In honor of National Nutrition Month, I asked dietitians across the country why it’s personally important for them to eat healthy. “Healthy” eating comes in many different forms and I can tell you FOR SURE that not every dietitian eats the same. That’s right! We don’t all eat kale salads and green smoothies. The reason why I personally choose to eat healthy is because I know that what I ask of my body each day would be nearly impossible if I didn’t nourish it with healthy goodness. It’s like making sure to put the right fuel in my gas tank. I feel good when I make healthy choices. I know what it’s like to be in this vicious cycle of eating unhealthy junk food and then feeling bad about myself. I just know I never want to go back to that place again. In the past two years, I have also gained a strong interest in eating for longevity. I want to be fit and feel youthful in my 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and so on. And if I can eat to look youthful too, well, that’s a plus!

Elizabeth Shaw MS RDN CLT San Diego, California  “Eating healthy is important to me because I want to live my greatest life possible. I want to be the Grandma playing with her grandkids at the park and I know nutrition is such a huge part of being able to do that. When I feed my body healthy foods (and yes, that does mean cookies, salads and the occasional pizza) I feel better, more energized and happier.” www.shawsimpleswaps.com

Dixya Bhattarai DFW, Texas “My idea of eating healthy is nourishing my body adequately so I am able to function mentally, emotionally, and physically. It also means I am listening to my body often to find that balance of health and wellbeing.” www.dixya.com

Janet Brancato, MS, RD Glen Rock, NJ “Eating healthy to me means greater quality of life from increased energy, decreased risk factors and overall wellbeing. I feel better when I eat healthy, quality foods.” www.mynutopia.com

Julie Harrington, RD “The word healthy can be defined so many different ways. For me, it was finding my “healthy”. Eating healthy is important to me because it means listening to my body and nourishing it to provide the most energy, nourishment, and overall wellbeing. I love the quote “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live” – John Rohn. For those seeking help to eat healthier, I always recommend working with a Registered Dietitian to help find their own healthy.” www.RDeliciousKitchen.com

Kelli Shallal, MPH, RD Phoenix, Arizona “Eating healthy is important to me because I’ve got a lot of stuff to do every day, I don’t have time to be sick or to be bogged down not feeling my best! It is simply not efficient ha ha” www.hungryhobby.net