A majority of professors and peers in the nutrition and science department of Dominican University helped me become a trailblazer for the future students with disabilities who want to pursue a career in dietetics. It is unfortunate that some peers and professors were less supportive, mistaking my speech difference for intellectual disability.

Despite my hard work and determination, I did not achieve my goal of becoming an RDN because I did not match to an internship even though I went through two match processes. I attempted to become a nutrition and dietetic technician, registered, taking the exam four times but scoring 27 each time. Though I did not become an RDN or NDTR, I still believe I can be effective and impactful by teaching peers with and without disabilities how to live a healthy life based on science through writing and speaking on topics of basic nutrition and environmental issues.

There are specific nutrition concerns for people with disabilities. One issue includes trying to eat healthy on a limited food budget because some people with disabilities are on government assistance. Another challenge in working with young people with disabilities are picky eaters because they cannot consume certain textures. Others deal with chronic constipation. Dietitians may consider combining a high fiber diet along with a healthy use of laxatives as part of their bowel program.

Weight also is more difficult to manage because not every person with a physical disability needs more calories or as many as a non-disabled person. Dietitians may make the mistake that every person with a disability is going through a healing process, so they may make diet plans with higher calories. Most people with disabilities require fewer calories because they may be wheelchair users or other folks may require the assistance of other mobility devices and may be less active than many non-disabled individuals.

I think RDNs would benefit from partnering with occupational therapists to learn how to better support folks with physical or intellectual disabilities in learning adaptive healthy cooking. I urge dietitians to volunteer with adaptive sports organizations to learn how to support clients with a disability in becoming more physically active.

If diversity and disability etiquette was widely taught for allied health professionals, I believe it would improve the standard of care for millions of individuals and would show clients that their providers, including RDNs have taken the time to personalize their care.

The team behind Food & Nutrition Magazine® aims to amplify the voices of people of color and other underrepresented individuals in nutrition and dietetics and highlight the experiences of RDNs, NDTRs, dietetic interns and nutrition and dietetics students. Our goal is not only to stand in solidarity, but also help inform our readers and increase awareness about the importance of diversity in the field of nutrition and dietetics. We know it’s not enough, but we hope it’s a step in the right direction that will support meaningful conversations and a positive change in the profession. 

February is Heart Health Month.  Why should we be concerned about heart health for all Americans?

Keeping reading for RDN-recommended diet and lifestyle changes that can keep your heart in the shape that you want.

Healthy Diets 

I consulted with a number of dietitians for recommendations on eating a heart-healthy diet. Their advice?

Aileen Birkitt, RD, owner of Nutrition 4 You, LLC

Birkitt recommends eating fish two times a week to increase healthy fats for heart health, and adds that ground flaxseed, ground chia seeds and walnuts also provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. She also recommends eating three balanced meals and one or two snacks per day while paying attention to hunger and fullness signals.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Angel Planells, MS, RDN, CD

Planells stresses, “Failure to plan is planning to fail. For a greater chance of success when making changes to your daily regimen, it is best to plan meals, snacks and physical activity throughout the day.” He adds that it should be a goal to limit dining out to those days when you are celebrating special occasions.

Sarah Krieger, MPH, RDN, LDN, child and adolescent weight management expert

Krieger advises that people not cook or make a meal plan if they are hungry, noting that hunger may cause people to snack mindlessly.

Mandy Enright, MS, RDN, RYT, and creator of couples nutrition blog Nutrition Nuptials

Enright recommends the trifecta of fiber, protein and movement for weight management. High-fiber sources are fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, legumes and seeds. Lean protein sources include fish, poultry, low-fat cheese, low- or non-fat dairy, nuts and seeds. 

Stress Management 

Stress management is another important part of a healthy lifestyle for many Americans. Some ways to keep stress in check:

• Krieger recommends quiet music or meditation during the daily commute to reduce stress.
• Planells advises that people only focus on what they can control in their lives while practicing self-care in the form of yoga, meditation, stretching or taking a walk.
• Because meal planning can be a significant source of stress for most families, Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, sports dietitian and nutrition blogger at Eat Real Live Well, counsels that they not prepare a different recipe each night, but instead spend a Sunday afternoon to cook vegetables, lean protein and whole grains that can be reheated throughout the week to build balanced meals.
• Birkitt adds that it can be helpful to begin each week drawing up and shopping for a list of needed items. Stock up on certain pantry staples, she adds, so they’ll be on hand for popular dinners.

Planning for and being more mindful of a healthy lifestyle and diet can allow people to have more quality fun in their lives, and all of those things combined can translate into a healthier heart. 

Of course, hunger is a problem all over the world, too. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, 66 million primary school-aged children attend classes hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in Africa alone.

Hunger exists in every community. Here are nine organizations working to fight for everyone’s right to nutrition.

Global Hunger Organizations

United Nations World Food Programme
This international group coordinates efforts between governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations and individuals to improve worldwide food security. The WFP has 20 ships, 70 aircraft and 5,000 trucks to deliver food where it is needed most.

Zero Hunger
Another UN-affiliated group, Zero Hunger is an initiative of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Zero Hunger initiative focuses on solving hunger by encouraging people to work together to ensure access to nutritious food for the most vulnerable and increase agricultural production through sustainable and resilient food systems.

World Hunger Relief, Inc.
This Christian hunger organization works with communities to develop sustainable farming techniques. Their goal is to motivate individuals and communities to live sustainable lives — including education about crop sustainability and bringing vegetables to communities in food deserts.

Lutheran World Relief
With a presence in more than 36 countries, Lutheran World Relief’s focus is improving agriculture in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This includes improving access to clean water, an important component of the solution to food insecurity issues around the world. Lutheran World Relief works to bring potable water to communities and build low-cost, easily maintained irrigation that provides water for crops and livestock.

Stop Hunger Now
Driven by the vision of a world without hunger, Stop Hunger Now works on food distribution and education programs. They encourage children to attend school and focus on addressing gender inequalities, stimulating economic growth and fighting child labor. One of Stop Hunger Now’s signatures is meal-packaging events that serve as a hands-on opportunity to educate volunteers and inspire them to get more involved.

Local Hunger Organizations

Loaves & Fishes
Serving DuPage County in Northern Illinois, the nonprofit Loaves and Fishes provides emergency food for families struggling with food insecurity and support and education about services — such as how to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits.

Greater Chicago Food Depository
With the assistance of 650 partner agencies and programs, the Greater Chicago Food Depository distributes food throughout Chicago and nearby communities. One unique program they operate is Chicago’s Community Kitchens, a 14-week program for unemployed adults seeking careers in foodservice.

Engaging with Policy

MAZON
This organization seeks to rally the American Jewish community to the fight against hunger in both the United States and Israel. MAZON encourages supporters and partner synagogues to engage in advocacy to influence opinions and actions of politicians.

Bread for the World
This group encourages Christians to communicate with legislators to address hunger. Since 1975, Bread for the World’s annual letter-writing campaign, the Offering of Letters, has advocated for everyone’s right to food.

Before there was National Nutrition Month, there was National Nutrition Week. Launched in 1973 with a proclamation, public service announcements and bumper stickers, the inaugural campaign’s theme was “Invest in Yourself — Buy Nutrition.” National Nutrition Week was started to promote and deliver nutrition education messages to the public. Due to its growing popularity, National Nutrition Week was extended to a whole month in 1980. Today, we use social media to promote National Nutrition Month’s message and theme. This year’s theme is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right” and the official hashtag is #NationalNutritionMonth.

Celebrate National Nutrition Month in Your Community

The best place to start is to build relationships with your community members. It may seem easier for those who already work in schools to make an impact on our youngest citizens, but there are plenty of other opportunities. Are you an entrepreneur in a business with a team of fellow dietitians? Use your strong professional relationships to share positive nutrition messages!

Here are six ideas for spreading the #NationalNutritionMonth love!

• Volunteer to host grocery store tours to educate community members on how to read food labels.
• Arrange a series of classes at a local YMCA, library or community center.
• Promote healthy messages to students using educational games. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Nancy Farrell, MS, RDN, “Nutrition education is the first step against the disease of obesity. Since proper nutrition affects us all, knowledge is power and in turn drives us to make changes that lead to positive outcomes for ourselves and our loved ones. Nutrition education for the whole family is a win-win for us all.”
• Advocate for your local schools to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to low-income students. “Providing three meals at school helps us make sure kids get meals packed with important nutrients,” says Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Wesley Delbridge, RD. “We have also provided backpacks for the weekend that include non-perishable items so that kids can help make healthy meals for their family.”
• Host a nutrition education booth at a local fun run or charity walk.
• Use your creativity! “National Nutrition Month is a great way to begin talking about the benefits of eating healthy and living a positive lifestyle,” says Sarah Hendren, RD.”

However you do it, National Nutrition Month is a great chance to spread your message about healthy living to your community!

If you still use tobacco, quitting is one of the best New Year’s resolutions you could make. But, according to the American Cancer Society, only about 4 to 7 percent of people are able to quit smoking on any given attempt without medication or other help, such as the support of family and friends, assistance from a doctor or health-care professional, or individual or group counseling.

One fear many smokers have is that quitting will automatically lead to weight gain, as the smoker replaces one habit (tobacco) for another (snacks and desserts). Victoria Shanta Retelny, RDN, LDN, blogger and owner of the Lifestyle Nutritionist, says that fear does not have to become a reality. “The benefits of quitting smoking outweigh the risks of gaining weight,” she says. “Replace smoking with drinking more water for the benefits of hydration. Plan balanced meals to replace empty calories. And, eat every three to four hours.”

Weight gain can be a struggle for those quitting smoking because of the smokers’ habit of frequently having something in their mouths. Instead of reaching for a cookie or chips, Brooke Schantz, MS, RDN, CCSD, LDN, owner of Bitchin’ Nutrition, suggests something healthier. “Raw vegetables such as baby carrots, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes or bell peppers are great tools any smoker can use to break the hand-to-mouth habit, while preventing weight gain from non-essential calories,” she says.

Besides crunchy raw vegetables, Jacqueline King, MS, RDN, CDE, FADA, author of Too Busy to Diet, suggests keeping plenty of healthy snacks and light meals at hand, such as fruit, popcorn, hot soup made with vegetables, cheese and whole-grain crackers, tea and a few lower-sugar or lower-calorie cookies.

If you’ve decided to quit smoking in 2016, congratulations on your healthy choice! Now, consider getting help from a health professional who understands that the nicotine addiction is hard to break while maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Recognizing what kitchen independence can do for those with physical disabilities, Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago provide training on accessible cooking and nutrition education, teaching several key points about kitchen accessibility. For example, spices and kitchen equipment need to be stored at a level that can be reached from a wheelchair or other mobility device. And, those in wheelchairs are reminded to not use their laps as work surfaces — instead, make sure tables at a lower level are available in the kitchen for all prep work.

Kitchen independence is not only about having easy access to adaptive tools and work surfaces. It’s also about nutrition and meal planning. “Individuals know what they like to eat,” says Jane Becker, a registered dietitian at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, Fla. “The challenge is to identify the motivation that will encourage patients to want to learn how to be involved in their own meal preparation.”

Meal planning is an important part of independence for people with disabilities,  says Kim Muir, an occupational therapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. “They often have a more difficult time getting to the grocery store and it takes more time for them to prepare meals,” she says. “By planning ahead, they can avoid taking multiple trips to the store and are less likely to go out to eat or order take-out.”

It is important for people with disabilities to safely push their limits and attempt to learn independence skills. Learning to cook may help them build a skill set towards living independently.