Food Connects Us!
It’s the last day of March and also the close of National Nutrition Month. National Nutrition Month has been happening since 1973, when I was a youngster in Youngstown Ohio, with no clue about my future.
My parents sealed my fate in nutrition, to be honest. My mom was deep in diet culture, trying every diet under the sun to lose weight. My father had Type 2 diabetes and was always limiting his carbs. It was no surprise when I decided to go into the health field. It took me years to unlearn that my worth was not tied to a number on the scale.
This year’s theme of “Food Connects Us” resonates with me. As a dietitian, I believe in the power of sharing a meal, educating people about nutrition, and discovering how cultures are more similar than different. Rice is universal, my friends!
Sadly, food can also divide us. If you follow anyone on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or other social platforms, one influencer will cram the carnivore diet down your throat while another will push plant-based eating.
It’s no wonder consumers are confused about what to eat. I’m not saying all social influencers are wrong, but they may not resonate with your beliefs about food, and that’s OK. Ignore the noise. Trust your instinct and taste buds.
Personally, I want people to be healthy and enjoy food on their terms. No one should dictate that organic food is better for you if you don’t have access to it or can’t afford it. You shouldn’t be told to avoid carbs when your culture has always enjoyed rice, bread, or pasta. And if you’re a vegetarian, why would you start eating meat because a bodybuilder or “thinfluencer” told you to do it? Feeding yourself should be enjoyable and should not be about shame and guilt.
Moving forward, do yourself a flavor!
· Ignore influencers who make you feel bad about your food choices.
· If a diet promises quick results, it’s a fad and is unlikely safe.
· Buy food you can afford and enjoy eating.
· Try a local cooking class to learn a new technique or cuisine
· Make your favorite meal and share it with friends or family.
· Treat “treats” like treats. Enjoy them in moderation.
· Ignore the scale and focus on healthy habits instead.
· Enjoy a meal at a family-owned restaurant and support a small business.
· Give back- donate to the Free Store Food Bank or other food-focused charity. Freestore Foodbank - Cincinnati Donate Nonprofit Charity or La Soupe Cincinnati
· Share your food memories with me @nutrigirl on IG, X, and BlueSky
If you’re interested in insurance-covered nutrition counseling, click here to set up an appointment with me: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/lisa-andrews?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Lisa+Andrews&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Lisa_Andrews