The Body by Vi (Visalus) Bandwagon

In the past few months in my small town it seems as though so many people have jumped on the Body by Vi bandwagon. Local chiropractors are having parties promoting this and advertising for it on the radio. Some friends are even selling them and spreading the great news of how awesome these shakes can taste. Where do these phases and trends come from? Just a few months ago people were having the wrap parties which are basically the same as taking a hemorrhoid cream and saran wrap and wrapping yourself to “lose inches.” As a dietitian, I know that people fall into the lose weight quick schemes all of the time. However, supplements and shakes are not the answer. I decided after hearing so much about this and almost having to get ugly with someone who kept pushing me to buy this ridiculous product to research it and here is what I found:

The Body by Vi meal plan provides a person with around 1200-1400 calories per day. Of these calories, 18% is fat content, 44% is carbohydrate content, and about 38% is fat content (CRAZY!). The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has evidence-based research that shows that a person only needs 45-65% of their daily calories from carbohydrates, 20% of their daily calories from protein, and 20-30% of their daily calories from fat and less than 7% of those fat calories should come from saturated fat sources.

Why are people losing weight on this diet? The calories are so low that of course people are losing weight on this diet.  If you normally eat around 2,000 calories per day and you cut out 500 calories per day for one week, you will lose one pound because 3,500 calories equals one pound of weight. Therefore, if you were consuming a 500 calorie breakfast and a 500 calorie lunch and replaced these two meals with a Body by Vi shake that is around 200 calories or so, of course you will lose weight because you are creating a 600 calorie deficit daily. However, why drink a shake instead of obtaining your nutrients from food that has added benefits such as being natural?

Oh that’s right – Visalus advertises itself as being “all natural.” Well, the Vi-Pak states that it’s “all natural.” After looking at the ingredients it says that it contains kosher gelatin. I am not sure how you make cow hooves which are where gelatin comes from Kosher but good luck at figuring that one out. Another problem that I found is that the capsules Visalus sells are made from glycerin which inhibits absorption of nutrients. Therefore, Visalus is using a cheap product to sell for a big profit that actually inhibits your ability to get all of the nutrients it claims to provide.

What else is in the Visalus products? Soybean oil, Titanium Dioxide, trans fat in the form of Magnesium Sterate, talc residue, Maltodextrin, Aminogen, and soy-based protein. These are just a few of the ingredients that I found surprising to be in a weight loss/health product.

What is the problem with these ingredients?

Well soy-based proteins are fine; however, if you are a woman, you should know that soy-based protein is very estrogenic. What does that mean? Well if you have breast cancer in your family, I would steer clear of a majority of very estrogenic food items or supplements. 

What about aminogen? Aminogen is a patented protease which is an enzyme. This enzyme breaks down protein which is most likely added to the Visalus mixes to help you break down all of the random excessive protein that is in their shake mix.  

Magnesium Sterate used in the Visalus products is a trans fat. Yes, the dreaded trans fat that increases your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Why would Visalus use trans fats in their products when it is not even recommended for a person to have in their diet at all? To make the shelf life of their product last longer. Not only do trans fats make the shelf life of a product longer, but they also inhibit the absorption of many nutrients in the body, sometimes up to 80%. It is also very cheap for them to add this however it makes the quality of any product go down. We should be working trans fats out of our diet and the realm of supplements and diet products, not adding it in.

Since talc residue is used when pills are made in machines, if you take Visalus pills, you are probably getting some talc residue in your diet as well. Talc residue is known as a carcinogen which is a cancer causing agent.  

Soybean oil sounds so good right? It has to be a healthy fat is what most people would think when seeing it on the ingredients of a health product. Well, soybean oil is genetically engineered which causes problems. Genetically engineered products can inhibit the absorption of minerals, especially iron which the body uses for multiple purposes but mainly it is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and transporting oxygen throughout the body. Also, soybean oil is loaded with something known as goitrogens. Goitrogens slow down the thyroid gland. Anytime you eat or consume a soy product, if you are on thyroid medication, it interferes with how the drug works which is a problem.

Titanium Dioxide cannot be natural in any way. If you look it up, it is white paint. Look on most paint cans or containers and you will see this listed at the top of the ingredient list. Why is this added at all? I have no idea.

Maltodextrin is a sugar and really, it’s very similar to regular sugar (Sucrose). Your body absorbs sucrose and maltodextrin the same. However, Visalus claims that this Maltodextrin in their product is “digestion resistant” which seems a little farfetched. If it is truly altered, it could cause severe problems for people with stomach problems because poorly digestible sugars can definitely increase the risk of an upset stomach.

Another problem that I have with Visalus is that since the calorie intake is so low, they recommend that you purchase “Clear Control.” This is an appetite suppressant that will make you feel less hungry. However, I have yet to figure out what is wrong with feeling hungry. Hunger is a natural feeling that should not be suppressed because you are starving yourself using Visalus products instead of eating food that can give you a long lasting fullness effect. The fact that they want you to purchase an appetite suppressant is a red flag in itself. What kind of marketing is this company using?

What about risks with these products? There definitely is a risk when using any weight loss product. Particularly ones that promise you fast weight loss. Here is the problem with the Body by Vi shakes. When you eat less and consume less calories like you do when you drink these shakes, you definitely lose weight. However, if you are not consuming enough calories (1,200-1,400 calories is not enough to meet everyone’s needs) your metabolism will slow down and when you start eating more again, you will rapidly regain weight. Your metabolism will not speed up along with your appetite and intake so it will remain low while you gain weight and it takes time to build it back up.

Another thing is the cost of Visalus products. $56 per bag of vanilla shake mix is ridiculous. I can get the same nutrients through a multivitamin with minerals and not have all of the added extras that are not needed. This can add up to cost over $1,000 per year spent on a mix that can be easily replaced with a multivitamin that costs around $10 for 60+ pills. Plus, these shakes taste just as good without the expensive mix added to them. Google it, you can find tons of great nutritional shake recipes that do not require any mix whatsoever. You can take yogurt, add some fresh fruit, fruit juice, canned fruit, chocolate syrup, ice or whatever you want to it and still have a great shake that is low in calories and cost-efficient.

Another problem is the comparisons Body by Vi uses. They compare their powder mix alone (without the stuff you add to it in a blender) to products that are already mixed with milk or whatever else is used. Therefore, the Body by Vi mix looks as though it is a better choice when truthfully, its misleading.

Evidenced-based? I think not. Very little clinical research is out there about Visalus. I found a Registered Dietitian’s website that stated that Visalus had “white papers” (referring to clinical trials) that were evidence enough to prove the reliability of the product. However, their “white papers” are extremely biased. One of their lead researchers in the Body by Vi research is on their Visalus Board of Directors. That is a little questionable, don’t you think?

While I know that trends like this come and go, it is so misleading if you don’t look into it. You cannot always believe what you hear. A lot of people are getting paid to sell this product to you or getting free products if you buy it. I am not a fan of drink supplements, mixes, or food substitutes anyway but this is over the top crazy if you ask me. Also, the supplement industry has no one that regulates how it is sold or what is in the products. That is a problem in itself.

I know that people want an easy weight loss solution. I understand that shakes sound so easy and good. I know that people lose weight with this product. But why drink your calories when you can eat them? Why lower your metabolism for quick weight loss when you can keep it high and lose weight at a safe rate and keep it off for a long time? Visalus does not have well balanced products. While I love that they are promoting the use of fat-free/skim milk over other choices (which is something I think everyone should drink), these shakes compromise your health in the long run. Be educated before you buy. I personally don’t like products that have tons of ingredients listed. Look for natural ingredients that you know what they are when you see them on a label. Eat in moderation. Exercise. You can lose weight and save money by opting to just eat healthy and exercise.

Resources:

http://globalsuccesswithjoe.com/business-opportunities/body-by-vi/body-by-vi-scam/

http://www.revivewellness.ca/body-by-vi-vs-body-by-revive/

http://thesensiblefoodie.weebly.com/1/post/2012/04/diet-product-review-body-by-vi-part-two.html

http://www.fortefitness.com/im-about-to-become-very-unpopular/

http://www.visalus.com/

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/nutrition-facts-calories/visalus

http://www.ajcn.org/content/45/2/391.short

Nutrition & Autism

This is an assignment that I had and I found it to be interesting. Nutrition & Autism is a huge topic right now in the world of dietetics. I would love to have one answer for everyone that asked me what to do but I don't. Each child requires an individualized plan. Enjoy my assignment about it:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a broad disorder. Multiple websites, books, and magazine articles are written with generalized information that is available to the public with information on ASD. Subjective information can cause confusion in parents or anyone else looking for information due to the fact that anyone can write a book or write something online. The problem with this information is that every autistic person is different and autistic adults and children are all different and range from having mild autism to severe autism so there is no one solution. Some people with ASD may avoid multiple foods due to the texture and some tend to fixate on only one food item. (Mahan & Escott-Stump, 2008)  Some parents search for answers because their child with ASD may avoid contact or interaction with people providing or preparing the food and they want that to change. Once again the problem with current information is that each person with ASD is different and needs specialized attention and there is not one quick fix to make a change.

There is research on the elimination diet and on the gluten-free-casein-free diet (GFCF) and the results vary. Some researchers believe that those with ASD have difficulty breaking down some compounds of food so they are suggesting alternative therapies such as enzyme therapy. “Enzyme therapy can be helpful, since some researchers have suggested that children on the spectrum may have an inborn error of metabolism: they may lack certain enzymes that break down compounds in foods (eg, peptides in gluten and casein). If these undigested peptides cross the blood brain barrier, they may potentially interfere with cell signal transmissions” (Peregrin, 2007). In one study, thirty-one parents of children with ASD gave three-day food records to the researchers on their child’s regular diet or on their child’s gluten-free, casein-free diet. Children who followed the gluten-free, casein-free diet consumed less foods from the dairy group and from the fruit group, therefore there were multiple micronutrient inadequacies. Some nutrients not consumed such as calcium are important micronutrients that are essential while a child is growing. Although, this diet may produce small results and changes in a child, there are consequences and not enough evidence to state that it is a diet backed with evidence of solid results. (Burzminski, Caine-Bish, Ha, & Mantos, 2011) If young enough, instead of an elimination diet, parents could partake in an introduction diet where they introduce foods one at a time of different textures such as applesauce, yogurt, toast, cheese, crackers, and so on. If a parent keeps a diary of the foods liked and disliked by the person with ASD, this can help prevent food aversions that would arise otherwise. This can be brought to meetings with a dietitian in order to make sure that the patient is receiving all of the macro and micronutrients that the patient needs. If the needs are not met, the dietitian would need to make diet recommendations for the patient in which their needs would be met. The gluten-free-casein-free diet definitely would not meet all of the patients’ needs and deficiencies should be addressed immediately.

Registered Dietitians’ need to be knowledgeable about what parents of children with ASD may be reading on the internet. “For example, there is research on gluten-free/casein-free (GF/CF) causing rickets, and there is research paper on GF/CF helping with autism, but they aren’t multidisciplinary. Each is looking for their own conclusion without taking the concerns of the other into account.” “Much of the research is anecdotal; but that doesn’t mean any of these treatments won’t yield improvements” (Peregrin, 2007). There are over 40 studies that have been completed trying to place a link between nutrition and ASD in reports that were recorded over a course of fifty-three years. According to researchers, most of the research lacked a control and a measurable outcome. Although some ASD patients and children may benefit from some nutrition modifications, it is a fact that more research is needed. (Brown, et al., 2009)

Before approaching a patient with ASD, a dietitian would need to know the underlying facts of the specific ASD patient’s disability and diagnosis. This information may be obtained from the patient’s psychological examination and physician’s evaluation. This may show if the patient is malnourished or not.  Interviewing the parents is essential in determining the patient’s daily intake at home if the patient is under their parent’s care. After obtaining this information, a dietitian should introduce him or herself to the patient and the patient’s main caregiver to create an appropriate plan to meet the patient’s nutritional needs.  Establishing a relationship with the patient’s caregiver is key to maintaining communication in order to properly meet the patient’s nutritional needs.

Interventions that I would include when seeing an ASD patient would be: monitoring a food diary kept by the patient’s caregiver, monitoring the patient’s labs and the medications taken by the patient, and correct issues such as deficiencies, diarrhea, and constipation if they are found to be nutrition related. Also, if a diet is started, follow up visits should be regular to monitor the tolerance of the diet and to evaluate the intake to see if needs are being met. Interventions also include giving a list of foods that the patient should avoid if the caregiver states that the patient has allergies, intolerances, texture issues, food jags, or cannot chew or swallow well. If that patient is a child, I would not recommend trying a gluten-free/casein-free diet because they would be at a high risk of developing rickets. For children with ASD, I would suggest introducing one food at a time and each food should have a different texture. Introduce milk to see if the child likes the creamy texture and then try orange juice with pulp added to see if the child likes the texture of it and so on. Then the caregiver should try meat products or dairy like yogurt and cheese and then items like bread and crackers. I would make sure that the caregiver is keeping a diary or a list of likes and dislikes. For adults with ASD, a gluten-free/casein-free diet may be a good idea if the caregiver is willing to aide in providing the foods that are allowed on the diet. I would remind the caregivers that the gluten-free/casein-free diet is not a diet that has any definite proven outcomes but that it does work for some ASD patients while for others it does not. It does however severely limit the items a patient can have and may promote deficiencies. If the gluten-free/casein-free diet is not tolerated or the caregiver does not want to try it, I would recommend trying to incorporate different textures one at a time. There is not one intervention that I would recommend to all ASD patients. Each one will be highly individualized based on the patient.

Get Your Plate in Shape for National Nutrition Month

Get Your Plate in Shape for National Nutrition Month

Good nutrition is essential for good health. Not only is nutrition a preventive measure for many chronic diseases and problems, but nutrition is a science that is constantly changing as new evidence and new research appears. Registered Dietitians (RD’s) are the professionals that are required to stay up to date and in the know about current nutrition which is evidence-based. RD’s are professionals who have an undergraduate or graduate degree in nutrition, food science, and/or dietetics from an accredited program, followed by a 1200 hour minimum internship that is packed with different rotations in the field of nutrition, followed by an exam that has to be passed in order to legally use the term registered dietitian (RD) behind their name and counsel others. After all of this, in order to maintain their license in the state of Georgia, a RD must meet requirements of completing 30 continuing education hours every two years and in order to remain a registered dietitian, one must complete 75 continuing education hours every 5 years. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a large organization filled with food and nutrition professionals in all fields of nutrition. They also are an advocate and educator for evidence-based practice and reliable nutrition information you can trust. They also promote National Nutrition Month. National Nutrition Month is in March each year. This year’s theme is “Get Your Plate in Shape.” In case you are not aware, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created an icon known as MyPlate. Its predecessor, MyPyramid, ended in the summer of 2011. This icon is always based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans which are updated every 5 years. This new icon also places an emphasis on mealtime and the recommendations are for children two of age or older. Although the MyPlate icon is only one symbol, it is a recommendation for everyone. However, the portion sizes do vary based on one’s age. Portion sizes developed for you can be found at ChooseMyPlate.gov.  MyPlate is a colorful icon that represents 5 essential components of a plate: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. The goal is to make your plate into four sections. Half of the plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables. For example, a lunchtime salad can meet this recommendation by having a spinach salad with dried cranberries, dried strawberries, diced green pepper, and raspberry vinaigrette dressing. The other half of my plate would be filled with protein and grains. MyPlate recommendations state that protein should take up 1/4^th of your plate and grains should take up the final 1/4^th of your plate. The final component is a low-fat dairy product or a 1% or fat-free milk product. 2% milk and dairy products do not count as a low-fat dairy product; these are reduced-fat products. This is not drawn on the plate divided into four sections but it is drawn as a cup sitting to the side of the plate. If you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, the recommendations are for you to replace this product with a food product that is high in calcium. MyPlate recommendations also recommends drinking less sugary drinks and replacing it with 100% juice, water, or low-fat or fat-free milk. The MyPlate icon is not something that has to be followed three times a day, you can spread out the recommended amounts between three meals and two snacks, five small meals, or however you choose to divide up your daily intake. Following the guidelines set by MyPlate and controlling your portion sizes will have your plate in shape in no time!

For more information on the MyPlate recommendations, visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. For a referral to a registered dietitian and for additional food and nutrition information visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website at www.eatright.org.

Prepared by Morgan Sanders, Cedar Crest College Dietetic Intern

Global Nutrition

The following was an assignment completed for my dietetic internship. I find global issues to be interesting. I never thought that I would enjoy International Studies but while in school during my undergraduate career, I took that course and I could not quit talking about things that was going on in the world. You may or may not find the following interesting, but I thought it was worth posting!

Enjoy!

Global Nutrition Assignment

1)      Of the numerous causes of hunger identified in this week’s readings, choose one that you believe would be particularly surprising to most people in the US. Describe to your reader’s how/why this issue impacts hunger.

As I was reading this week, I came across a statistic that reported that stated that greater than 35% of food emergencies across the world are due to human causes such as war, oppression, and displacement. I believe that this statistic would surprise most people in the U.S. because it even surprised me. According to Santa Clara University (2010), “little benefit is derived from aiding poor nations. Aid sent to developing countries rarely reaches the people it was intended to benefit. Instead, it is used by oppressive governments to subsidize their military or spent on projects that benefit local elites, or ends up on the black market.” To hear that help is offered to countries yet authority is keeping it from the people who needs it most is shocking. While in college I took an online course called International Studies in which I had to learn about a lot of different global issues. I remember watching scenes from the movie Black Hawk Down and reading about how the UN sent food to Somalia and sent soldiers there to help this country. However, a lot of food sent to this country and when it was directly delivered to the people, it was beneficial. However, when the UN relied on the authority in the country to distribute the food, it was withheld from the people who needed it most. It is hard for me to comprehend that people who are in charge of a country would want to harm others. Here in the United States, we have all sorts of programs that aide those in need and it is easy to forget that other places are not that fortunate. When food is withheld from those in need, the situation only gets worse which makes the global hunger issue worsen.

2)      Discuss the role of women in the issue of global hunger. Be sure to address both how women are particularly impacted by hunger as well as the potential role of women in combating hunger worldwide.

The World Food Programme (2012) states that pregnant women have special nutritional needs and if they can receive proper nutrition while pregnant and while breastfeeding, they can prevent a lot of issues that may arise and increase the number of children and women who are malnourished. The organization also mentions that it is extremely important for women to receive proper nutrition that were malnourished before pregnancy because the women are lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Feeding America (2012) makes a great point by stating that “the immature immune systems of young children, ages 0-5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections is adversely affected.” If a mother is properly nourished during pregnancy and after, she can exclusively breastfeed her child, especially mothers who do not have a safe water supply for formula mixing. If this would happen, women could help combat the global hunger issue. However, not only would nutrition during and after pregnancy have to be fixed, but breastfeeding education would be beneficial as well.

3)      Describe for your readers the potential impact they could make themselves on global hunger by personally practicing sustainability in their own lives. Be sure to make the connections between the two very clear.

If everyone practiced sustainability such as recycling, reducing food waste, donating unwanted food, cutting down on paper usage and waste, composting, and other small changes, this world would see huge changes. George Kent, writer for the Huffington Post (2010), states that the main issue of world hunger is “there is plenty of food. The problem is that more than a billion people are so poor that they cannot afford the food that is out there. The food is available, but not accessible to them.” Supporting agencies such as Samaritans Purse and Feeding America are great ways that we can use that extra change in our pockets of that money that we throw away on excess food to help those in need. Instead of running the water while you brush your teeth, cut the water off and save on your water bill. By during this you can take the money you save over time and put it towards an organization that helps those without a way to access safe water get water that is safe to drink. According to the World Food Programme (2012), the world has enough food to supply the entire population; however, it is not easy to get the food to people in need. Some countries try to control the population of their country, while the issue remains that poor countries have a large population with large problems such as disease and hunger. Without proper nutrition, one cannot fight off diseases and many are dying from malnutrition and diarrhea in third-world countries while wealthier countries are combating obesity and over population. Where do we draw the line? Where does government need to step in? Where does authority need to dictate who can have children and who gets to eat? These are all questions that need to be answered. Sustainability is something everyone can practice in their own lives. A sustainable practice may be something as small as not wasting food or not overeating, but if everyone would practice small changes, the world would see a large difference in issues such as global hunger.

References

Feeding America. (2012). Impact of hunger. Retrieved from http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/impact-of-hunger.aspx.

Kent, G. (2010). Huffington Post. Achieve sustainability or end hunger?. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/george-kent/achieve-sustainability-or_b_669304.html.

Santa Clara University. Andre, C., & Velasquez, M. (2010). World hunger: A moral response. Retrieved from: http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v5n1/hunger.html.

World Food Programme. (2012). Nutrition for mothers and young children. Retrieved from http://www.wfp.org/nutrition/mothers-children.

Preparation

Preparing for what comes after graduation in May began the day that I chose my major in college but never has it felt so real as it does during my last Christmas break during my college career.


After taking the GRE I was so excited and I still am but stress is what I call trying to make the "right" decision.


I applied for a job with a health district and listed on my resume that my anticipated graduation date is May 2011. I also applied for a job with a school system in a town nearby with the same thing listed. High hopes is why I applied, how great would it be to know that I have a job right out of college.


Also, I am working on DICAS applications for two distance dietetic internships. I have been working on setting up rotations with potential preceptors and it is neat getting to interact with Registered Dietitians in all of the fields out there in my surrounding community. So the applications are due February 15th and I will find out if I was accepted the second week of April.


Also, I am still working on figuring out which Master's program I want to apply for.


Moreover, I am still planning my wedding. It is less than 160 days away now. I am registered for my casual china, small appliances, linens, and home decor. I am so excited that my first shower is in January! My bridesmaids are getting their dresses in, I have alterations scheduled for February, I have booked the florist, cake baker, photographer, and a lot more! The save the date's have been sent and now the tedious job of finding and booking a caterer!


My mama and I was talking today and she made the statement that my granny thinks that no one actually listens to nutritionists and dietitians in clinical settings. I hate that my granny feels this way, but to some extent it is true. Medical Nutrition Therapy is often practiced but changes are never made in any persons life until he or she is actually willing to change their ways or in this case eating patterns and diet. A diabetic could be a diabetic for years and the damage that occurs to his or her body over time may increase the persons willingness to change their ways and improve their lifestyle, but it may take years for the person to see it. Just like with heart patients, it may take someone having multiple heart attacks for him or her to realize that diet and exercise may really be beneficial. Sometimes a person giving one a diet "to try" is not enough. It takes a willing and motivated heart with a burning desire to change. The same goes with any profession, not just nutrition. Teachers in classrooms can teach a classroom until they are blue in the face but if a student is not willing to put effort into paying attention and studying and actually wanting to learn the material, then the lesson will not be remembered. I think that there are a lot of grateful people in the world that have benefited from a nutritionist or a dietitian out there.


I still get the question: What do you do with a degree in nutrition? There are endless opportunities. In my small town there are at least three registered dietitians that I can name. One is at the health department working with Women, Infants, and Children. One is the School Nutrition Director who is also over the Summer Feeding Program, and contracted out through the local hospital, and the other dietitian is a clinical dietitian at the Medical Center of Central Georgia working with both inpatient and outpatient settings. There is also a dietitian that is contracted through the local dialysis center and at the local long-term care facilities. That is not even near the only job options. Registered Dietitians are all over television now on talk shows, on the food network, and on other shows. Dietitians can work for corporations such as US Foods and Mars M&M. Some insurance agencies hire dietitians in order to reduce their costs. Dietitians can be employed with the military as a civilian on the bases or enlisted. Dietitians work selling products such as natural herbs and in organic stores as consultants. Some retailers hire dietitians to be "personal grocery shopping assistants," some dietitians are lactation consultants, some are private consultants or business owners, programs like weight watchers hires nutritionists and dietitians, some dietitians get paid to write for magazines such as Shape or Cosmopolitan, some dietitians get paid to blog, and there are endless opportunities in media and sales for dietitians. Dietitians also work with research since nutrition is a "new science" and products and supplements are constantly being developed research opportunities are endless. So is nutrition and dietetics a useless field? No! I think not!

Christmas is Saturday! Where has this year gone? It seems like I was just at Benton's (my fiance') friends house for New Years Eve playing catch phrase with friends waiting on 2010. I am so grateful for this time of year though where my Savior's birthday is celebrated because God sent his only son to save sinners like me and you. I am so grateful that I know that my father was born to save! My sins are forgiven and my life is in his hands. All of the preparation in the world could never prepare me for things that he has planned. I constantly try my best to plan every detail of my life, but God is in control and will provide and has every plan already laid out for me and my future. And sometimes, it takes a while for me to step back and remember this. 

Miss Nutrition

The future scares me - but when I sit down and think about what I love and what my dream jobs would be here is a list:

I would love to be a Martha Stewart - Have my own show/blog/network with home projects and recipes

I would love to be a Dietitian and work for a television station and do short segments on nutrition and food science and healthy living.

I would love to travel the world and have Samantha Brown's job.

I would love to plan weddings - oh how I love details in things!

A country singer ;) of course that requires talent!

Ah back to reality... I honestly have no idea what I am going to do with my life. I graduate with my Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Food Science with an emphasis in Dietetics in May. I apply for graduate school and for dietetic internships in early spring. I find out if I have been selected for an internship the second week in April. Oh, and the other thing - I am marrying my best friend and prince charming at the end of May. So I have a lot of decisions to make! What do I want to pursue a Master's degree in? Journalism? Media? Community Health? Master's of Art in Teaching? Family and Consumer Sciences Education. So many options! I know that I want to work with people! I love children too! I love to travel also. So why is it that choosing places to apply for internships is so difficult? Well, first of all - Benton, my soon to be husband, has a great job but he is willing to move and he completely supports me in 100% of the things I choose to do. He constantly reminds me of what I am capable of and not to limit myself. I pray about this a lot and its still so hard to decide. Graduate school on the other hand, what do I want to do? Master's programs often have courses that are required before entrance into the program. I have researched and I just want to do something that I love. The question is where is that offered? Also, I kind of want to go ahead and begin work and pursue a master's degree online that way I can begin saving money and building up retirement. There are so many choices!

An option is school nutrition director. I can apply for jobs that may come open niear graduation and be under provisional status for 5 years that will require me to obtain a Master's degree and a certificate for a school nutrition director. I would love to do that, but I imagine it is stressful. That is why I have been researching, talking to current professionals in this field, and job shadowing.

Overall, I know that God has a plan for me and he will never leave me. He is in control and the more that I try to stress about it and take over and plan every detail, the more I am telling him that I am not trusting that he will provide. So I have prayed about it and decided that I am not going to settle, I am going to find what I love and go for it. I love my small town and family but if I never try new things, I will not allow a door to open in which God could be leading me towards. So here it goes - research into programs and internships and job opportunities has now begun. Will you see me on television one day as "Miss Nutritionista?" Maybe so! Will you see me in the hallway at your child's school teaching family and consumer sciences or planning meals for their lunchroom? Maybe so! Will I be in a clinical setting as a Registered Dietitian? Possibly! But my journey has begun and in these next six months, we will definitely have some fun and stress. Wedding planning - here I come!