What do dietitians eat?

We've all heard the adage "you are what you eat".  And as a Registered Dietitian, I obviously believe that our diets affects our health- both inside and out.  You can't outrun a bad diet, but you can get away with eating clean most days of the week and "cheating" here and there. At least this is what I believe.  Diet is a 4-letter word!Despite what most people think, dietitians aren't perfect eaters. Just like a personal trainer needs a day off from the gym, most RDs eat their share of what most people would consider "forbidden".  I like to think of my relationship with food being healthy, not particularly the food I consume at every single meal or snack.  I don't count calories.  I buy mostly whole food.  I have a healthy appetite.  Here's an honest look at what a not so perfect dietitian eats:Breakfast: Greek yogurt, frozen berries, chopped nuts or low fat granola, 2 cups coffee with 2% milk.  Weekends- pepper omelet, fruit, 2 cups coffee with 2% milkSnacks: mixed nuts, apple, string cheese, yogurt (morning & afternoon)Lunch: rice & beans, leftover soup or chili, crackers, broccoli or salad, fruitDinner: chicken, pork, beef or beans/lentils, sweet or white potatoes or rice, mixed veggies with light butter or salad with light dressing, 3-4 chocolate covered almonds.  Pizza every Friday (homemade), pasta with meatballs at least once/week.Bedtime snack: 3 cups popcorn or fruit & peanut butter, 1-2 cookies here and there.My point here, is that I enjoy my food and don't feel guilty over a few cookies or chocolate covered almonds.  I admit to a fresh doughnut now and then and am known for my cookie baking skills.  I enjoy wine or beer with friends and believe in moderation, not restriction.I pair my not so perfect diet with fairly consistent exercise of walking 3 miles 4-5 days/week.  I enjoy being outside, not in a gym.  This is my idea of balanced living.  So throw away your notions that all dietitians are vegetarian or that none of us eat dessert or enjoy cheese.  I am a proud omnivore with a healthy relationship with food.  Life is short.  Eat good food.

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