March is Nutrition Month and each year, on the third Wednesday of March, the Canadian nutrition community celebrates Dietitian’s Day! This is a special time of year to recognize those in our communities who play a profound role in improving the health and lives of many people - Registered Dietitians (RDs).
RDs are regulated healthcares professionals. To earn their protected title, RDs must meet the educational prerequisites set by their province’s regulatory body, e.g. College of Dietitians of Ontario. This includes a minimum Bachelors degree in nutrition, followed by a 1-year internship and/or a Masters degree in nutrition. Following this, a national registration exam must be passed in order to obtain a license to practice as an RD.
Being committed to lifelong learning, and using the best, most recent research, skills and techniques to inform their practice is a significant part of any RD’s job. We are grateful to collaborate with plant-savvy dietitians in our Fauxmagerie Zengarry Zenbassador Program. In line with this year’s Nutrition Month theme - Ingredients for a Healthier Tomorrow - we asked them what ‘ingredients’ they would recommend to our vegan community. Here’s what they said:
Christine (IG: @christinetherd):
An ingredient that has been a staple part of my diet, and can be considered part of a ‘healthier tomorrow’ would be ground flax seeds. They are an environmentally-friendly source of omega-3s, protein, and fibre. They support heart health, along with digestive health, and are such a little powerhouse! In addition, they are super versatile as they can be used in many different ways and added to many dishes (you can even use them to make an "egg" replacement - how cool is that?!). With Canada being the leading producer of flax, it's a great way to support our local farming practices and ensure a healthier tomorrow!
Learn more about Christine at www.christinetherd.com
Prab (IG: @nutrikaur):
“The ‘ingredient’ I would pass on for a healthier tomorrow would be balance. While balance may look different for everyone and depending on which level of the food system we are looking at, I feel a focus on this will help support a healthier tomorrow, individually and collectively!”
Learn more about Prab at www.nutrikaur.ca
Tracy (IG: @tracysnutritiontips):
“Food is so important to me for so many reasons. This year’s theme “ingredients for a healthier tomorrow” to me means putting in the work and energy today to set us up for success tomorrow and the days following that.
One of the easiest “ingredients” that we can add for a healthier tomorrow is whole grains. Whole grains are minimally processed and contain all parts of the grain. This makes them much higher in B vitamins, fibre, and protein - all of which set us up for a healthier tomorrow! Some of my favourite whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, barley, and oats.
Learn more about Tracy at www.tracysnutritiontips.com
Find our RD Zenbassadors on @zengarrykitchen, our online community for plant-based nutrition, cooking and living tips!