Today is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. I could go on and on as to why I love this profession, the people I call colleagues, friends, foodie-loving bombshells, but I thought I’d take a different approach and explain to you why I consider myself an imperfect registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Why? Because I’m human. And it’s not always kale chips and quinoa in this house. And you know what? If you talk to the majority of registered dietitian nutritionists they’ll tell you the same!
Truths from the Imperfect Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
I won a pancake bake-off. The winning ingredient? Bacon. Yep! I put bacon in pancake batter!
I struggle to eat breakfast everyday. I wake up, have a big glass of water, a big mug of coffee, and bam! I’m set for a few hours. I just can’t stomach myself to eat breakfast. I’m working on this one… especially since I want to model the behavior/routine of eating breakfast for Joey and Anthony.
I have bad days with my relationship with food. In fact, there was a time when I can honestly say I had a few bad years with food. I thank God, my family, and my friends for helping me get through those dark days. But I’m not past the days or moments where I eat an extra helping or two of something not so “healthy” and I feel like crap. But I’m now strong enough to know it’s not going to make or break ME. Or the scale. Speaking of scales…
I don’t own one. And every time I go to the doctor I ask them NOT to tell me my weight [except when I was pregnant]. Numbers + Katie do not mix.
I’m about communicating the basics. Seriously. I’m about as basic as MyPlate: fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy, and whole grains. And red wine. And coffee. But have no fear! If you have a special diet question or concern, ask away! Just because I practice the basics of nutrition in my own home doesn’t mean I can’t tailor advice to meet your needs.
Dinner is my biggest meal of the day. I’m sure you’ve heard the recommendation to make breakfast and lunch the most substantial meals of your day. I can’t program my body to be that way. I LOVE dinner. Breakfast? See #2. Lunch? I’m indifferent.
My favorite food to make is pizza. Cheesy, meaty pizza. Need I say more?
As I approach the five-year mark as a registered dietitian nutritionist, I know one thing to be true: I’m living out my passion. And that’s food. I might not be the most green or politically correct registered dietitian nutritionist, but I’m happy. And well-fed.
Want to follow other registered dietitian nutritionists online? My friend Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean put together this AWESOME list of RDN’s you can follow with the click of a button!
I need to see a dietician, i think they could possibly help me with my IC related issues. Are you familiar with IC at all?
Hi Terri. That’s not my specialty area but I could certainly refer you to a friend! Send me a note on my contact page so we can continue the conversation 🙂
Haha the more I read your posts and get to know you, the more I fall in love with you, Katie ;). We all have bad days with food, but what’s more important is that we don’t dwell on it. I, too, when through my share of those”Dark” days, and I’m forever thankful for my loved ones who cared and loved me unconditionally. I’m with you all the way! Hate numbers and that darn scale. And hello, gorgeous pizza! How could you say no to that? Thanks for sharing. P.S can I get that winning pancake recipe? 😉
You are so sweet Min! Your comment made my week. It’s nice to be able to virtually share stories– to bad it can’t be in person! And the pancakes were FLAT! The judges just liked the bacon lol!
Happy RD Day! 🙂
Happy RD day! This was such an entertaining, honest post and I loved seeing all of your photos! Have a great day 🙂
Thanks Sonali!! I’m sure you were overwhelmed on SoMe with all the RD day love lol! It’s intense!
Love, love, love this! Why do we not live closer?!?! I think the fact that you can admit that you are an “imperfect” RD makes you a better one. I share a lot of the same “imperfections”… namely the fact that I’m a pizza lover (my toddler is too) and that I sometimes feel really crappy after eating “bad” foods. Crappy physically and emotionally. Working on that every day though 🙂
Right?! But we are blessed to be able to share a friendship virtually. Which I’m thankful for 🙂 happy RD day!!
I had no idea this was a day.. I need to go give my hubby an extra hug or something! 😉
Lol!! Or better yet bring him a beer!
Happy RD Day! I often remind people that I’m a human being FIRST and then, I’m an RD. Struggles are all the same. I think it’s what makes you an approachable, real professional!
When I entered the field, the theme for National Nutrition Month was “All Foods Can Fit into a Healthy Diet” and the theme never wore off. Thanks for keeping it real!
Love that Shelley! And thanks for keeping it real with me! Always enjoyed sharing a meal with you 🙂
Love your points! Moderation. Life is short and that bite of cake makes me happy sometimes!
It makes me happy all the time lol!
Great post! I think we all struggle with these things. Moderation is key in my book. I do LOVE breakfast though. haha I can’t start my day without it.
You’re a better woman than me Tricia 😉
Hehe happy RD day even though I never heard of it before 😉 but I struggle with breakfast too. I’m just never hungry when I wake up… And the I expect my daughter to eat breakfast lol… Something I wish I was better about since breakfast is super important!
Ditto Courtney!! We expect our kids to but not us lol! Won’t be the first time I’m sure 😉
Ha ha! Love your honesty. This post could have been all about me, and probably most RDs! I think that’s what makes us better at our jobs. Reality 🙂
It makes us human!! 🙂
I love this post, Katie! I am a Peds RD and I am constantly talking to my patients about this very topic! They find it hysterical and a relief to know that I am a coffee fiend and have as much love in my heart for donuts as I do for salads. I am always telling the kids I work with that there is room for all foods in life. Great post, and great blog!
Thank you so much Tracy!!! I’m so appreciative of your comment and love your nutrition vices as well! I hope you continue reading 🙂