What RDs Do: Tiffany Nicholson, RD, MSc

TIFFANY NICHOLSON

LONG TERM CARE, HEALTHY SENIORS AT HOME

for something nutrishus

Tiffany and I first connected over the Dietitians of Canada Brand Initiative. Once I heard her unique background, I thought she would be a great fit for this series. She wears a variety of hats in her numerous roles and travels to northern Canadian communities to support her clients. 

Why did you become a RD?

I have always been interested in nutrition and spent over decade in hospitality management. I decided I wanted more in depth knowledge of nutrition and therefore went back to University in my late 20’s to pursue a BSc in human nutritional sciences. I found I really enjoyed research and in 2013 decided to complete a Master’s in human nutritional sciences as well.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I am lucky that I work in a diverse area of dietetics. People joke that it’s easier for me to say what areas I don’t work in. For many years I specialized in geriatric nutrition and I continue to work in long term care. I also have a private business called “Healthy Seniors at Home” which provides home care dietitian services to the Winnipeg area. I am the dietitian for Churchill Manitoba (MB), where I am primarily community/public health but also cover acute and long term care. I travel to Fisher River and Peguis First Nations in Manitoba on a monthly basis, where I cover a lot of renal and dialysis patients. And finally, I have recently agreed to travel to Nunavut for quarterly site visits to see clients in the Kivalliq region.

How would you explain what you do?

I would say in a nutshell that I take raw evidence and practice based scientific facts related to nutrition and dietetics and translate it into nutritional advice relevant for patients and clients, as well as other members of the health care team.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

Well that depends on the week. Typically on a regular day to one of my sites, I would come into the office, check messages, emails. Meet briefly with the dietary department, as well as doctors, nurses and managers. Plan my day by nutritional assessments I need to complete, consults that have been referred to me and any follow ups from previous site visits. If I were in one of my personal care homes, I would observe meal times to look for any concerns with residents. If it was a private practice client day I would look over my client list, research any background information I had and prepare handouts, and info that may be relevant to the client. My days sometimes include education on various topics, audits, interviewing, meetings and care conferences, menu planning and a lot of administrative work.

What has been your career path?

I wanted to specialize in diabetes when I first started out as a dietitian and I still enjoy working in the area. I took a small, part time position in long term care while I was completing my Master's and really enjoyed it. I am also very interested in dysphagia management and I still work with a lot of residents with various chronic diseases. I am a member of the College of Manitoba’s Long term care advisory committee.

My career has taken my all over Manitoba, I love working in Churchill and I have seen firsthand the issues with food cost and availability in Northern communities. In 2013 my partner and I started a small garlic farming business.  In 2015 I was the sole founder and organizer of the Hungry Bear Food Drive, we collected non-perishables and monetary donations in Winnipeg for Churchill MB’s food bank. We have excellent support of local businesses and individuals and managed to raise 1300 lbs of food and over $4000.00. I hope to continue to advocate for food security all across Manitoba and now into Nunavut as well.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

In 2013 I finished my Master’s in Human Nutritional Sciences. I have completed the Dysphagia Management Course through Dietitians of Canada and am currently working towards eligibility to write the Certified Diabetes Educator exam.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?

Five years from now I would like Dietitians to be the number one go-to source for nutritional advice. I am a strong advocate for having the term “Nutritionist” protected across Canada for individuals solely with our degree and training. I would like to see Dietitians integrated in the interdisciplinary health care team. Finally I would like to see more jobs for Dietitians, especially in primary prevention.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

I would love to have the term “Nutritionist, Clinical Nutritionist, Registered Nutritionist” protected by law in Canada for Dietitians only so there is a standard of practice, ethics and accountability when members of the public choose to seek out nutritional advice.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

That we eat chocolate and drink beer just like everyone else.

What is your favourite meal?

Homemade pizza on garlic naan bread with artichoke hearts, goat cheese, caramelized onions and fresh basil.

More about Tiffany:

Facebook: Healthy Seniors at Home

Thanks Tiffany! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

Day 26: Something To Look Forward To

We've been working to make our weekends feel more like weekends (whatever that means!?). Our weeks seem fairly full/busy, and it's a chance for us to be together. This comes with mindfulness and minimalism. In my attempts to have less stuff, we will eventually have less to clean and organize (chores that I tend to do on the weekend). I still have to figure out a way to get a few things done around the house and will always want to chip away at my to-do list.

However, we try to spend time together, not think about work, or even try to feel like a tourist in our own city. I do know that I'm better at relaxing when we're away from home. Also, like most people, I get excited and like to have things to look forward to. For me, that could even just be goals that I'm working on. Keeping that in mind, I'm not taking away from being present and content in the current moment, but I still like to have something on the calendar for the future.

We haven't really taken a family trip in awhile. With my work, we went to Quebec City in June and for my birthday in April we took a quick trip to Edmonton, so I can't say that we haven't been away from home. My generation seems to like to travel, which I am all for! I'd rather spend our money on trips and experiences. It's often just a matter of saving up and finding time to actually get away. The planner in me also likes to prepare for a holiday, but I try to be spontaneous and just enjoy it too.

We're lucky that we can afford to travel, but as I said, sometimes it's fun just to be a tourist in your own city or province; there's also lots of free things to see and do. It comes back to priorities and perspective. I have no problem saving up for a trip because I know we will create memories and get rejuvenated by the break from our sometimes hectic lives.

I am grateful for: the opportunity to plan and go on vacations

We have the luxury of being able to go to most of the places we dream of going to. It's also the chance to travel with my husband and daughter that makes me grateful to have them.

Do you have something planned, something you're looking forward to?

Happy Monday (and last week of October!)
Steph Langdon, RD
www.nutrishus.com

Day 10: See The World

We went on a lot of road trips and camping trips when I was young. We often went north or west. I went on my first plane ride in grade 10, to Yakima, Washington for a club volleyball tournament. My daughter flew with me to Edmonton when she was 4 months old, she also came to Quebec City at 7 months old (times have changed!).

Sport opened the world up for me. Most of the places I have been to were with volleyball, and more recently with my husband. I traveled with my club team, provincial team, university team, junior national team, FISU team, senior national team, and professional team. I feel very fortunate for the experiences and the fact that my coaches often let us do a teeny bit of site seeing to get out of the gym.

I love to travel and we  always said we would continue to travel with our family. Obviously destinations and activities may change, but we're still trying to make it a priority. Travel costs money and takes time. Since I'm my own boss, I have a flexible schedule. We also have a dog, so we have to consider him when we make travel plans and determine if he's coming or staying with family (we're lucky that's an option for us). 

I have been all over Saskatchewan, Canada, North & Central America, parts of Europe and Southeast Asia. I hope to see as much of the world as I can. It's a great way for me to relax, forget my to-do lists (because I can't do them), try new food, experience different cultures, and spend quality time with loved ones. We even made the decision to have a destination wedding in Jamaica because we wanted travel to be part of how we started our married life.

I am grateful for: all the places I have been

I look forward to all the places I have yet to see (I have a list started of course!).

What are your favourite destinations?

Steph Langdon, RD

www.nutrishus.com

A Whole New World

This post pertains more to wellness and living than just food and nutrition.  If you've checked out my Day Zero project of 101 things to do in 1001 days you may have noticed #50 - make a list of 50 places to visit in my lifetime.  I truly enjoy travel and am lucky that my husband does too.  I didn't put limitations on this list, so it includes cities and countries and isn't a to do list, but a dream list - I want to see it all!  I am fortunate to have traveled all over the world during my volleyball career, and we try to see somewhere new each year.  I think it's great for us as far as perspective and also adventure - see a new culture, try new foods, and enjoy the experiences.  Travel is a motivating factor for me and makes me feel alive.  What are your motivating factors?  What would your 101 in 1001 look like (or your bucket list, etc.)?

A little inspiration for the day as well:  
"To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people exist, that is all" ~ Oscar Wilde

1. Portland

Las Vegas 2013

2. Seattle
3. New York City
4. San Francisco
5. Chicago
6. Prague
7. Australia
8. Paris (have been for a day; not long enough!)
9. Greece
10. Hawaii
11. Machu Picchu
12. Argentina
13. Chile
14. Aruba
15. St. Martin
16. St. Bart
17. Maldives
18. Vietnam
19. Bahamas
20. Barbados
21. Jasper
22. Whistler
23. Napa Valley
24. Disneyworld or Disneyland
25. Los Angeles
26. London
27. Barcelona
28. Venice
29. Florence
30. Cape Town
31. Rio de Janeiro
32. Beijing
33. Phoenix
34. Amsterdam
35. Edinburgh
36. Bora Bora
37. Budapest
38. Nepal
39. Munich
40. Albania
41. Dublin
42. Canary Islands
43. Belize
44. St. Lucia
45. Singapore
46. New Zealand
47. Madagascar
48. Galapagos
49. Cairo
50. Portugal

Eat well, move your body, take care of yourself so that you can enjoy your life!
Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Challenge Accepted

I took a bit of time off last week as a way to celebrate the beginning of my 30th year! Those of you who know me well, know that I prefer to celebrate with experiences rather than things/gifts. I also enjoy setting goals for myself so that I have something to focus on and strive for. Both of these traits are likely partially connected to my years as a National Team volleyball player (traveling as an athlete really gave me the taste for it).

I'm not sure how I happened upon the concept below, but it intrigued me. I found different blogs where people were posting lists of 101 things to do in 1001 days; known as Day Zero. It is not a new concept, but was new to me. I have decided to challenge myself and share my mini goals with you. If you're tempted to start your own list, feel free to ask me about mine, but keep in mind, what may look easy, actually takes a while. I found it difficult to think of 101 things that I can strive for over the next 2.75 years. Read on for more...

The 101 Things in 1001 Days Challenge

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

Why 1001 Days? 
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

My timeline: June 7, 2013 to Friday, March 4, 2016
(completed, in progress, to do)

1 - get an acupuncture treatment (Aug. 22/13)
2 - bake a pie from scratch (Oct. 12/13; blueberry for Thanksgiving supper)
3 - make jam from scratch (May 15/14: raspberry chia jam)
4 - go berry picking (July 28/14: berry barn)
5 - read 5 books currently on my bookshelf (5/5) (Brian Tracy - Focal Point, Dan Baker - What Happy People Know, Enchantment - Guy Kawasaki, How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie, The Leader Who Had No Title - Robin Sharma)
6 - go on a girl's weekend trip
7 - play a round of golf with my husband
8 - vacation in a new American city (San Francisco Oct. 1-5, 2013)
9 - run a 1/2 marathon (13 miles completed Dec 13/15)
10 - put aside $10 for each task accomplished (82/110)
11 - go on a wine tasting tour (Napa and Sonoma, CA, December 26/27, 2013)
12 - create a south east asia scrapbook (August long weekend 2013)
13 - sew a blanket (completed March 2014)
14 - order dessert first (Sept. 20, 2014)
15 - meditate every day for one month 
16 - purchase a bottle of perfume for myself
17 - bake a loaf of bread from scratch (have done twice now, but still need to work on my skills!)
18 - watch 2 classic movies (2/2: North by Northwest June 16/13, How to Marry a Millionaire Oct. 18/13)
19 - go to a play or musical ballet (Nutcracker - Nov. 17/13)
20 - plant a tree (Feb. 11/14 - 25 trees with trees for the future)
21 - go to Batoche (July 20/14 - back to Batoche days)
22 - walk at Wanuskewin (Sept. 13/15)
23 - create an Albert scrapbook (Aug. 31/13)
24 - add 20 quotes to my Pinterest board (20/20, I'll keep adding...)
25 - hang green art in my living room (*moved to new home) (Oct. 10/15)
26 - hang 2 ikea shelves in our home (*gave away with my minimalist efforts - hang blinds) (completed Feb. 29/16)
27 - cook steak for my husband (June 27/14)
28 - volunteer at a soup kitchen with Fast and Female (became an expert ambassador in Sept '15)
29 - write 30 operation beautiful notes (written and distributed by July 31/14)
30 - purchase 3 CDs on iTunes (The Lumineers, One Republic, Of Monsters and Men)
31 - create our will
32 - create our health directives
33 - try snowboarding
34 - go skating
35 - go cross country skiing
36 - take Dietitian's of Canada herbal course (completed Feb. 7/14)
37 - create a vision board
38 - create art for front room
39 - take a card making class make cards with my mother-in-law (Nov. 20/13)
40 - run a 10km (Bridge City Boogie, June 9/13; 55:08)
41 - sponsor another kiva individual (June 10/13)
42 - attend an outdoor concert (June 23/13 - Dehli to Dublin and Ziggy Marley at SK Jazz Fest)
43 - go on a picnic (Aug. 18/13: at forestry farm with friends = tabbouleh (made with quinoa), watermelon, and chicken)
44 - play hopscotch (with nephew in basement, August '15)
45 - host a board game night (June 22/13 - Settlers of Catan)
46 - have a garage sale donate items (Sept. 11/13)
47 - build a sand castle
48 - write a poem (haiku)
49 - try 5 foods I've never had before (5/5 spaetzle, rabbit, shahi paneer, alligator, schnitzel)
50 - make a list of 50 places to visit in my lifetime
51 - create 12 dates to have with my husband
52 - donate blood (Jan. 31/14)
53 - buy a bouquet of flowers every week for a month (4/4: Oct. 25/13, Nov. 1/13, Nov. 8/13, Nov. 16/13)
54 - leave a 100% tip (Oct. 24/15)
55 - do a 30 day yoga challenge (Jan. 2016 - The DoYouYoga 30 Day Challenge with Erin Motz)
56 - see a movie with subtitles at the theatre (LUNAFest March 5, 2014 - 2 short films had subtitles)
57 - inspire someone to write their own 101 (June 7/13: Allison M., June 7/13: Alyssa G.)
58 - purchase coffee for a stranger (Aug. 26/14)
59 - visit relatives in Ontario (summer 2014: June 6-13)
60 - start a new tradition (Christmas gift for our daughter - something she wants, something she needs, something to wear, & something to read)
61 - write a letter to myself to open on my 40th birthday
62 - go to a corn maze (Oct. 12/13; strawberry ranch with Lena)
63 - update my goodreads account (*decided to delete my account - minimizing!) updated my website instead
64 - update my 'places I've been' Pinterest board (ongoing...)
65 - join Instagram
66 - use my google+ account (log-in at least once per month) (on-going - sharing blog posts)
67 - try 10 family recipes (10/10) (Yigandes me Spanaki from Lena, beet quinoa salad from Kim, Pea Soup with Rosemary and Orange from Dan and Lena, Banana Muffins from Coralie, Apple Pecan Olive Oil Cake from Lisa, 5 Minute Mug Cake from Cathy, Banana Bread from Liz Langdon, Saskatoon Berry Crumble from Fran Wheler, Wild Rice Broccoli Casserole from Jean Blaise, Weekend Pancakes from Colleen Davidson)
68 - redesign my blog (Sept. 20/15)
69 - get in touch with my best friend from high school (hurray for email!)
70 - blog everyday for a month (October 2015)
71 - write a book (*still a life goal of mine) create a photo book for my daughter's first year
72 - bake cookies without a recipe (May 15/14: peanut butter, applesauce, oat, coconut, raisin cookies)
73 - go to 10 new restaurants ('new' to me) (10/10) (Bon Temps Cafe, Browns Socialhouse, Mystic Java, Eastside Marios, Spicy Bite, Lisa G's, Generations, King of Thai Noodles II, Cajun House, Boudin)
74 - make risotto (Aug. 15/13 - it was delicious mushroom risotto!)
75 - get a facial at a spa twice per year (Jan. 31/15 & Oct. 29/15)
76 - paint a piece of pottery for the kitchen (Jan. 9/14)
77 - visit a new country...(summer '16)
78 - take pictures of all my meals for a week (summer '15)
79 - get a mentor
80 - learn where all 50 states are on a map of the USA
81 - don't watch TV or Netflix for a month
82 - don't eat out for 2 months
83 - start and finish a crossword puzzle (Aug. 23 metro - mostly me, a bit of assistance from Kevin)
84 - complete the 365 project (a picture a day for a year)
85 - see 3 movies in 1 day (Feb. 17/14: The Queen of Versailles, Rumble in the Bronx, Carnage)
86 - don't complain for 1 week ( hope I did, but I wanted to be aware & track at least one...)
87 - post inspirations in my bathroom and bedroom (2/2)
88 - visit a museum (de Young, San Francisco, Dec. 3/13)
89 - take my brother to the farmer's market (Jan. 30/16 for Wintershines)
90 - complete 10 learning on demand webinars (10/10)
91 - read 5 books recommended by friends (5/5: The Book Thief, A Visit From the Goon Squad, Three Cups of Tea, The Fault in Our Stars, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared )
92 - see the sunrise and sunset in one day (Oct. 15/15)
93 - go on a date with my mom (tea and Nutcracker: Nov. 17/13)
94 - complete a project from Pinterest (2! ombre coin art and twisted scarves)
95 - go fishing with my dad (September long weekend 2013)
96 - kiss in the rain (again, I probably did, but not mindfully for this list!)
97 - take a knife skills class (Pineview Farmers Pork Butchery class, April 12, 2014 - blog to come...)
98 - spend a whole day reading for fun (June 24/14)
99 - see a live pro sports game or event (Dec. 17/13 - Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans)
100 - make a batch of wine (started Nov. 16/15, bottled Dec. 24/15)
101 - get a second tattoo (have it picked out)

I'll keep you posted on my progress, so come back soon (and often).

Have a great weekend!

Steph Langdon, RD

something nutrishus counselling & coaching

www.nutrishus.com

Q's Day: Around the World

I wasn't sure what to ask you today.  Having just returned from Jamaica and some great jerk chicken, I started thinking about my favourite foods from the places I have been.  With that in mind, today I ask:

What is your favourite food from a different part of the world?

Feel free to answer however it makes sense to you.  It may be an international food that you enjoy in your home in Canada, or it may be something you had while traveling.  One food that I often think of and plan to attempt is Finnish karelian pie (Karjalanpiirakat).  At first we weren't sure what to think of these rice filled, rye pastries, but we came to enjoy them with their accompanying egg butter or as the base for an open-face sandwich.  


Every country has it's own food traditions and flavours - one of the many reasons I enjoy traveling so much!

I look forward to hearing from you,

Steph (Wheler) Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love

I wanted to read this book because of my interest in travel and food. I liked that it had short chapters, so it was easy for me to pick up and read in little bits. There were parts I could not relate to as well since I have not been through a divorce, but I think we all have been through hard times. I would love to do like Liz did and pick up and travel for a year to find my balance again. I just really miss traveling right now, so it made me want to be sure to add that back into my life. There were some parts I found a little dry, but I enjoyed hearing about Ashrams and meditation practices since that is something I have tried dabbling in this past year. I think it is just inspiration to get back out there and be present and be you; even if you have to travel across the world to find yourself.

Have you read it? What did you think? Any other book recommendations?

Steph Wheler
www.nutrishus.com