My Fill-osophy: Balancing Pleasure and Nourishment
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Alyssa A. Pittman, RDN
In the world of diets, restrictions, and health fads, I present a refreshing take on my “fill-osophy”. Here’s a breakdown of this approach:
Celebration of Food
Food is not just about sustenance; it's about joy, culture, celebration, and comfort. Recognizing this, the fill-osophy underscores the importance of relishing what you eat.
No Foods are "Off-Limits"
Labeling certain foods as "bad" or "off-limits" can create a cycle of guilt and binge-eating. Instead, my fill-osophy emphasizes moderation and balance. Yes, you can have that slice of cake, but perhaps balance it with a nourishing salad.
Understanding Human Instinct
Humans inherently seek pleasure. And for many, food is a source of that pleasure. Rather than fighting this natural inclination, my approach acknowledges and integrates it into a comprehensive nutrition plan.
Against the Diet Culture
While the world is busy promoting the next big diet trend or intermittent fasting schedule, my fill-osophy goes back to basics. No rigid rules, no fixed eating windows, just simple, intuitive eating.
Sustainability
One of the primary reasons diets fail is because they're not sustainable in the long run. By incorporating foods you love alongside those that are nutritionally beneficial, I ensure that your eating habits can be maintained for life.
Holistic Nourishment
It's not just about the nutrients food provides, but also about mental and emotional satisfaction. By striking a balance between the two, I ensure holistic well-being.
Educate, Don't Deprive
Instead of focusing on what you shouldn't eat, the fill-osophy is centered on educating individuals about diverse foods, their benefits, and how they can be incorporated in a balanced manner.
In essence, the fill-osophy isn’t just a dietary approach; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about recognizing that food plays multiple roles in our lives — from nourishing our bodies to delighting our minds. And instead of creating a divide between the two, my “fill-osophy” merges them seamlessly, allowing for a life of health, satisfaction, and joy.
Hello! I’m Alyssa Pittman, a 35-year-old Registered Dietitian based in Shrewsbury, MA. I still remember the day I passed the RD exam – it remains one of the best days of my life! All my hard work, dedication, and countless hours poured into studying and understanding the intricate world of nutrition had finally paid off. More than the personal achievement, I was ecstatic about channeling my passion for food and nutrition to aid others. Whether it’s assisting those grappling with weight issues, helping manage diseases through diet, or guiding those with disordered eating patterns, my commitment to making a positive difference has been my driving force.
My intrigue with nutrition took root during my junior year in high school. A vivid memory that stands out is when I eagerly educated my classmates about which granola bar was the healthiest option. 😊 Fast forward a bit, and as I delved deeper into my first nutrition class at Framingham State University, I was taken aback. I had stepped into a universe that was much broader and profound than just granola bars and apples. It dawned on me that nutrition was a profound science, influencing not just our physical wellbeing but also our mental health.
Beyond the professional realm, I treasure the time I spend with my beloved husband and our two spirited young boys in our Shrewsbury home. Our evenings often oscillate between cozy family movie nights and playful sports sessions in the backyard. It’s these moments of laughter and bonding that add true richness to my life.
Now, let me take you through my professional journey, where my passion for nutrition came to life in various impactful roles:
Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center - Director of Nutrition
At Harvard Street, I faced the exhilarating challenge of creating a nutrition department from scratch. Collaborating with dedicated doctors and nurses, I provided specialized nutrition counseling for patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, I championed community nutrition, overseeing a food pantry to ensure both availability and education about nutritious food choices.
Blackstone Health Inc. - Nutrition Director
In this role, I was responsible for ensuring that seniors across 13 centers in Rhode Island had access to nutritious meals that met state and USDA guidelines. Beyond the menus, I organized weight loss groups, offered individual counseling, and took to the stage to educate seniors on topics close to their heart – quite literally – such as heart health, diabetes, and more.
College of the Holy Cross - Assistant Director of Nutrition
Here, I worked with the vibrant college community, offering nutrition counseling on various topics like sports nutrition, food allergies, and eating disorders. One of my proud achievements was leading the Food Allergy and Special Diet Program, ensuring that students with dietary needs felt safe and catered for. I also took on the academic hat, presenting to classes about the foundational and specialized aspects of nutrition.
Throughout these roles, one thing has remained constant: my passion for helping individuals foster a healthier relationship with food. By understanding, respecting, and working with our unique dietary needs and preferences, I believe we can all lead healthier, happier lives.