Define Processed

Erin Sund from AND posted a very informative article on defining the types of processed foods we encounter called "Avoiding Processed Foods? Surprise! This is Processed Too!"

It made me realize, yes, that $2.00 bag of spinach you're buying from Trader Joe's? Processed. Bottled water? Processed. Even though we as nutritionists say to avoid processed foods, we ask for and buy convenience. Sure, it's essential to eat vegetables daily, but is it easier to buy pre-packaged and pre-washed veggies or veggies you have to prepare yourself? Depending on how coupon and discount savvy you are, sometimes you can find premade foods even cheaper than when you shop for all the ingredients to make the same recipe. Why would I spend $3.00 on cabbage, red cabbage and carrots, when I can buy the equal portion of coleslaw mix for $1.00? And even if it costs more to buy premade foods, your overall cost might be lower because you are more likely to be motivated to cook at home rather than leave the groceries in your fridge to go bad.

Either way, the most important thing is to choose foods wisely. Choose foods that you are excited to eat, and look at the nutrition fact label for not only the serving size and values, but also the ingredient list. Think of how you can fit these foods in your everyday routine, whether you are buying easy to prepare items or ready to eat foods. I personally find buying the frozen veggie medleys from Trader Joe's very convenient and affordable.

If you realistically want to make sure you stay away from processed foods, you might as well plant your own produce garden. ;) Be sure to invite me for your garden-to-table meals!

FREE Ebook: Getting In, The Keys to Unlocking the Door to a Dietetic Internship

Valerie Buchanan published an ebook through smashwords.com called "Getting In, The Keys to Unlocking the Door to a Dietetic Internship." This reference is most suitable for undergraduate dietetic students in their junior and senior years, or even earlier (the earlier you prepare for DIs the better!). I felt that this resource was very realistic and uplifting even as a graduate, so feel free to skim through this page and get inspired for your own application. :) Please keep in mind that this ebook was published in 2009, so application requirements have changed since then (adapt her tips to current requirements).

My favorite quote from this ebook:

"The competition is tough but you are tougher. By planning ahead and persevering until every box is checked you will be able to more fully enjoy the journey, achieve a wonderful sense of accomplishment and have a greater chance of being accepted into an internship program of your choice."

Let me know what you think about this ebook! :)

Red Cross First Aid/CPR Certification

For those of you who are already accepted to a DI program, you may need to get First Aid/CPR certified. I signed up for the Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED class at a local Red Cross office, and I wanted to share with you the 15% discount code I used: SUMMERSAFETYDIV50612.


Hopefully it works for you! :)


UPDATE: The First Aid/CPR class was so much fun! We had a small class of five, so it was open discussion and fun mannequins, and we got out of class 2 hours early. I named my baby mannequin Daisy; it was sad to part with her.

Newest AAI Get Matched Resource: Survival Guide

All Access Internships posted a new exciting resource on their website called "The Survival Guide for a Competitive Application"! It's a downloadable guide which includes what you need to do from start to finish, and AAI guarantees a match or your money back.

Like I've mentioned in a previous post, I completed the DI Bootcamp program through AAI. I do not see it listed on the website, so I am unsure if they are continuing the program. The steps for both programs are the same except for the additional sections of references and computer matching/DICAS in the Survival Guide. The major differences between these two resources are: 1) no webinars in Survival Guide, 2) missing 2 15-min. phone calls with Jenny in Survival Guide. They make up for it by providing extra sample templates (i.e. sample resumes, sample personal statements, sample interview questions).

Honestly, I felt that the webinars were the most valuable resource, because Jenny does a great job on tying all the information together. They are currently working on new webinars (yay!) to come next month, so hopefully they will be even more helpful than they were for me! With the cost of $49 (roughly half the cost of DI Bootcamp) with match guarantee or full refund, you will gain tears of joy from securing your perfect match!

Let me know if you're planning to/used this resource! Happy July!