About the Blog
I’m Deborah Murphy MS, RDN, the writer behind this blog. Thanks for stopping by! On this space you’ll find wholesome, plant-based recipes and evidence-based nutrition and wellness tips.
About Debbie
I am a Registered Dietitian who works at a local hospital by day and blogs on this space by night. When my job as a hospital dietitian left me feeling like I needed a creative outlet, this blog was born. I currently live in Chicago, Illinois with my husband Will (who is also a dietitian), my son, and our rescue pup, Lucy. When not working on the blog, you’ll most likely find me shopping the farmers market (iced coffee in hand!) or reading a good book.
Food Philosophy
As a registered dietitian, my primary goal is to inspire you to eat more plants! Plain and simple. Decades of nutrition research supports the idea that plants are really good for you. They are rich in fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants that all work together to lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
The only problem is that the majority of adults in the United States are not eating nearly enough plants. In 2019, just one in 10 adults met the fruit OR vegetable intake recommendations (source). The USDA recommends adults should consume 1 1/2 – 2 cup-equivalents of fruit and 2 – 3 cup-equivalents of vegetables daily. Over the last 10 years in my clinical practice, I have often heard from clients that one of the barriers to eating more plants is not knowing how to cook them so that they actually taste good.
The purpose of this blog is to inspire you to eat more plants through drool-worthy recipes that are anything but bland and boring.
What is a Registered Dietitian?
Sometimes it can be confusing to know what the difference is between a registered dietitian, health coach, or nutritionist. Let me explain!
- To become a registered dietitian, you must meet certain academic and professional requirements in order to sit for the exam to become credentialed. This includes:
- A bachelor’s degree in nutrition from an academic program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). I received my bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Bluffton University.
- Completion of a post-bachelor’s supervised practice program at an accredited facility. I completed my dietetic internship at the Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. I also completed my Master’s of Science Degree in Nutrition at the same time as my internship at Case Western Reserve University. However, a Master’s degree is not a requirement for becoming credentialed as a Registered Dietitian at this time.
- Pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetics Registration.
- After completion of the exam, RDs must then complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain registration.
- Nutritionists or Health coaches have more of a general knowledge of nutrition that is often obtained through programs like the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Since Registered Dietitians must go through more rigorous academic programs that focuses on pathophysiology, metabolism, and biochemistry, only dietitians are legally able to provide medical nutrition therapy in a setting such as a hospital or medical clinic.
Connect with Me
I love hearing from readers, so check me out on my other social media outlets as well! Email // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest
Disclaimer: Although I am a registered and licensed dietitian, the nutrition and diet information provided on my blog is not to be interpreted as medical nutrition therapy. If you are on any medications for chronic disease or other health issues, please consult your registered dietitian or other health care provider before making any significant diet changes or stop taking any prescribed medications.
