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Life, Nutrition, Registered Dietitian, Travel

What I Learned From FNCE

October 7, 2015 By Robyn 37 Comments

I flew back to NYC last night, so today is full forge ahead back into the nursing world and back into school + life mode. But you guys, I feel so refreshed mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. And I’m so excited to feel refreshed and re-energized about the blog and Nutshell. If I’m honest, sometimes I can feel alone in what I do for a living because I don’t work directly with other RDs, I don’t work in an office, and I don’t collaborate with other dietitians on a daily basis. As I balance practicing as an RD, while pursuing a career in nursing, it’s easy to feel like “is anybody else feeling this way or thinking this?!”

breakfast every day was pumpkin oatmeal [1/4 cup oats, 1/4 cup oat bran, 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp flax, chopped apple, a ton of cinnamon and a big scoop of sunbather

But after four days of connecting with other RDs who think similar to myself, listening to lots of amazing speakers and hearing so, so much valuable information, I’m pumped up to focus on what matters with this blog + business and letting go of what doesn’t. That was a huge take away for me—to focus on things that are going cater to your audience and grow your business. And a huge relief for me was realizing that means a couple, not all, social media platforms. There are SO many social media platforms and I get overwhelmed. I went to mostly sessions on business + branding + social media and then ones on functional nutrition, how to communicate with clients that move them towards change, a session on sleep and a session on satiety vs. satiation. All a wealth of information! I also had no idea how huge FNCE actually is…HUGE. There were over 10,000 attendees and it was held in the Music City Center if that gives you an idea. So many RDs, companies, brands, PR people and on and on and on.

most days lunch was just eating tons of sample at the expo (seriously, so many samples!) but on Friday I went to Sunflower Cafe and got this amazing buffalo tempeh wrap with vegan ranch and smokey collards–so good! 

A HUGE thanks to all your kind words on my Instagram post about being one of ten dietitians in the country named an Agent of Change by Unilever. My heart is filled up and spilling over in gratitude for being named, but most importantly for all the support from each and every one of you. So, THANK YOU.

I’ve also come to a confident conclusion that I’m never going to be a food blogger, or a recipe developer that styles food and takes amazing photographs, or an RD who writes about meal plans and nutrient intake and gets super sciency. It’s just not where my heart is—and that’s okay. My heart loves connecting with women, simplifying nutrition to reduce stress around food, building community, helping women walk in freedom from the bondage of food/exercise/body image and seeing women discover who they were fully created to be.

So that means you’ll see me focusing on Instagram, YouTube and Periscope. I love connecting through Instagram and you’ll see more videos as I start to compile and focus on a YouTube channel. And you guys, I’m most excited about Periscope. I discovered this a couple months ago and think it’s the best thing ever. If you’re not familiar, it’s basically live streamed videos. So I’m hoping to do a live stream 2x a month. I’ve found that what makes me light up and get super passionate is talking + connecting with you all – and YouTube and Periscope are two really great channels to do that.

dinners were either eaten out or taken out // one night I had the best ever vegan taco salad from Wild Cow, and another Whole Foods hot bar + crackers and hummus + pumpkin soup

FNCE1

But what really matters is what YOU guys want to see more of! As I move through finishing nursing school by next December and move into full time practice as a Nurse Practitioner, I want to always be doing Nutshell and this blog. And to do that I want to focus on what serves you all most. And what you want to read about and hear about. So look out for a survey on Friday!

FNCE7

I hope you had the best weekend ever and your week is off to a great start!

I love you guys more than you know.


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Filed Under: Life, Nutrition, Registered Dietitian, Travel

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Comments

  1. Lilly says

    October 7, 2015 at 8:37 am

    I just love, and am so inspired by how confident you seem to be in what you want to do, and aren’t letting any external pressures or “expectations,” sway you into Titling yourself a certain way. What you have with this blog and Nutshell is truly unique and thus, very special, and something that your clients are truly thankful for. Keep doing what you know is right for you.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:25 pm

      Reply
      • Robyn says

        October 9, 2015 at 11:27 pm

        Thank YOU for reading and for your support! Means so much Lilly! xo

        Reply
  2. She Rocks Fitness says

    October 7, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Glad this trip inspired you, nourished you, and was a good experience! We always need a healthy dose of this once in a while, when we feel kind of alone or lost in what we are doing…Looking forward to continuing to watch you grow both professionally and personally…XOXO

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:30 pm

      Thank you so so much for your support girl!! Hope you are well 🙂

      Reply
  3. Amy @ UpearlywithAmy says

    October 7, 2015 at 8:55 am

    FNCE looked awesome! Glad you are inspired and it’s contagious 🙂 Keep it up!

    Reply
  4. Sarah says

    October 7, 2015 at 9:09 am

    You=Amazing. Love this post and you. So lucky to have you! You are such an inspiration.Keep rockin’ it sister- You are destined for BIG things which means that you can help even more women. Congrats on your recognition! Awesome stuff.

    <3

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:31 pm

      You know how much my heart loves you. You are a GEM. 🙂 xoxo

      Reply
  5. Kate says

    October 7, 2015 at 10:15 am

    I really wanted to make it to FNCE this year, but I just couldn’t work it out. I’m glad to see you had a blast! I love Wild Cow!
    The good thing about where you heart is in the business is that you have plenty of people who need your help out there. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:32 pm

      One of my favorite verses!

      Reply
  6. Samantha @ThePlantedVegan says

    October 7, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Looks like so much fun, and a great experience! All that food too..YUM!

    Reply
  7. Katelynn says

    October 7, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    You are my absolute favorite blogger! You have no idea how much you have inspired me and changed my relationship with food these past couple of years. <3

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:35 pm

      That’s my hope and you are going to influence so many other women with your story!! Xoxo

      Reply
  8. Kate @mindfoodly says

    October 7, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    So good-can’t wait to see more of your blog and work 🙂

    Reply
  9. Amber Madden says

    October 7, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    So glad you enjoyed yourself! It looks like a ton of fun. I hope to go the next time they’re so close (to Ky). By the way, I LOVE that you don’t focus on making perfectly photographed food photos. It makes it seem more real and I know that you’re actually snapping the shot in the moment you’re eating (or sometimes after!). That’s my philosophy, as well.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:39 pm

      I never thought of it being “more real” but I’m going to roll with that and use that as justification 🙂 Have a great weekend!!

      Reply
  10. Aubrey says

    October 7, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    Gosh, thank you for everything you do on this blog and everything… your the best. Honestly.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:40 pm

      Thank YOU for reading!

      Reply
  11. Dana says

    October 8, 2015 at 8:36 am

    So glad you’re on periscope – I added you and can’t wait to see a video! Yesterday marked one year ago that I made my first phone call to you – it’s been an amazing year of food freedom. Your support changed my life – living without food anxiety has been amazing – life changing. I look forward to every single blog post and can’t wait to watch you continue on your amazing journey. <3

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:42 pm

      This comment made my heart explode because I am so so overjoyed for you and where you have come!!
      You are awesome and that freedom is going to show through and influence others! xoxoxo

      Reply
  12. Ashley says

    October 8, 2015 at 9:59 am

    I think “a big scoop of sunbather” is the best autocorrect I’ve seen in a long time! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed FNCE, love your take on simplified nutrition!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:42 pm

      hahah I just saw that and couldn’t even edit it because it was so good 🙂

      Reply
  13. Pragati // Simple Medicine says

    October 8, 2015 at 10:59 am

    congratulations Robyn! What an honor!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:43 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  14. sarah says

    October 8, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Congratulations Robyn! You are such an inspiration and I always look forward to your posts!

    Reply
  15. Alanna says

    October 9, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Such an inspiring post. I love how refreshed you come out after conferences like these and being together with like-minded individuals. I also realized (after Blog Brulee) that I can’t manage ALL social media, so I’m sticking with what works for me and I feel so much lighter because of it!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:44 pm

      yes! I realized the same thing!!

      Reply
  16. Brynn says

    October 9, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    I love your blog! I am an RD and worked in clinical for a long time but that was never where my heart was either. I started a blog/company geared towards menu planning but discovered that I can do that every once in awhile but my passion isn’t there either. Instead, I followed my heart and now gear my blog towards helping others create healthier lifestyles in a hectic home (work, family, life, etc).

    Such a great blog and I just added it to my daily reading list!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:45 pm

      Love that! Good luck and keep following your heart!

      Reply
  17. Sarah @ bucketlisttummy says

    October 9, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    You’ve always been one of my favorite blogs to read, Robyn (i’m formerly hurdbird)! And now, I’ve started my own since the grad school/wedding craziness is over 🙂 I hope you’ll read: http://bucketlisttummy.com. Anyway, wish I could have made it to FNCE this year but I’m out in Portland, Oregon for my last grad school internship. Love hearing about all of your successes with Nutshell and nursing school!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      October 9, 2015 at 11:44 pm

      Hi hi hi! So good to see your new name and blog! Oh my gosh, I hope you’re LOVING Portland! I have friend’s out there for med school and they absolutely love it. Good luck!!

      Reply
  18. Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says

    October 12, 2015 at 9:48 am

    I used to love reading your blog but it stopped updating in my Bloglovin’ reader months ago and I didn’t even realize it! I’m glad to discover you’re still blogging! 🙂

    After seeing everyone’s photos and recaps of FNCE, I’m definitely planning on attending next year! It looks like it was a great time. Congrats on the award too!

    Reply
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Trackbacks

  1. Intuitive Eating Lesson: Questions to Ask Yourself says:
    October 14, 2016 at 5:53 am

    […] from South End Pita and watched a movie to unwind before all the crazy begins. I went to my first FNCE last year and was blown away by the size of the conference. […]

    Reply
  2. FNCE Recap - The Real Life RD|NYC Dietitian Nutritionist says:
    October 19, 2016 at 5:45 am

    […] was my second FNCE. And it was different than my last FNCE. I went to way more PR events and way less educational sessions than I did last year. And I got to […]

    Reply

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A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

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A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years o A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years of getting to spend so much time with my kids: aka another way I’m discovering some pockets of peace so my heart & mind & soul don’t crumble under the reality of dependent & emotionally dysregulated tiny humans.  About once a week we go somewhere for baked goods. We drive or walk, buy something buttery & then find a beautiful, relatively quiet outdoor spot where the boys can romp and I can sit and think my thoughts while I watch them play. This past week we were found ourselves at the Wool Factory where the boys threw rocks & whatever else off the bridge while I ate 90% of this almond 🥐 from @coucourachou that will blow your mind. Boys ate the other 10% bc they were busy playing and didn’t ask for more quickly enough 😜  I’m finding *for me* playgrounds have a time & place but they aren’t where I enjoy motherhood & my two toddlers the most. Baked goods & a pretty outdoor spot without high drops my 15 month old could launch himself off of…I’m here for it.
I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the boys to hike out at one of our favorite spots last week and when I ripped it open I was regretting my choice to share them with my kids. @baresnacks randomly sent me a box of snacks and I usually eat free food we receive or give it to a friend/neighbor and move on. But I felt it my duty to tell you about these bc they are THAT GOOD. I’m not getting paid and this isn’t sponsored - I was just shocked at how tasty these were and felt you needed to know. We ate them with some buttery roasted nuts and the combo was 👌🏻 but they are good just on their own.  The boys climbed rocks and swam in the reservoir - leave it to my almost 3 year old to want to strip down naked and fully submerge himself in chilly water on a sixty degree morning. “Mama can I get super nakey?” Sure baby. Sure. This is your childhood.
It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of extended alone time away from the babies to just be. And that isn’t something that’s best for me, it’s an area I gotta grow in. So this afternoon when Nick pushed me out the door and was like - get out of here plzzzz - I walked to my favorite cafe and ordered a thick pastrami sandwich and sat there for a good LONG while before taking a long, peaceful walk in the rain to wrap up the afternoon. Note to self: stop being such a control freak and go be by yourself sometimes.
a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face from @mariebettecafe this morning when she came to get her toddler who played with us all morning and it is v good. even better when paired with an iced latte 😍
#AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing a #AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing about how taking @alignprobiotic regularly has improved my digestive regularity.  And I’m still taking them! I’ve permanently added Align 24/7 Digestive Support* into the roundup of supplements I take before bed (prenatal, vitamin D, choline & DHA - all which help keep me healthy while breastfeeding) so I can keep seeing the benefits.  Just because you see benefits, doesn’t mean you should stop taking your probiotic. Keep taking Align daily (under the supervision and recommendation of your health care provider of course) to keep seeing the benefits!  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - one of my favorite parts of Align probiotics is that they don’t need refrigeration AND they come in a convenient little blister pack that has the days labeled. It’s the little things people! #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoo I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoon (91 and muggy in MAY 🤯) when a toddler nap was refused and a baby nap was cut wildly short ....so my tired mom brain pulled out two plastic storage bins, filled them up with soap & hose water and striped ‘em down naked in the yard. Two hours later, it was almost time for an early dinner and I had magically been able to sit for most of that time and we already had baths checked off the list. 👍🏻 I’m archiving this idea for my future self, hope it helps another tired mama out.
#AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about #AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about getting better at doing the basics to care for myself which included taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic regularly.  Probiotics take time to work so I wanted to give it a full month to see the full effects of @alignprobiotic. So here are my honest thoughts: it took a few weeks to notice any differences, but near the end of the month I did notice some changes in my digestive balance - even while traveling! I’m not someone who experiences occasional gas, bloating or abdominal discomfort frequently enough to notice a difference, so I don’t feel like I can comment on how well Align works for those benefits.  All in all though, taking @alignprobiotic was a positive experience and I really appreciated how the capsules don’t need to be stored in the fridge, making it convenient to take them with me anywhere #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Because the swampy VA summer has already begun (it’s in the low 90s today 🥵 lord help) and creeks are our retreat - not only from the heat but also from the noisy world. I need this just (if not more) than they do! We’ll be at the splash pads and pools too, but the quietness of the creek...my mental health is so about it. And it’s hours of play for them! Win win.  A couple things to note: this scene also included a few toddler reminders on finding another direction to throw rocks instead of at his brother - so not all is serene 🤪 and also, yes I am now that mom who buys the same clothing for both kids bc it keeps things simple & i think i kinda like it too 🤷🏻‍♀️
Things I love about midwifery among many: the appo Things I love about midwifery among many: the appointments, no matter how long, feel so unhurried. 
Just walked in from an appointment with my midwife because I was due for a Pap test + an overall wellness visit. My last pap was during my first trimester with Cal which feels like a jillion years ago, but it’s only actually been three years. Life changes so fast! Pre-baby life feels like a whole other life.  I’m wayyyy overdue for a visit to my PCP bc I’ve been under OBGYN or midwifery care for the majority of the past three years while having babies, but I am pretty good with keeping up with my paps. It seems women often think they need pap and/or HPV testing way more frequently than they do (and providers sometimes perform these tests more frequently than necessary - remember more testing doesn’t always mean better outcomes!)  So if you need it, here’s a quick little reminder on this chilly spring Friday afternoon on how often you need this testing (these are the recommendations from ACOG)  Women aged 21–29 years should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended.  Women aged 30–65 years should have a Pap test and an HPV test (aka co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.  If you get abnormal results, this testing frequency could change - but for healthy women with normal results, you actually don’t need testing as frequently as you might think. Which is great news for those of you who hate the speculum.  Ok, off to finish up some things on the to-do list (including cleaning this kitchen) during nap time and then come 5 o’clock, crack an IPA with our neighbors 🍻
#AlignPartner Over the past seven months since bec #AlignPartner Over the past seven months since becoming a mom of two, caring for myself has gotten shoved to the back burner. And it's been a challenge to make it a priority. My routine-resistant personality has upsides and downsides when it comes to motherhood. So I'm starting small this year with a consistent bedtime routine that includes taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic and hoping as that becomes consistent, my mornings will naturally shift too.  In short my bedtime currently goes like this….jammies & face care when putting the babies to bed. Before I go to bed (anytime between 9pm and 12am...) I’ll pump, take my supplements and fill my water. Then I go upstairs and brush my teeth. And then get in bed. The kicker: 70% of the time I find myself finishing up tasks on my phone IN BED. I hate this habit.  Back to supplements. This is something I have been able to stick with. On top of fish oil, my prenatal, choline and vitamin D, I recently added @AlignProbiotic 24/7 Digestive Support*§ to see if it helps with abdominal discomfort and regularity because when I don’t drink coffee or am traveling that can get thrown off.  I’ll be taking it every day for the next 28 days since it takes TIME for our bodies to adjust to probiotics - and I'll be taking you guys along with me as I share my honest thoughts. Many people think if they don’t see changes within the first 7-10 days then the probiotic isn’t working, but that’s not the case. I’m giving myself more than just a week or two and instead a full month to see the full benefits. I’ll keep you posted over the next month. Check out my stories to learn more! #MyAlignGutJourney #guthealth
 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care f We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care for a nap. Putting baby down was harder than I wanted it to be. Miraculously, I had a moment of clarity as I was covered in tiny humans and decided I wasn’t doing the nap battle thing a on 60 degree, gorgeous, sunny spring day 🙅🏻‍♀️ so I piled both babies into the car half naked, opened the sun roof, put on white noise for them and an audio book for me and drank a kombucha as I drove a meal to a postpartum mama. Thirty five minutes later we had a sleeping baby and a toddler who at least had a rest. Baby transferred without waking HALLELUJAH and although my toddler didn’t nap today (lord help) at least we got soaked in breezy sunshine 😎🤘🏻💆🏻‍♀️
We veered from our usual Friday night homemade piz We veered from our usual Friday night homemade pizza (minus the dough, we leave that to @albemarlebakingco) because we are eating pizza tomorrow with some friends - instead I called my mom and asked her how she makes her chicken fingers and we fried up a big ole batch of chicken nugs 🙌🏻🤤 along with a sheet pan full of sweet potato fries and a simple arugula salad dressed with parmesean, olive oil and s&p. Oh and my moms honey mustard recipe for dipping. It’s SO DANG GOOD.  Over the past 6ish months we’ve been practicing (and practicing and practicing bc it doesn’t come naturally) unplugging from technology and slowing down and resting and just being for one day a week. Some call it Shabbat. Some call it Sabbath. Maybe you call it something different. All I know is IT IS SO GOOD FOR MY WEARY SOUL and the day I look forward to ALL WEEK. Sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. Nothing but rest. For us that means hiking (or something outside) and napping and reading and being with friends and eating really good food. And drinking some really good wine or craft beer. Sometimes whiskey. 😛  And because I know I’ll get asked about the chicken finger recipe and also because it’s too good not to share and Momma Coale said I could, here ya go:  Cut chicken breast into thin strips or small pieces (I prefer nug size bc the breading to chicken ratio is perfection). Salt and pepper those babies really well. Then dredge them in all purpose flour, then egg, then panko - just like you would bread anything else. Then fry them up in a light oil - I use avocado oil because that’s our everyday oil. You could also use canola or peanut oil. Just fill a pan with an inch or so of oil on medium high heat. They only take 2-3 minutes per side. You can always temp them to make sure they are at least 165 degrees F to really make sure they are done. Dunk in all the sauces and enjoy!  Happy weekend!

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