Did you know that tomorrow is Registered Dietitian Day? This day was created to recognize the commitment of dietitians to helping people live healthy lives and to increase awareness of registered dietitians as the providers of nutrition advice. Though I'm not an RD yet, if I ever finish my masters thesis and graduate and pass the RD exam and drink a million cups of coffee, I will be in June (fingers crossed).
Remember, just because you've lost fifty pounds, read a book on the Paleo diet, recovered from an eating disorder or owned a gym DOESN'T mean that you're qualified to give personalized nutrition advice. It seems that everyone is a nutritionist these days, huh?
In honor of tomorrow, let's talk about how I don't love kale but do love fat and gluten. Cheers to that!
1. I don't want to marry kale. I mean it's all well and good, but I'm not obsessed. Like come on....is anyone REALLY obsessed with kale? I can handle maybe two leaves in my smoothie, and that's pushing it. I really just eat it because it has a nutrient density of like a million. Will you tell on me if I use spinach instead? Will I go to jail if I don't hail kale?
2. I eat gluten, and a lot of it. Even though demonizing gluten and grains is as trendy as ever, I'll never be on board. I refuse to give up my Ezekiel toast and Finn crisps--you can't make me!! Yes, I know some people are gluten intolerant or suffer from Celiac, but let's be real-- vilifying wheat is THE THING. I'm pretty sure Wheat Belly is the new bible. All the cool people are doing it.
3. Fat is my friend. Almond butter, peanut butter, walnuts, coconut, avocado, you name it. I freaking adore them all and you better believe that they make an appearance in all of my snacks of my meals. Not only do they help beautify your skin, hair and nails, but they're also anti-inflammatory and critical for absorbing fat soluble vitamins. I don't advocate low-fat cheese and skim milk. Not to knock anyone that does, but I believe that if you're gonna make a grilled cheese, go all out and use the real deal. I'd rather use a little of the real thing then a lot of the lower fat version. Not only will it melt better, but the higher fat content helps with satiety. I'm not gonna lie, I love a splash of Snowville Creamery organic whole milk in my coffee. Sue me. I don't think skim milk is the answer to childhood obesity. Give me a spoon, an avocado and a dash of salt and I'll see ya next week.
4. I eat the yolks. Did you know egg yolks are one of the only naturally occurring sources of Vitamin D? That golden hue is from carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin, which keep our eyes healthy and prevent vision loss. Tossing out the yolk also tosses out the majority of the calcium, folate, iron, and essential fatty acids. The egg is a package, you see. When you eat a mostly plant-based diet, cholesterol isn't the big bad wolf that you may think it is. The effect of dietary cholesterol on blood levels of cholesterol is also highly individualized. Eating an eggstra yolk won't kill you, I promise.
5. I say "pass the bread" at restaurants. And the tortilla chips at Mexican places, too. Is there anything better than a slice of homemade, crusty bread hot from the oven dipped in olive oil? Refer to #2. Usually the bread is homemade, meaning it isn't loaded with chemicals, preservatives and dough conditions. A little white flour never killed anyone. Refer to #2. Life's too short to say no to the dough. Refer to #2.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
Preach!!
I am so glad I found you through Running With Spoons. I tend to want to beat my head into a wall in the HLB community because so few seem to eat bread, pasta, egg yolks, full fat cheese, booze and all the things that are so unbelievable delicious. Don't get me wrong; I'm all about moderation and I love my fruits and veggies just as much as my chips and queso dip. For me, it's all about real food, and I'm thrilled to have found someone else who feels similarly. Great post.
Alexis says
No booze?!! A bunch of crazies, I tell ya. Life isn't full if you ain't livin'! Bread = living.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
Preach!!
I am so glad I found you through Running With Spoons. I tend to want to beat my head into a wall in the HLB community because so few seem to eat bread, pasta, egg yolks, full fat cheese, booze and all the things that are so unbelievable delicious. Don't get me wrong; I'm all about moderation and I love my fruits and veggies just as much as my chips and queso dip. For me, it's all about real food, and I'm thrilled to have found someone else who feels similarly. Great post.
Alexis says
No booze?!! A bunch of crazies, I tell ya. Life isn't full if you ain't livin'! Bread = living.
Nik says
OK as if I needed ANOTHER reason to F****** love you! You read my mind and I couldn't agree MORE with EVERYTHING you just said. I wish EVERYONE read you and the Real Life RD's blogs, because you two just GET IT. People so need to be eduacated that calories/sugar/fat/carbs are not the enemy and demonizing things is just a way to open a market and sell products. REAL FOOD, good life.
Nik says
OK as if I needed ANOTHER reason to F****** love you! You read my mind and I couldn't agree MORE with EVERYTHING you just said. I wish EVERYONE read you and the Real Life RD's blogs, because you two just GET IT. People so need to be eduacated that calories/sugar/fat/carbs are not the enemy and demonizing things is just a way to open a market and sell products. REAL FOOD, good life.
Erica {Coffee & Quinoa} says
Love this! Everyone seems to get so caught up in specific things that are unhealthy/making us all fat. The real solution is a balanced approach just like you have! So refreshing and much appreciated 🙂
Erica {Coffee & Quinoa} says
Love this! Everyone seems to get so caught up in specific things that are unhealthy/making us all fat. The real solution is a balanced approach just like you have! So refreshing and much appreciated 🙂
Julia says
Love this post, my dear! There seem to be some serious food obsessions floating around (ahem...kale...gluten...nonfat) coupled with a lack of nutritional understanding. I adore your realistic approach to food and your willingness to break away from food trends. Can I just say, I LOVE FAT? This was my favorite part about your post, because people seem to be terrified of it. I get asked a lot how many calories are in my recipes, and I'm like "a lot...and it's all from fat." Love that you're edumukating the public about real food! 🙂
Julia says
Love this post, my dear! There seem to be some serious food obsessions floating around (ahem...kale...gluten...nonfat) coupled with a lack of nutritional understanding. I adore your realistic approach to food and your willingness to break away from food trends. Can I just say, I LOVE FAT? This was my favorite part about your post, because people seem to be terrified of it. I get asked a lot how many calories are in my recipes, and I'm like "a lot...and it's all from fat." Love that you're edumukating the public about real food! 🙂
Lauren Blake says
Love this post, Alexis! You totally hit the nail on the head. 🙂 🙂
Lauren Blake says
Love this post, Alexis! You totally hit the nail on the head. 🙂 🙂
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
Wheat is the devil. You don't know what you're talking about! As gluten-intolerant I am therefore far more qualified to be giving nutrition advice compared to your 4 measly years of school.
How's that for a comment? Sharing this post with the world because you're way too legit not to be famous.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
Wheat is the devil. You don't know what you're talking about! As gluten-intolerant I am therefore far more qualified to be giving nutrition advice compared to your 4 measly years of school.
How's that for a comment? Sharing this post with the world because you're way too legit not to be famous.
Lauren S says
Alexissss,
You literally have a way of taking all my frustrations as a dietetic student and throwing them in the trash. You have a way of introducing new foods with such beauty.. And the fact that you are applying you're talents an spreading your love for nutrition is even more admirable. LOVE what you do!
Keep it up 🙂
Lauren S says
Alexissss,
You literally have a way of taking all my frustrations as a dietetic student and throwing them in the trash. You have a way of introducing new foods with such beauty.. And the fact that you are applying you're talents an spreading your love for nutrition is even more admirable. LOVE what you do!
Keep it up 🙂
Brittany @ Barr & Table says
Yes, yes, and yes. Give me all the bread, nut butters, avocado, and eggs! Love it all.
Brittany @ Barr & Table says
Yes, yes, and yes. Give me all the bread, nut butters, avocado, and eggs! Love it all.
Rachael@AnAvocadoADay says
Love it! Especially numbers 1-5!
Alexis says
Thanks lady!! Glad you agree 🙂
Rachael@AnAvocadoADay says
Love it! Especially numbers 1-5!
Alexis says
Thanks lady!! Glad you agree 🙂
Kate says
I love this! And thank you! I am also studying to become an RD and I can't STAND it when people cut things out of their diet just because they heard about it on the computer or a new "fad" diet book. Sadly, I used to be one of those people before i actually started reading real research and gaining a sound knowledge on nutrition. I love bread, butter, full fat cheese, heavy cream in my coffee, avocado on everything, peanut butter all day, and chocolate after every meal. Life is way too short not to eat the things we enjoy. And you are right! These things fill me up and satisfy my test buds much better than low fat, low carb crap. Bring on the bread and buttah! 🙂
Alexis says
You're so welcome, Kate! Fad diets will ALWAYS be around, as will gluten and fat 🙂 Pass the bread, por favor!
Kate says
I love this! And thank you! I am also studying to become an RD and I can't STAND it when people cut things out of their diet just because they heard about it on the computer or a new "fad" diet book. Sadly, I used to be one of those people before i actually started reading real research and gaining a sound knowledge on nutrition. I love bread, butter, full fat cheese, heavy cream in my coffee, avocado on everything, peanut butter all day, and chocolate after every meal. Life is way too short not to eat the things we enjoy. And you are right! These things fill me up and satisfy my test buds much better than low fat, low carb crap. Bring on the bread and buttah! 🙂
Alexis says
You're so welcome, Kate! Fad diets will ALWAYS be around, as will gluten and fat 🙂 Pass the bread, por favor!
Melissa @ Nourish By Melissa says
Love this! I totally agree with the whole gluten thing! I mean, i get it if you actually have a condition causing you to stay away from gluten but if you're not celiac or intolerant than there's just no point! I love my bread hahaha. Same for fats 🙂 Pb all day everyday!
Alexis says
PB all day errrr day! Amen, sister.
Melissa @ Nourish By Melissa says
Love this! I totally agree with the whole gluten thing! I mean, i get it if you actually have a condition causing you to stay away from gluten but if you're not celiac or intolerant than there's just no point! I love my bread hahaha. Same for fats 🙂 Pb all day everyday!
Alexis says
PB all day errrr day! Amen, sister.
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Amen to all of these! Send me the gluten 😉
Alexis says
I'll keep half the gluten and send the other half to you. Deal?
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Amen to all of these! Send me the gluten 😉
Alexis says
I'll keep half the gluten and send the other half to you. Deal?
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I'm with you on all of those! Though, I do eat kale like once a week on average. I'm all for full fat dairy too. Especially whole milk in my coffee! I don't think 2-3oz once a day is gonna hurt me one bit!
Alexis says
You go girl! Now that I'm thinking about it, I could totally go for some kale chips 🙂 with bread and butter, of course.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I'm with you on all of those! Though, I do eat kale like once a week on average. I'm all for full fat dairy too. Especially whole milk in my coffee! I don't think 2-3oz once a day is gonna hurt me one bit!
Alexis says
You go girl! Now that I'm thinking about it, I could totally go for some kale chips 🙂 with bread and butter, of course.
Elle | ATE says
I so love this post! Almost as much as I also love bread. And fat. And of course GLUTEN. Mmmmm... it would be a sad, sad day if I ever became allergic to that epic little protein. Happy almost RD Day to one of my favorite almost RDs! #youresoclose
Alexis says
GLUTEN is my faaaaaaave! I, too, would cry for like a year straight if I was allergic to gluten. Happy almost RD day to you, miss fabulous! Love your new blog, btw 🙂
Elle | ATE says
I so love this post! Almost as much as I also love bread. And fat. And of course GLUTEN. Mmmmm... it would be a sad, sad day if I ever became allergic to that epic little protein. Happy almost RD Day to one of my favorite almost RDs! #youresoclose
Alexis says
GLUTEN is my faaaaaaave! I, too, would cry for like a year straight if I was allergic to gluten. Happy almost RD day to you, miss fabulous! Love your new blog, btw 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
And these are only a handful of the reasons that I love you <3 Thank you for not succumbing to the crazies.
Alexis says
Girrlllll please come slap me over the head if I ever give up bread. Hey, that rhymes! Could that be the next big song?!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
And these are only a handful of the reasons that I love you <3 Thank you for not succumbing to the crazies.
Alexis says
Girrlllll please come slap me over the head if I ever give up bread. Hey, that rhymes! Could that be the next big song?!
Kathy @ Food Wine Thyme says
I prefer spinach in my smoothies but kale in my stews. 🙂 I LOVE egg yolks. I say "pass the bread" and eat an avocado with a spoon and a dash of salt every single day. :))) This is a great post. Yay!!!
Alexis says
We're like the same person!!!!!
Kathy @ Food Wine Thyme says
I prefer spinach in my smoothies but kale in my stews. 🙂 I LOVE egg yolks. I say "pass the bread" and eat an avocado with a spoon and a dash of salt every single day. :))) This is a great post. Yay!!!
Alexis says
We're like the same person!!!!!
Kim @ BusyBod says
Love how real this is! You rock 🙂
Alexis says
Awww thanks so much, Kim! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Gotta be real!
Kim @ BusyBod says
Love how real this is! You rock 🙂
Alexis says
Awww thanks so much, Kim! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Gotta be real!
Brittany says
Thanks so much for this refreshing post, Alexis! It's super ironic you posted this today as my sis and I were just venting our frustrations with how much our circle of friends and acquaintances seem to be OBSESSED with food, food trends, and everything in between right now. It's really helpful to have a balanced view point like yours in the mix. Thank you!
Alexis says
You are so very welcome, Brittany! Cray cray food trends and obsessions can get super annoying super fast. Sometimes we all just need a reality check and a cookie!
Brittany says
Thanks so much for this refreshing post, Alexis! It's super ironic you posted this today as my sis and I were just venting our frustrations with how much our circle of friends and acquaintances seem to be OBSESSED with food, food trends, and everything in between right now. It's really helpful to have a balanced view point like yours in the mix. Thank you!
Alexis says
You are so very welcome, Brittany! Cray cray food trends and obsessions can get super annoying super fast. Sometimes we all just need a reality check and a cookie!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
This is so great! I follow all of these truths too. I used to be terrified of fat. Now avocado and cashew butter are my best friends. We party together, a lot. 🙂
Alexis says
I, too, am BFFs with avocado and nut butter. Love love love!!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
This is so great! I follow all of these truths too. I used to be terrified of fat. Now avocado and cashew butter are my best friends. We party together, a lot. 🙂
Alexis says
I, too, am BFFs with avocado and nut butter. Love love love!!
April says
Hi, I love you. Thanks for being a real gal & human being & having a balanced, realistic, lovely outlook and approach to health. This is why I adore your blog. I'd make you my nutritionist in a heartbeat! I love how you respect that every BODY and every person's needs are different. There's nothing wrong with any particular type of food. And CHEERS to the yolks, real cheese, and going for the real deal. I will say, though, your kale salad makes kale totally bearable. It's all covered in avocado & Annie's goddess dressing, duh. But spinach in smoothies fo'sho. I think it's important to enjoy what you are eating, and there are so many great options out there of fulfilling, healthy, real foods! You have helped me to enjoy this process of exploring, cooking, and looking forward to delicious meals and snacks that nourish my body and soul. I appreciate when you show us you are human, and that healthy eating does not mean deprivation or boring or anything of the sort. Sending you "eggstra" love today! You are going to be such an amazeballs RD. We can celebrate in Oct!
Brittany says
I second all of what April posted here. If I lived in your area, you'd be my number one nutritionist in a heartbeat.
Alexis says
That's SO sweet, Brittany. Thank you 🙂
Alexis says
Hi, love you more. I really want to be your nutritionist. I kind of already am, right?! Cheers to egg yolks, bread and whole milk in my coffee. Should we add wine and dark chocolate to that list? I think we shall. Nothing makes happier than hearing that I've inspired you to begin to love cooking. Pulling on my heart strings here, girl! We should totes celebrate my RDness in October with lots and lots of fooooooooooood. And steel cut oats. And TJ's dark chocolate almond bark. And hummus. Okay I'm done bye.
April says
Hi, I love you. Thanks for being a real gal & human being & having a balanced, realistic, lovely outlook and approach to health. This is why I adore your blog. I'd make you my nutritionist in a heartbeat! I love how you respect that every BODY and every person's needs are different. There's nothing wrong with any particular type of food. And CHEERS to the yolks, real cheese, and going for the real deal. I will say, though, your kale salad makes kale totally bearable. It's all covered in avocado & Annie's goddess dressing, duh. But spinach in smoothies fo'sho. I think it's important to enjoy what you are eating, and there are so many great options out there of fulfilling, healthy, real foods! You have helped me to enjoy this process of exploring, cooking, and looking forward to delicious meals and snacks that nourish my body and soul. I appreciate when you show us you are human, and that healthy eating does not mean deprivation or boring or anything of the sort. Sending you "eggstra" love today! You are going to be such an amazeballs RD. We can celebrate in Oct!
Brittany says
I second all of what April posted here. If I lived in your area, you'd be my number one nutritionist in a heartbeat.
Alexis says
That's SO sweet, Brittany. Thank you 🙂
Alexis says
Hi, love you more. I really want to be your nutritionist. I kind of already am, right?! Cheers to egg yolks, bread and whole milk in my coffee. Should we add wine and dark chocolate to that list? I think we shall. Nothing makes happier than hearing that I've inspired you to begin to love cooking. Pulling on my heart strings here, girl! We should totes celebrate my RDness in October with lots and lots of fooooooooooood. And steel cut oats. And TJ's dark chocolate almond bark. And hummus. Okay I'm done bye.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Haha, I love this!! And don't worry...I refer to #2 A LOT! 😉
Alexis says
Girrrrrl I know you love some yummy bread!!!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Haha, I love this!! And don't worry...I refer to #2 A LOT! 😉
Alexis says
Girrrrrl I know you love some yummy bread!!!
Andrea O'Brien says
THANK YOU! This post has truly summed up all my frustrations & praises of modern nutrition. I'm a dietetic intern right now, hoping to pass the Exam this summer, too! However, when people hear what I'm studying, they seem to think that gives them a license to tell ME what "diet" they think works best, why gluten & grains are bad, & that I should try this amazing raw kale salad. Puh-lease. Happy RD day, go eat some PBJs!
Alexis says
Howdy to a fellow dietetic intern!! Fad diets are the PITS. #passthebread
Andrea O'Brien says
THANK YOU! This post has truly summed up all my frustrations & praises of modern nutrition. I'm a dietetic intern right now, hoping to pass the Exam this summer, too! However, when people hear what I'm studying, they seem to think that gives them a license to tell ME what "diet" they think works best, why gluten & grains are bad, & that I should try this amazing raw kale salad. Puh-lease. Happy RD day, go eat some PBJs!
Alexis says
Howdy to a fellow dietetic intern!! Fad diets are the PITS. #passthebread
Shashi @ https://runninsrilankan.com says
Ok - don't throw any spinach at me, but I do LOVE kale! I would rather put kale in a smoothie than spinach - but my daughter is with you and since there's only so much I can trick her to eat, she usually wins the kale vs spinach tug of war!
Love these points Alexis! Fingers crossed you are a RD come June!
Alexis says
I won't throw spinach at you, Shashi! I love you WAY too much to throw such a yummy veggie at you. Can I throw it in my smoothie instead? Teach me to love kale!!
Shashi @ https://runninsrilankan.com says
Ok - don't throw any spinach at me, but I do LOVE kale! I would rather put kale in a smoothie than spinach - but my daughter is with you and since there's only so much I can trick her to eat, she usually wins the kale vs spinach tug of war!
Love these points Alexis! Fingers crossed you are a RD come June!
Alexis says
I won't throw spinach at you, Shashi! I love you WAY too much to throw such a yummy veggie at you. Can I throw it in my smoothie instead? Teach me to love kale!!
Ang @ Nutty for Life says
Okay so kale tastes really bad in smoothies. It's never as smooth as spinach. If I put in enough other ingredients, maybe I wont taste it but... not my fave. I much prefer spinach. Also, I just bought Ezekiel bread for the first time because it was on sale at Kroger this week. Yay!
Alexis says
Right?! It's like the earthiest thing EVER! Ezekiel is the bombbbbb 🙂 Enjoy!
Cassie says
Agreed... spinach in smoothies all the way.
Ang @ Nutty for Life says
Okay so kale tastes really bad in smoothies. It's never as smooth as spinach. If I put in enough other ingredients, maybe I wont taste it but... not my fave. I much prefer spinach. Also, I just bought Ezekiel bread for the first time because it was on sale at Kroger this week. Yay!
Alexis says
Right?! It's like the earthiest thing EVER! Ezekiel is the bombbbbb 🙂 Enjoy!
Cassie says
Agreed... spinach in smoothies all the way.
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
You will be an awesome RD!!! Its funny how you mentioned The Wheat Belly is the new bible....although I am on whole30 right now, I dont think this is the bangwagon i am going to be on forever or support the whole 'no legume, grain deal'..and over the past years I have noted that quality is better than quantity when it comes to nutrition 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Dixya!! No legumes for life could be a very lonely life 😉
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
You will be an awesome RD!!! Its funny how you mentioned The Wheat Belly is the new bible....although I am on whole30 right now, I dont think this is the bangwagon i am going to be on forever or support the whole 'no legume, grain deal'..and over the past years I have noted that quality is better than quantity when it comes to nutrition 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Dixya!! No legumes for life could be a very lonely life 😉