I became a dietitian in 2003. I worked for the first two “ish” years A LOT! I was working various jobs and getting my feet wet. I also realized I didn’t know anything about food. Dietitians learn about nutrition science. It is rigorous. It is challenging. But we take about two foods classes as part of our curriculum. Some programs have changed since then but most require about 2-3 food classes. So when I went in to talk to “low sodium diet” guy, I thought ok I can talk to him about his blood pressure, diet changes, and some meal prep alterations he can make at home, but after a few minutes chatting I literally told him and his wife to use “Mrs. Dash” and provided them with some free packets I had received from the diet office. Seriously! I remember walking out of there like what was that….lame, is what it was.
I was determined to get more skills in that area. I knew the science, I knew what better options for disease prevention were but I did not know how to navigate the kitchen, I was helpless when it came to that.
I had grown up in a very loving family, with family meals and home cooked meals as much as our schedules allowed. I had done some cooking but it was simple. I lived by myself in Chicago(2001-2003) and was on a tight budget since I was getting paid 7.93/hour in 2002, while going to school. So there was frozen meals and reheat and some basic meal prep, but not a lot in my studio apartment. This was what my early 20s were supposed to be! I was livin’the dream.
And so I did…I worked my butt off from 2004-2006. I went to a 6 month program at BU for a certificate in culinary arts. I slept on my friend’s couch and learned the culinary world and had a wonderful experience with 12 diverse individuals from all over, at different stages of their life, wanting to learn to cook and experience the power the food has to offer. (This could have been a reality tv show back in 2006!). I loved it. I even received the “Fire in your belly” award out of all the students from Escoffier…. And now 14 plus years later and many experiences later and after building additional culinary skills, concepts and resources while at JWU – Denver, I am helping others build that same kitchen confidence that I once yearned for.
Whether you are a health professional, a stay at home mom, an empty nester, a widow, a college student, a curious child or family, you can build this kitchen confidence as well. It is a way you can “show up” for your health! It has helped facilitate an even healthier relationship with food which is my wish and hope for others too.
The world and all of our over consumption has spread like wildfire in the past 15 years. Let a nutrition professional and culinary professional guide you through the chaos. You got this!
Email me at bommer26@gmail.com to hear more about how you can build kitchen confidence.