I decided to start this blog as a way for me to write about various topics in the fitness and nutrition fields (hence the combination of pickles-food and push-ups-exercise). I have always been very interested in nutrition and exercise as my mother is a wonderful example of success in these two areas of life. I played sports in high school, but didn't realize until college how much of an impact my nutrition had on my athletic performance. At Virginia Tech, I was able to study Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise and really delve into the "food field".
After college, I went on to complete my dietetic internship in South Carolina. After 9 months of different rotations and competencies I was able to sit for my RD (Registered Dietitian) exam and passed! My interest in dietetics, and my love of the South Carolina area, brought me to my current career choice. I work full-time as a dietitian for a Bariatric surgery program. I counsel patients both pre and post operatively as to the changes that they will need to make and continue to pursue to support the surgical weight loss tool.
In combination with my full-time job, I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Exercise Science, which I will complete in July. Through this masters program, and to better assist my clients, I have passed my National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam along with, my Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) certification. That gives my my current credentials of RD, LD, NASM-CPT, CES. Hopefully, to add the MS very soon!
With my experience and further education, I hope to eventually work in more of a sports setting and possible even with higher level athletes. I strive to continuing learning not only from my patients, but from my peers. I'm excited to use this blog as a way to learn more about the field I love from others! Please feel free to leave me a comment or question!