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.TakeawaysPassion 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 importantRecipes can have a positive impact on children's perception of foodThe role of dietitians in corporate wellness is crucialThe perception of healthy eating is changingBuilding relationships is key in the media and community wellness rolesThe future of nutrition may involve a focus on fiber and beansChapters00:00 Journey to Dietetics03:38 Blending Communication and Nutrition07:09 Balancing Diverse Roles17:27 Creative Freedom and Scientific Evidence22:56 Validation of Food Choices23:33 Impact of Recipes on Children24:23 Role of Dietitians in Corporate Wellness27:09 Changing Perception of Healthy Eating31:34 Journey of a Media Dietitian39:31 The Future of NutritionConnect with AlyssaWebsite: https://www.arugalyssa.com/Ig: https://www.instagram.com/arugalyssa?igsh=aWdpcjIxYnpmcmdk&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arugalyssa?_t=8lC6fE8Ykpf&_r=1 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/alyssasmolenFacebook: ArugalyssaConnect with the host, Dr. Kristen Hicks-RoofLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-hicks-roof/ Check out the Nutrition Connection websitehttps://www.nutritionconnection.us/