What Does a Dietitian Eat? Volume II

Husk Nutrition is an organization of Registered Dietitians who perform personalized corporate nutrition consultations, both on-site and virtually. We chatted with Registered Dietitian in Training Laurel Dix, RD, LD to gain some insight into an actual Dietitian’s diet on a typical day.

Husk:

Thanks for lending us your expertise today, Laurel. Can you tell me what a typical day looks like for you?

Laurel:

Every day is different, but I typically start seeing clients back to back starting at 8:00AM and ending around 4:00PM.

Husk:

How did you choose this line of work?

Laurel:

I have always wanted to choose a line of work where I could help people in some manner. I originally started in nursing, but I pursued nutrition because it combined all of my interests: science, psychology, and most importantly, food!

Husk:

It sounds like you have a pretty busy schedule of hopping around from client to client. When do you fit in your meals?

Laurel:

Because my schedule looks different everyday, so can my eating routine. If I am seeing clients back to back all day, I try to leave at least 30 minutes for a quick lunch, and portable snacks or easy meals to consume (like smoothies) that I can have in between my sessions.

Husk:

Do you follow any particular “diet?”

Laurel:

I try to stick with my individualized calorie and macro needs for the day, and focus on getting a whole grain, lean protein, veggies/fruits at each meal.

Husk:

Walk us through what a typical day’s worth of food looks like for you.

Laurel:

I start my morning with water and cold brew coffee. I will also have a breakfast sandwich that I meal prep (whole grain English muffin, 1 egg, 3 oz homemade turkey patty, 1 slice of low fat cheese). My lunch varies each week but I will meal prep lunches that include a whole grain, lean protein, non-starchy veggies. If I am hungry before my afternoon workout, I will have a banana with peanut butter or a slice of toast with jelly or PB. If I have a few hours in between my workout and meal, I make sure to refuel with 1 glass of Fairlife chocolate milk or non-fat milk. My dinners are very similar to my lunches. If I am craving something sweet at night, I will have either a handful of berries with some dark chocolate or cottage cheese with fruit. My snacks in between my meals include fruit, baby bel cheeses, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, pistachios/nuts, and smoothies!

Husk:

Do you ever splurge on junk foods?

Laurel:

Yes! I am an avid believer of “everything in moderation.”

Husk:

Do you ever splurge on junk foods?

Laurel:

Yes! I am an avid believer of “everything in moderation.”

Husk:

So if you’re craving ice cream or french fries, what will you do?

Laurel:

If I am craving ice cream or french fries, I will allow myself to have that food item by practicing portion control. I will also sometimes make my own french fries by using my air fryer or baking them in the oven!

Husk:

Does your diet ever go off-track, like on the weekends?

Laurel:

I am a huge foodie, so I allow myself “rest days” and enjoy 1-2 meals at restaurants throughout the city.

Husk:

You mentioned that you exercise. How do you fuel your performance?

Laurel:

I exercise anywhere from 5-6 days out of the week. If I am hungry before my workout, I will have a source of carbohydrate that is easily digestible paired with a small amount of protein. If I have a few hours in between my workout and dinner, I will have a glass of low-fat chocolate milk or fat-free milk right after my workout.

Husk:

What are your top 3 tips for someone looking to create a healthier or more stable relationship with food?

Laurel:

1. Find an eating pattern that works with your schedule and lifestyle. 2. Consume everything in moderation. 3. Set yourself up for success by preparing/prepping for your upcoming week.