Wellness and nutrition have been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad prioritized movement and healthful eating in our daily lives. Home-cooked dinners centered on fish and vegetables were a staple; fast food was a rare ‘splurge.’ We rode our bikes everywhere possible, danced around the house, and often continued dinner table conversation on evening walks through our neighborhood. He emphasized the importance of sleep, open dialogue, and daily inspiration through reading.
We didn’t call it ‘self-care’ at the time, but my dad’s dedication to these practices deeply influenced my approach to health and wellness – as well as the path of my career.
I have worked as a registered dietitian and nutrition journalist for more than two decades, and I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to support the wellness journeys of so many others. Having served as The Times-Picayune’s weekly wellness columnist from 2006 until 2019, I am thrilled to report that I will be back in these pages every Sunday to share with you this new wellness column.
Introducing Eat Fit|Live Fit
I want this to be your column, a trusted place to come for reliable, relatable wellness content and guidance. My goal is to translate nutrition science into approachable information that you can immediately apply to your daily life. The idea is for this space to be as interactive as possible. Please reach out to ask questions and share your thoughts. What’s important to you? What do you want to hear more about? On what topics do you feel you need more clarity?
This column will cover a wide range of topics. Some will be product-based, such as the latest on protein powders or plant-based milks. Others will go deeper, exploring what drives us, why we crave, or why we occasionally struggle despite our best efforts.
The expertise I’ll share on this page stems from a variety of sources. The majority is rooted in my work as a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist, exploring and sharing the latest evidence-based wellness research over the past 25 years. I have also worked with thousands of clients through Ochsner Health’s Lifestyle Nutrition department, an experience that has given me valuable insight into what guides us, what motivates us, and what pulls us off track.
One of the best things about my job is that I never stop learning. When covering a new topic or a subject I want to learn more about, I’ll call on colleagues and other experts and researchers. I am fortunate to have access to an array of specialists generously sharing their time and expertise to help translate complex issues into informative content that’s easy to digest.
A bit about me
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, I grew up mostly with my dad as a single parent, starting when I was three years old until I turned 15, when he married my stepmom Pat, an amazing role model who shares my dad’s commitment to wellness.
When I learned that nutrition was a curriculum available at LSU, I was thrilled to major in a field I was already passionate about and graduated with two bachelor of science degrees: one in nutrition and dietetics and one in food science and technology.
My first job out of my dietetic internship was at Ochsner Fitness Center (then Elmwood Fitness Center), where I created our Lifestyle Nutrition program for those seeking nutritional guidance to support their wellness goals. It’s hard to believe that I celebrated 25 years with Ochsner this summer. I am so grateful to have such strong support for our wellness programming, including our Lifestyle Nutrition program and our Eat Fit nonprofit initiative. (Stay tuned for more on both of those next week).
Since 2009, I have served as the nutrition expert for WGNO-TV with a weekly segment, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition, for the past 15 years. I have also hosted a bi-weekly podcast by the same name since 2019.
When I’m not working in the nutrition and wellness space, I’m usually with Brad, my husband and best friend – working in the pottery studio and spending time outdoors as much as possible.
I am honored to be here with you, serving up a weekly dose of wellness inspiration and education. I’m excited to learn and grow together as we strive to truly thrive and to live our strongest, fullest lives.
Looking forward to seeing you here again next week…we have a lot to talk about!
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