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11 RDs Dish On Personalized Nutrition For National Nutrition Month

Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN
Author:
March 13, 2024
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN
mbg Vice President of Scientific Affairs
By Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN
mbg Vice President of Scientific Affairs

Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN is Vice President of Scientific Affairs at mindbodygreen. She received her bachelor's degree in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania and Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia.

family eating nutritious meal together at dinner table
Image by Ivan Gener / Stocksy
March 13, 2024

In addition to the lovely beginnings of spring, another reason I look forward to March is National Nutrition Month1! All year long, mindbodygreen highlights the importance of a personalized nutrition approach and celebrates dietitians across a range of specialties.

Fun fact: There are over 100,000 registered dietitian members in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics2 alone. Dietitians' niche areas of expertise span diverse jobs in hospitals, schools, community programs, universities, private practice, industry, and beyond. A proud R.D. myself, I found it wonderful to connect with dietitians from around the country to hear what personalized nutrition practically means to them and the clients they serve.

From the specific dietary pattern they follow (or don't) to their favorite meals and must-have "MVP" ingredients, these dietitians were eager to dish.

Check out some of our favorite pieces of advice they shared, and read on for more of their fresh nutrition insights:

1. Streamlining recipes may help people with gut issues.

Featured dietitian:

Carol Ireton-Jones, Ph.D., RDN, CNSC

Specialty: Clinical R.D. for patients with G.I./gut challenges

Read more about healthy eating for gut issues.

stir fry with protein, vegetables, and grain

2. Legumes are an integral part of a cardiocentric diet.

Featured dietitian:

Richard D. Lewis, Ph.D., RDN

Specialty: Academic R.D. (researcher, professor, and author)

Read more about his heart-smart nutrition pattern.

healthy meal with salmon and greens

3. Start teaching kids about healthy eating by cooking together.

Featured dietitian:

Jessica Keene, M.S., R.D., SNS

Specialty: School nutritionist

Read more about healthy, customizable eating habits for kids.

mother and young daughter chop fruits and vegetables in kitchen

4. Front-load the day with substantial, nutrient-dense meals.

Featured dietitian:

Ella Davar, R.D., CDN

Specialty: Integrative R.D. with women's health focus

Read more for nutritious breakfast ideas.

women eating breakfast and reading in kitchen

5. Colorful foods and healthy fats are ideal for workout recovery.

Featured dietitian:

Maria Williams, M.S., R.D., L.D.

Specialty: University sports nutritionist

Read more to learn about eating for fitness performance.

woman working out doing crunches on yoga mat

6. Keep convenient, pre-prepped healthy meals on hand.

Featured dietitian:

Marisa More, MBA, RDN

Specialty: Culinary dietitian and food blogger

Read more about her plant-forward nutrition approach.

Oatmeal Topped With Banana, Chocolate, Shredded Coconut And Blueberries

7. Tahini is a superb healthy, high-fat dressing swap.

Featured dietitian:

Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN

Specialty: Health coach R.D. focusing on energy, mood, and stress response

Read more to discover brilliant healthy salad topping ideas.

Bruschetta with walnuts, berries, and Swiss chard

8. Brussels sprouts are an underrated, benefits-packed veggie.

Featured dietitian:

Trey Sanders, M.S., R.D., CFS

Specialty: R&D food scientist dietitian

Read more about this powerhouse cruciferous vegetable.

healthy meal featuring the cruciferous vegetable Brussels sprouts

9.The right mix of foods at the right time helps optimize fitness.

Featured dietitian:

Major Lori W. Maggioni, M.S., RDN, CSP, L.D.

Specialty: U.S. Army R.D.

Read more for intel on fueling your workouts.

woman doing sprint exercise

10. Mushrooms are a nutrient-packed food your gut loves, too.

Featured dietitian:

Whitney Crouch, RDN, CLT

Specialty: Functional nutritionist focusing on Hashimoto's disease 

Read more for her fresh power bowl recipe ideas.

power bowl with veggies, legumes, and whole grains

11. Culture, heritage, and health affect personal nutrition needs.

Featured dietitian:

Maya Feller, M.S., R.D., CDN  

Specialty: Private practice R.D. specializing in medical nutrition therapy

Read more to learn how she's challenging the "healthy" plate concept.

Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN

Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN is Vice President of Scientific Affairs at mindbodygreen. Ashley received her B.A. in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania (along with a double minor in Nutrition and Music) and Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia. Her research contributions span vitamin D, cardiometabolic health, bone density, and weight management. Ferira is a nutrition scientist and dietitian with experience in nutrition product innovation and development, scientific affairs, education, communications, and SEO writing for global firms, including Nature Made, Metagenics, Three Ships, and mindbodygreen.

In addition to her mindbodygreen contributions, Ferira is published in Health, Metagenics Institute, American Family Physician, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Osteoporosis International. She has a passion for the translation of evidence-based science into innovative and high-quality products and information that help people lead healthier lives. She is a believer in compassionate, informed, and personalized approaches to nutrition, health care, and wellness. Ashley lives in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, where she was born and raised. Whether savoring an orchestral performance or delectable meal at a local restaurant, you will find her enjoying Charleston’s cultural and culinary arts with family and friends.

Read More About Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN

More from the author:

Functional Nutrition Training

Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching

A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts

Learn more

More from the author:

Functional Nutrition Training

Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching

A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts

Learn more
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN
Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN

Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN is Vice President of Scientific Affairs at mindbodygreen. Ashley received her B.A. in Biological Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania (along with a double minor in Nutrition and Music) and Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia. Her research contributions span vitamin D, cardiometabolic health, bone density, and weight management. Ferira is a nutrition scientist and dietitian with experience in nutrition product innovation and development, scientific affairs, education, communications, and SEO writing for global firms, including Nature Made, Metagenics, Three Ships, and mindbodygreen.

In addition to her mindbodygreen contributions, Ferira is published in Health, Metagenics Institute, American Family Physician, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Osteoporosis International. She has a passion for the translation of evidence-based science into innovative and high-quality products and information that help people lead healthier lives. She is a believer in compassionate, informed, and personalized approaches to nutrition, health care, and wellness. Ashley lives in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, where she was born and raised. Whether savoring an orchestral performance or delectable meal at a local restaurant, you will find her enjoying Charleston’s cultural and culinary arts with family and friends.

Read More About Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN

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