67: Alyssa Smolen MS RDN CDN - COMMUNITY / MEDIA

Alyssa Smolen shares her journey from aspiring artist to becoming a dietitian, blending her passion for nutrition with her love for writing and journalism. She discusses the importance of communication skills in the nutrition field and the impact of mentors on her career. Alyssa also details her diverse roles in community wellness and media dietetics, emphasizing the creative freedom and scientific evidence communication in her day-to-day work. The conversation covers the validation of food choices, the impact of recipes on children, the role of dietitians in corporate wellness, the changing perception of healthy eating, the journey of a media dietitian, and the future of nutrition. Takeaways Passion for Nutrition: Alyssa's journey from an aspiring artist to a dietitian is driven by her personal experience with an eating disorder and the inspiration she found in a dietitian who helped her. Communication and Creativity: The blend of communication skills, creativity, and scientific evidence is essential in Alyssa's diverse roles in community wellness and media dietetics. Mentorship and Impact: The impact of mentors and the importance of saying 'yes' to opportunities have been pivotal in shaping Alyssa's career and approach to her work. Validation of food choices is important Recipes can have a positive impact on children's perception of food The role of dietitians in corporate wellness is crucial The perception of healthy eating is changing Building relationships is key in the media and community wellness roles The future of nutrition may involve a focus on fiber and beans Chapters 00:00 Journey to Dietetics 03:38 Blending Communication and Nutrition 07:09 Balancing Diverse Roles 17:27 Creative Freedom and Scientific Evidence 22:56 Validation of Food Choices 23:33 Impact of Recipes on Children 24:23 Role of Dietitians in Corporate Wellness 27:09 Changing Perception of Healthy Eating 31:34 Journey of a Media Dietitian 39:31 The Future of Nutrition Connect with Alyssa Website: https://www.arugalyssa.com/ Ig: https://www.instagram.com/arugalyssa?... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arugalyssa?_t... LinkedIn: LinkedIn: alyssasmolen Facebook: Arugalyssa Connect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof LinkedIn: LinkedIn: kristen-hicks-roof Check out the Nutrition Connection website https://www.nutritionconnection.us/