Trust Me I'm a (mom)(yogi) RD

Dietitian Confession #4:  Reflections of "Cringe-Worthy" Nutrition Advice     Just about every Dietitian and RD-to-be  has seen and shared this "Dietitian humor" meme - because it is totally relatable to our profession.  Even though I no longer work in retail, I continue to receive NUMEROUS questions on supplements (see previous Confessions #3 blog post) as well as a vast array of concerns around diet messaging in our society.  It's not a surprise a majority of the diet culture my clients share comes from celebrities, self-proclaimed "nutritionists," MD's, other health professionals, or their families....but unfortunately there are even some Registered Dietitians out there who are very diet focused, which I feel can negatively affect client outcomes.    So why and how do professionals (including Dietitians, who have similar education and meet the same credentialing standards) sometimes have conflicting advice?  Well in short, it'

This weekend the Scotts finally got into the holiday spirit! It all started when I caught a glimpse of the photo below on Eli's daycare bulletin board.  If that doesn't get you in the Christmas mood (or at least give you a few giggles), I don't know what will!     On Friday evening, Dee and I decided  to put up our Christmas tree and hang the plethora of ornaments we've collected over the years.  When Dee and I rented our first apartment together in Des Moines, my mom collected EVERY. SINGLE. ONE of my childhood ornaments and showed up at our doorstep with two large tubs full of Barbie, Snoopy and many, MANY other girly decorations.  Needless to say, Dee didn't feel those represented "Us" as much as they represented 1990's version of awkward-Abbie.  So slowly through the years, we've added ones that describe our family a bit better: Iowa State ornaments, Toy Story themed, Eli-created ones, and even  a brand new Minnesota wood cut-out :)

Picture yourself in child's pose at the beginning of a yoga class - as you're breathing, imagine the instructor saying something similar to this: "I would like you to picture someone or something that fills your heart up completely....maybe it's a specific person, or it might even be a passion of yours.  Today I offer you the chance to practice with that person or intention in mind.  Or, maybe your practice today allows you to open your heart to take in some love that you're so deserving of...." This is exactly how I started my Heart Chakra themed class earlier this year.  Our Heart chakra, or Anahata, is located exactly where'd you expect.  While most people associate our heart with Valentine's Day colors red or pink, this area is actually represented by the color green, and is considered the "air chakra" due to its relationship with nature.   With it being the 4th out of 7 total chakras, Anahata is considered the balance point (or

I have always been fascinated with the concept of creativity.   I love going to craft shows and seeing homemade works of art...I enjoy great music and appreciate all styles of dance...I am awe-inspired by poets, writers and filmmakers who capture an audience simply with words or emotions on the big-screen.  I'm also envious of natural talents like my grandmother and mom, who can  sew, quilt, draw, build, sculpt, paint, and create amazing things essentially out of nothing.  Even my grandpa and step-dad have the ability to re-purpose old furniture to look brand new, or build cabinets, desks or chairs.  While I'm at it, one of my cousins even went to school for photography and graphic design, my step-sister is studying fashion/interior design...so where do I fit in?!   In all honesty: I'M JEALOUS.  I've always desired to be that artistic person who can sit for hours and use my mind's inspiration to draw something stunning.  But reality is I CAN'T.  (If

As of late, I feel that the word "kindness" is everywhere.  My friends (myself included) post about 'being kind' on social media in the form of inspirational quotes, it's constantly woven in to debates of all kinds, church sermons preach it....heck, it's even this season's theme on Sesame Street!  My point is - kindness is not something we consider foreign.  We learn the importance of it growing up, and we teach our peers and children to value it.  While being loving, caring and kind all seem simple enough, why does it feel (as a society) we're still falling short?  KINDNESS,  noun:   "the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate."     I recently shared a video on Facebook of Lady Gaga describing kindness.  One of the first things she shares is "The best thing about being kind...is that it's FREE.  And it doesn't hurt others."  WOW.  So much truth.  "The best things in life are free"

 The last time I taught a structured yoga class was back in March.  Some of you may remember I was simultaneously attempting to write a blog series following the 7 chakras, (which would also mirror my classes' themes).  But of course, LIFE. HAPPENS.  Moving to Minnesota and starting a new chapter of life basically halted that idea for a few months...but now I'd like to revisit and finish what I originally started.  I've already summarized the first two Chakras (Root & Sacral) earlier this spring - so following suit in order, our next (& 3rd) chakra in the series is the Solar Plexus.    Manipura, our Solar Plexus Chakra, is located near our belly button, right at the center of our bodies.  It not only symbolizes our strength and power, but also our drives, desires, and self-esteem...the 'fire inside us'!  Just like the sun, this chakra is represented by the color yellow; its element (no surprise) is fire.    "I stand in my own personal power.

Every mom will tell you that the day their lil' one is born, it's the greatest day of their life.  After carrying him or her for 9-long months, you finally get to cuddle and kiss those cute little cheeks.  But if you thought pregnancy was a delight, motherhood is another thing coming. Now I'm only (almost) two years in to this whole "mom-thing," but on many occasions I've been told "You are the most patient mom ever!"  Which has got to mean something, right?  Well yes, it's code word for:  YOUR CHILD IS CRAZY! :) Elijah Arnell, my beautiful tanned babe, is my world.  He makes me laugh and smile everyday, and is never without surprises for mom and dad!  I should have known that my active boy in-utero would be just as wild and crazy post birth....I mean, it only took Eli 7 hours total at the hospital and 30 minutes of 'hard pushing' (thanks epidural!)  before he made is rapid entrance at 12:15 am.  And literally since day 1, he hasn&#

Dietitian Confession #3: 'What-the-what' on Supplements  Dee will probably hate me for admitting this, but he recently dragged me into a GNC store without my consent.  His reasoning?  "I want you to look at a few labels and give me your professional opinion - WITHOUT giving the blanket 'this-is-ridiculous-you-don't-need-that' statement."  Hmm...point taken.  So we go in.  I'm immediately overwhelmed by the outrageous amounts of bottles, tubs, and containers of product.  Now, I don't consider myself that short of a person, but I literally felt like I was in a Costco or Sam's Club-type warehouse that was overcrowded with STUFF.  (Okay, there goes my "judge-y dietitian voice" again...sorry...I digress. I think it's safe to say that even health professionals can be amazed by the amount of advertising and marketing that goes into promoting these products.  Of course there were bottles of multivitamins or nutrien

Even though summer is almost over, this topic is still relevant :)      Contrary to popular belief, summer is NOT measured by the size of your bathing suit.  For me, summer means warmer weather, family vacations, and even sipping delicious cocktails from time-to-time. :)  As an eating disorder dietitian, these pro-body image comments are probably expected from me.  I get it.  But truthfully, I haven't always felt so self-confident.    This (the comment above) is coming from a girl who used to spend hours in front of a mirror each day critiquing every part of her body...the girl who used to exercise compulsively to feel worthwhile...the girl who used to be scared to death to eat anything that wasn't deemed "safe"...   So yeah, I DO get it...   My body has held multiple shapes & sizes throughout the past 27 years.  And inevitably, it will transform even more as I grow older.  That's just reality!  While the 'Health at Every Size'