11 RDs Dish On Personalized Nutrition For National Nutrition Month
In addition to the lovely beginnings of spring, another reason I look forward to March is National Nutrition Month! The theme this year, "Personalize Your Plate," resonated with my personal nutrition philosophy, and I was curious to find out what other dietitians thought.
All month long, mindbodygreen has highlighted the importance of a personalized nutrition approach and celebrated dietitians across a range of specialties.
Fun fact: There are over 100,000 registered dietitian members in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics1 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
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)
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.
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
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
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.
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.
8. Brussels sprouts are an underrated, benefits-packed veggie.
Featured dietitian:
Trey Sanders, M.S., R.D., CFS
Specialty: R&D food scientist dietitian
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.
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
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 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.