https://www.livebeyondnutrition.com/the-weekly-bite daily 0.75 2025-04-21 https://www.livebeyondnutrition.com/the-weekly-bite/why-representation-matters-in-public-health-a-practitioners-perspective monthly 0.5 2025-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1745200404035-R94LSDYVLQ5BY8A7TKM6/unsplash-image-bEcC0nyIp2g.jpg The Weekly Bite - Why Representation Matters in Public Health: A Practitioner’s Perspective That’s not just a better profession; that’s a stronger, healthier America for us all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/e2c59df6-bec6-47f4-8abe-2a87bdd0c2dd/FullSizeRender+6.JPG The Weekly Bite - Why Representation Matters in Public Health: A Practitioner’s Perspective - It me. As a second-generation Vietnamese-American, growing up in a middle-class household, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled the value of education. But even with those advantages, pursuing higher education meant taking out loans just to afford college. When I entered the field of dietetics, I was struck by a startling reality: currently, only about 3% of dietitians in the U.S. are male, and even fewer come from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) backgrounds. Socioeconomic barriers are a major reason for this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/77457090-dd5c-4164-9589-214ff3fcfb41/Gemini_Generated_Image_9zsxw39zsxw39zsx.jpeg The Weekly Bite - Why Representation Matters in Public Health: A Practitioner’s Perspective Improving representation in dietetics isn’t just about race or ethnicity; it’s also about understanding the unique challenges faced by rural and lower-socioeconomic communities. A family in a rural area may prioritize hearty, calorie-dense meals to sustain a day of hard labor, while someone in a suburban environment might focus on convenience or trendy health foods. Neither approach is inherently better, but understanding both perspectives is crucial for effective nutrition counseling and public health outreach. Similarly, immigrant families bring unique traditions and staples to their tables that often don’t fit neatly into a “one-size-fits-all” nutrition plan. If dietitians lack the cultural competency to bridge those gaps, we risk providing guidance that feels disconnected, irrelevant, or even dismissive to the people we aim to serve. This disconnect can lead to frustration, mistrust, and ultimately a lack of adherence to nutritional recommendations. It’s not that these families are unwilling to make changes; it’s that the advice needs to be tailored to their realities, balancing cultural traditions, budget constraints, and access to food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/cedd6355-7a83-40af-8426-e9e250f6fc2b/Gemini_Generated_Image_66v8n166v8n166v8.jpeg The Weekly Bite - Why Representation Matters in Public Health: A Practitioner’s Perspective Expanding access to the dietetics field means addressing some of the systemic barriers that discourage talented individuals from pursuing this career path. The current requirement to complete a year-long, unpaid internship poses a significant financial challenge. For many, taking on unpaid work while covering living expenses is simply not feasible. Adding a mandatory master’s degree to the process further exacerbates these barriers, making the path to becoming a dietitian even more inaccessible for individuals from lower-income families. https://www.livebeyondnutrition.com/the-weekly-bite/from-tradition-to-nutrition-the-versatility-of-farmers-cheese monthly 0.5 2025-01-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1736293613700-DYJSE6X6S72QW7BTRQHX/unsplash-image-MBklbePC2C4.jpg The Weekly Bite - Farmer’s Cheese: History, Nutrition, and Easy Homemade Recipe Being one of the oldest and simplest cheeses in the world, its roots have spanned centuries and continents. It originated as a way for farmers to use up surplus milk before it spoiled. Made by curdling milk with an acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, and then separating the curds from the whey. It required minimal ingredients and tools, making it accessible to people across cultures and time. From Eastern Europe, where it’s a key ingredient in pierogi and blintzes, to India, where it evolved into paneer, and even the Middle East, where it’s mixed with herbs and olive oil for spreads, farmer’s cheese has played a role in cuisines worldwide. https://www.livebeyondnutrition.com/the-weekly-bite/maximize-your-health-with-free-preventative-nutrition-services-through-health-insurance monthly 0.5 2025-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/174ebf93-90d0-4e61-bad8-8955b4b1bb11/DGA+Chart.png The Weekly Bite - Maximize Your Health with Free Preventative Nutrition Services Through Health Insurance - If nearly 75% of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and only about 25% are meeting most dietary guidelines, what does that reveal about our collective behavioral patterns? It’s not just the “toxins,” “lectins,” or “carbs” to blame—these are distractions from the real pillars of obesity: poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and systemic barriers to health like food insecurity. The issue is multifaceted and requires addressing the root causes rather than chasing trendy scapegoats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/8b0531df-906a-480b-a426-be9b2e7fcfe6/Aetna-Logo.png The Weekly Bite - Maximize Your Health with Free Preventative Nutrition Services Through Health Insurance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/27a5582d-53fa-42d7-bf6c-b6918bf39d85/Blue-Cross-Blue-Shield-Logo.jpg The Weekly Bite - Maximize Your Health with Free Preventative Nutrition Services Through Health Insurance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/f5b65d25-9598-4a95-817c-5e5bf78188cc/highmark-thumb.png The Weekly Bite - Maximize Your Health with Free Preventative Nutrition Services Through Health Insurance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/c9ae9691-bb8e-449c-9247-94396f8bed01/Medicare-Logo.png The Weekly Bite - Maximize Your Health with Free Preventative Nutrition Services Through Health Insurance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/f3dad273-85f8-496f-9a0a-39919f2f4537/unitedhealthcare-logo-0.png The Weekly Bite - Maximize Your Health with Free Preventative Nutrition Services Through Health Insurance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/de85fe6b-eac6-41c0-b007-7e656d85b80d/IMG_0126+2.jpg The Weekly Bite - Maximize Your Health with Free Preventative Nutrition Services Through Health Insurance - How My Services Tie Into Your Healthcare Benefits As an insurance-contracted provider, I offer personalized nutrition counseling and Medical Nutrition Therapy to policyholders. Here’s why working with me is a great fit for you: Accessible Care: With my telehealth services, you can access nutrition counseling from the comfort of your home—no need to travel or rearrange your schedule. Comprehensive Guidance: From managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease to helping you meet personal goals like weight loss or improved fitness, I provide customized care designed for you. Free Preventative Services: If your insurance plan covers preventative nutrition services (as many do), you may pay nothing out of pocket for your sessions. Ongoing Support: I don’t just hand you a meal plan and send you on your way. Together, we’ll track your progress, adjust strategies, and celebrate wins to keep you on track. https://www.livebeyondnutrition.com/the-weekly-bite/8gxube51y1lc9pbyto4xhtxmx5vacc monthly 0.5 2025-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/508efc21-a8d3-4b03-a7de-d6724c8fdf99/Me+and+Kennedy.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do - Here’s to a year of good food and intentional living! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1735781772534-X5VQDLD69OEUJ4R8T6VA/Image+6.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1735781605245-G4DY254V6WIONHXSSYI6/Image+4.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1735781608715-0B4SK95Z7ZX649G5HPHM/Image+5.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1735781600205-UW2U9POZ21B3C5UDDVNN/Image+2.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1735781635795-SDIQPN0ERS49KMJKJE15/Spam+Musubi+Bao+Bun+Nomz.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/cd68b65a-4b8b-4728-8f6d-c9c521682466/Image+3.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do - This experience reminded me of an important lesson that I’d like to share with y’all: You can enjoy dining out—even at places that don’t scream “healthy eating”—without derailing your goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/7ca306a9-ec29-46d0-9b2b-f7f027e19cdf/Screenshot+2025-01-01+at+8.38.28%E2%80%AFPM.png The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/78e35874-a19f-445c-90d3-9f853f7d3799/Image.jpg The Weekly Bite - New Years Dim Sum Brunch? Don’t Mind If I do - Happy New Year! Today’s post is inspired by a recent experience that ties into both my personal health goals and my professional focus as a dietitian and educating y’all, the public. https://www.livebeyondnutrition.com/the-weekly-bite/glp-1s-and-holistic-weight-loss-podcast-episode monthly 0.5 2024-08-16 https://www.livebeyondnutrition.com/the-weekly-bite/the-appeal-to-nature-fallacy monthly 0.5 2024-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1722350440317-JPEQ136BCDVHEKKETLSF/unsplash-image-XlA2994Txhw.jpg The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/29d7ce32-4f9c-4356-93bd-d2ebf5f511b7/arginine+capsules.png The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Synthetic Ingredients Benefits: Synthetic ingredients are often used in medical treatments and dietary supplements for their precise, controlled effects. For instance, synthetic arginine supplements are effective in managing hypertension, peripheral artery disease, erectile dysfunction, wound healing and in supporting a healthy immune system. Considerations: Safety and effectiveness are important. Synthetic ingredients undergo rigorous testing and regulation to ensure they meet safety standards. The efficacy of synthetic compounds is often well-documented through clinical research. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/6b47e9c2-0966-4f5c-89f5-8b93b5052e26/food+labels.png The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Read Labels Check for key nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Opt for foods with higher nutrient content and lower added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/38073fde-47f1-432a-9801-25058913eb13/sugar+and+NNS.jpg The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Natural Sweeteners vs. Artificial Sweeteners Argument: “Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup are better for you than artificial sweeteners because they are natural.” Fallacy Explanation: While natural sweeteners may contain some beneficial nutrients, they can also be high in sugar and calories. Artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, can help reduce calorie intake and manage blood sugar levels. The health impact of sweeteners depends on how they are used in your diet and their overall effects on your health, not just their natural versus artificial status. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/4486b0ff-ee99-48fc-8d9c-233f6e464703/nutrient+dense.png The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/98a63c5c-e9fc-4e63-bf26-790ad62be1d2/Food+Contrast.png The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/64fd95fe-6a1f-4221-80fc-ab8af6ddf8f4/fresh+and+processed.png The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/ba8c956f-e892-4227-9c9d-60f6fe7b1007/balanced.png The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/948bf96f-ad33-4c85-a227-d321580ea1a7/arginine.png The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Natural Ingredients Benefits: Natural ingredients can offer health benefits and often contain bioactive compounds. For instance, the amino acids in meats, dairy, and legumes contribute to health benefits like wound healing, hormone regulation, and immune support. Considerations: Natural does not always equate to safe or effective. Some natural substances can cause allergic reactions or interact with medications. For example, certain herbs can have potent effects and should be used with caution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66786c13b58a873fc7aec77e/1722359302991-QEU6RAKG9ZZTY1C4SBPH/unsplash-image-SkvTNtOwn9Y.jpg The Weekly Bite - The Appeal to Nature Fallacy. - Whole Foods vs. Processed Foods Argument: “Whole foods are always better for you because they are natural, while processed foods are unhealthy.” Fallacy Explanation: While whole foods like fresh vegetables and fruits are generally nutrient-dense, not all processed foods are unhealthy. Many processed foods are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as breakfast cereals with added iron or calcium. 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