The event started on Saturday, October 11 with a dynamic opening session featuring TV host, author and award winning chef Carla Hall. Hall was the perfect speaker to invigorate dietitians and nutrition professionals before a whirlwind four days in Nashville, TN. A Tennessee native herself, Hall used her professional experience and understanding of culture to inspire those in attendance as she spoke about the ways food connects us. Speaking from the heart, Hall adlibbed her way in and out of her talk, weaving in personal anecdotes from her dinner the night before at local Nashville spot, “The Audry” and reminiscing about personal food memories like savoring her mother’s meatloaf and her grandmother’s specialty dish, hot water cornbread.
Hall shared her personal connection to food through her African American roots inspiring attendees to think about their own food memories, and she challenged everyone to think beyond food as energy. Having this perspective is crucial for dietitans to better counsel clients and patients in an inclusive and culturally appropriate way. Hall spoke about the difference between a “celebration food” versus an “everyday food,” and also called on those in the food industry to consider the nutrient density of the items on their menus as so many rely on takeout or dine at restaurants regularly. She even gave the example of another chef changing his menu after he realized he couldn’t routinely eat in his own restaurant. Just as dietitians adapt to new and emerging trends others in the food industry should too. Hall emphasized that, “Food is nourishment. Food is fuel. And food is connection.”
The passionate way Hall talked about food and the impact it has had on her life shined through every moment of her session. Attendees left inspired, energized and empowered to connect with food in ways that nourish their body and well-being.
Alyssa Smolen, MS, RDN, CDN, is a community dietitian, communications cochair for the NJAND, and nutrition content creator on Instagram. She has been quoted as a nutrition expert in Food Network, Forbes, Parade and US News and World Report. Her account, @arugalyssa, promotes simple recipes and is a source for myth-busting nutrition misinformation.
You can connect with Alyssa on Instagram, TikTokand LinkedIn
