Update: I saw that Jessica had made some business changes over the summer, so it's great to share what has changed since her interview was published on May 9, 2016. Read on to see what rebranded has meant for her (*formerly Nutritioulicious). Plus, I can't wait to try her new favourite recipe!

I've crossed paths with Jessica a few times online now. As I learned more about her, I actually noticed many similarities - we both started our practices right after becoming RDs, we both work in communications and with commodity groups, and we both have nutritious inspiration in our business names! Jessica creates delicious recipes and takes beautiful pictures as well; I know I'm going to try her family favourite recipe listed below.

Why did you become a RD?

What initially drew me to study nutrition and become a RD was the desire to help people learn healthy eating habits, but over the 10+ years working as a dietitian, my interests and work as an RD have changed to communicating nutrition messages on a larger scale through media and writing, as well as a focus on helping people feel confident in the kitchen and get healthy meals on the table that their whole family will enjoy.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Nutrition communications and culinary nutrition.

How would you explain what you do?

I own a food and nutrition communications and consulting business in which I am a spokesperson for food brands and commodity boards with a focus on culinary nutrition, recipe development, and writing.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

Most of my days are spent between my kitchen and my computer. On any given day you’ll find me testing recipes and photographing them in my kitchen, sitting at my computer writing articles and blog posts for my personal blog and client blogs/websites, photo editing, and engaging on social media. There are times when I travel for work for television segments, SMTs (Satellite Media Tours), and/or shooting videos on behalf of clients.

What has been your career path? (*updated February 21, 2018)

I started a private practice immediately after I passed my RD exam and while trying to build up the practice I started working as a nutrition editor at an online publishing company, which was where I realized how much I loved to write about food and nutrition. I spent some time working for an eating disorder day treatment program, which was always an interest of mine, but I realized it wasn’t for me, and went full force into growing my own business as a nutrition communications and culinary nutrition focused business working with food brands and commodity boards as my primary clients.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a master’s degree in clinical nutrition.

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

I’d like to see a continued and improved acknowledgment by the media and public that registered dietitian nutritionists are the food and nutrition experts. I’d also love to see more dietitians become aware of all the opportunities that are available to them within the world of nutrition.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

That we don’t all wear white lab coats and work in hospitals.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Now that I am a mother, I’m especially passionate about helping families feel empowered to get healthy meals on the table and meals that everyone will eat. I am a big advocate of parents making one meal for everyone – no short order cooks – and realizing that their kids don’t need “children’s food” – they can eat the same thing that adults do.

What is your favourite meal? (*updated February 21, 2018)

That is such a hard question – I have so many favorites! My Asian-Style Farro Buddha Bowl with Crispy Baked Tofu is one of my favorite meals and it's a crowd pleaser for the whole family. I serve it as an interactive dinner so we can all build our own bowls, which is especially great when serving children with different food preferences. 

What tip(s) would you give to our readers? (*updated February 21, 2018)

Enjoy food – don’t make it a choice between “good” and “bad” foods. All foods can have a place in a healthy diet and the most important thing is to eat food you enjoy and that tastes good. 

More about Jessica:

Website:  JessicaLevinson.com

Twitter: @JlevinsonRD

Facebook:  JLevinsonRD

Instagram: JLevinsonRD

Pinterest: JLevinsonRD

Thanks Jessica!