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August 20, 2016

A Dietitian Goes on a Blind Date.

Thomas Schweighofer/Unsplash

Date: “So what do you do for a living?”

Me: “I’m a registered dietitian.”

Date: “Oh…gosh…please don’t judge me for what I’m about to eat.”

Me: *eye roll* “Excuse me, bartender, I’ll take a gin and tonic, please.”

There seems to be this preconceived notion that dietitians live in a world of perfectly balanced meals made with only the freshest, most organic fruits and veggies, grass-fed meats and wild-caught seafood.

Hey, if somebody wants to pick up my grocery bill, then okay, sure, I’d love to live that life of luxury—but let’s bring it on back to reality, friends.

Dietitians eat what you eat. Dietitians drink what you drink.

I’m a foodie through and through (as are many of my colleagues). Speaking on behalf of myself and many of my Registered Dietitian (RD) friends: We love melted cheese atop fresh, warm pizza dough. We love greasy french fries. We love ice cream. We love happy hour drink specials!

And we’re still darn good dietitians.

Date: “So, how do you do it? What’s the secret?”

Me: “What do you mean?”

Date: “Ya know, the secret to being healthy. I just don’t have time for exercise and stuff.”

Me: *eye roll* “Bartender, I’ll take a vodka on the rocks please.”

The stereotypical saying is true: “Moderation is key.” Heck yes—moderation is key—but guess what? There’s more to it than that.

It’s rejecting the word “diet.”

It’s dismissing anyone who tries to sell you on that “magic weight loss pill.”

It’s laughing at those advertisements you hear on the radio that promote a rigorous and radical two-week weight loss plan wherein you only drink your meals.

It’s about putting all excuses aside and making health a priority.

Wanna know another secret? Healthy habits.

Healthy habits form where exercise becomes part of your daily routine, not because it’s required, but because it’s good for the mind, body and spirit.

Healthy habits form where food is used as fuel. Fuel for those long runs or heavy deadlifts. Fuel for that hour-long yoga class or that long bike ride through rough terrain.

Healthy habits form where colorful fruits and vegetables fill your fridge, not because of a certain “diet,” but because you are committed to providing the best care for your body, your temple.

Bottom line: Dietitians eat. Dietitians drink. We aren’t here to judge you.

The three most basic tips for healthy living:

>> Eat well. Seek guidance if you don’t know where to start.

>> Exercise often. Walk, jog, bike, dance—start livin’!

>> Most importantly, love yourself. Because honestly honey, “there is no one alive who is you-er than you.”

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Author: Tori Eaton

Image: Thomas Schweighofer/Unsplash; Pexels

Editor: Toby Israel

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Tori Eaton