for rushed nights. Some of my favorites are: frozen vegetables, turkey and veggie burgers, washed greens/lettuce, eggs, tuna, oats, and my favorite, French Meadow Sprouted Tortillas!
- Plan your meals and prep as much as you can for the week.
- Have some rotating, standard meals (fish night, vegetarian night).
- Have healthy staples that are easy and ready to eat.
- Think about the plate: ½ of it should be filled with vegetables, ¼ protein, and ¼ complex carbohydrates (whole grains, sweet potatoes).
What are some healthy nutrients and vitamins that people are often lacking in their diets and what are some solutions to adding them?
Most people are lacking fresh produce, so I always recommend adding in greens (i.e. kale, bok choy) and colorful fruits and vegetables. I like to have vegetables at every meal – even breakfast!
What kinds of resources should people seek out when faced with nutrition issues such as food allergies and intolerances, vitamin deficiencies, etc?
Definitely find a Dietitian/Nutritionist that you can relate with and if you have a food allergy/intolerance, groups like GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group), NFCA (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) is a great way to learn more about your intolerance and also try new foods!
For more from Emily, visit her blog, http://anutritionisteats.com/, and follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @nutritionisteat
