Where Have I Been?

First off, my apologies for not being as dedicated to my practice of blogging. Alas, the fall has taken over and my committments have expanded leaving me without a moments of rest to freely blog. Currently, I am taking two graduate classes, seeing clients, and I am an active board member for the Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG (www.NEDPG.org). The past 3 weekends have whisked me away to places like Austin, Texas and a kayak trip down the Colorado river. This weekend I am jet setting again and off to Denver for the American Dietetic Association's (www.Eatright.org) Food & Nutrition Conferene & Expo (aka FNCE). Once I am able to put the conference behind me I should be able to get back my passionate side of food blogging! Until then Eat Well & Be Well!
~Edible Nutrition

Happy Registered Dietitian Day! March 11 is Our Day to Shine!

There are a handful of people I can think of who have shaped my path of choosing to become an RD (Registered Dietitian). First off my high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Macbride sparked my initial interest in the science behind food. Next came my in-laws (although Brandon and I were not married at the time). Judy worked for an RD and Ron told me he thought it would be a perfect fit for me and my personality. Last, was the dietitian who cared for my grandmother as she died of pancreatic cancer--talk about seeing a clinical dietitian at his or her best! Of course my folks and sisters encouraged me, too! Thus began my quest to become an RD.

Since becoming an RD people are always amazed by my passion for the field of dietetics. To me, what's not to love! I have an incredible love affair with food! I am amazed by what it can do for your body, mind, & how it nurtures your soul. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with people! Whether it be to treat a disease, attain weight loss or gain goals, or cooking it up with firefighters! It is fabulous to have my patients achieve success in their goals and have the doctors thrilled when their blood values reach normal standards. I love being a dietitian!

I hope when you are faced with food issues, a disease, food sensitivities, an athletic event, or pregnancy that you consider seeking out the advice of an RD--your nutrition expert!

To find an RD near you visit the American Dietetic Association's website: www.EatRight.org

Happy Registered Dietitian Day!

Where do you get your nutrition advice???

March is National Nutrition Month! Seek out the advice of a nutrition professional for the advice you crave!

After reading a post by fellow dietitian and friend, Robin Plotkin (www.RobinPlotkin.Blogspot.com) about where people seek out nutrition information I was saddened. Majority of people use the internet to get their nutrition advice. I realize the ease behind searching information on the internet, because I use it all the time. The worry I have is whether or not people are searching out the best sources. Here are some quick tips for your next internet search regarding scientific information:
1. Search under Google Scholar
2. Look for websites that end in .org, .edu, .gov
3. Find website that are not trying to sell you a nutrition product
4. Type in dietitian with your search to find an article written by or reviewed by a nutrition expert
5. Lastly, find an RD blog and post the question to an expert
Thankfully, I have noticed more of my friends and family seeking me out with nutrition questions since beginning this blog. I am here for you, and would love suggestions on future blog topics. My hope is that before you click that mouse and begin your next search about nutrition you seek me out first!
Happy National Nutrition Month! Check out the American Dietetic Association at www.EatRight.Org

Chicago and Back: Food & Nutrition Expo (FNCE) Lessons Learned

San Diego—cool crisp mornings and warm, arid days with a subtle ocean breeze
Chicago—Windy (yes, it is called the Windy City for a reason), wet, and snow flurries
After living on the East Coast I had a general idea of outerwear to pack: gloves, hat, warm coat, but what I failed to think about was sensible shoes. My favorite red and black heals were not the ideal footwear favorites for the weekend. Although my toes were not chilled to the bone I did feel every step as the girls and I headed down Michigan Avenue in search of some dinner treats.

Emma Fogt & Wendy Jo

Knowing that my aim was to represent the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group with professional flare I again selected my favorite black and red heals to stand around and greet fellow ADA (American Dietetic Association) members at our booth. BIG MISTAKE! I loved the fun compliments for about 2 hours, and then I had to trek a ½ mile around the McCormick Convention center, due to poor directions, to attend a meeting. After that my “dogs were barking,” as some of my favorite NEDPG Executive Board Girls (EBG) echoed my feelings. The backpacker in me would not allow me to over pack my luggage; thus, I limited my shoe selections to 3 pairs—the hot and sassy red pumps, the stylish and classic blacks, and my tread-worthy running shoes! Many of my fellow EBG’s laughed as they reflected back on to their years when they once wore the stylish versus sensible shoes. Lesson learned!

Food and Chicago mesh fabulously well together! Unfortunately, I planned poorly and failed to realize the culinary glories of Chicago until my last night. I did however, save the best for last! As a couple of us ventured out after our last session to feast before famine we decided to hit up a Chophouse for steaks. Much to our dismay our cabbie pulled up to an empty and dark building—obviously closed on Sundays! As we sat and discussed, with our meters still running, our cabbie finally offered up a couple of suggestions that were just around the corner from our barren location. With a couple of questionable looks we decided to take nibble on his lead. Our next stop—Avec—a gastro-delight with a wine list to match. This place had style, although narrow, the wooded walls and exposed-beamed ceilings added warmth and clean lines to the establishment. The back wall was lit up with…look once—lights, look twice…wine bottles laid down on the side with their bottoms facing the crowd. It projected a jade-effect for the eyes. As we waited for a much sought out table Paul or wine guy brought us a wine with a few words of suggestions: not dry, not sweet, and with a favorable (meaning low end) price. This was my first clue that Avec had panache! Paul surpassed all of our expectations with a smile to boot! After about 30 minutes, all the while enjoying conversation, aromas, and the occasional cool air coming from the front door, we were seated. Our table was reminiscent of a picnic table with heavy, wooden chairs. Our waitress, Sontra, bestowed upon us seasonal menus that had fresh, warm ingredients reflective of the fall season. Plates at Avec are served family-style with a hint suggestive of tapas. With her suggestions we started our night with a cheese platter (crusty bread, grapes and parsley salad, and 3 goat cheeses), creamy, stuffed foccacia bread, and a roasted beet & fennel salad. Are you salivating yet? Next, she brought us an excellent bottle of red to match our tastes again. We sipped and laughed as we enjoyed our rustic dishes of sausage-stuffed dates, roast beef over butternut squash puree, and pheasant sausage with lentils. Beyond the flavor explosion that occurred on our tongues our hearts were warmed by the hospitality bestowed on us from the time we entered the front door until they hailed a cab for us, and wished me well by first name. Who are these people in the middle of downtown Chicago? Native Chicagoans! I had to ask.

Let’s reflect a bit for next year…
Pack the right shoes for walking the town at night
Find sensible shoes that have style so my poor feet don’t hate me for weeks after
Plan the culinary tour in advance