J.B. Patterson is
Over the years, I have observed some common dieting patterns, or quirks, that keep people from reaching their health goals.
Identifying and addressing a few quirks may be easier than trying to overhaul your entire diet.
This is me.
Registered dietitian.
Diabetes educator.
Lifestyle coach.
I'm a believer in the Mediterranean Diet, the Diabetes Prevention Program, and the science of food and health.
I wasn't always a dietitian.
I am a child of the '80s, when organic wasn't a thing.
I grew up in a blue collar neighborhood with two working parents from the Philippines.
We feasted on the American dream where food comes cheap.
From TV dinners to fast food to all-you-can-eat buffets, plus my mom's delicious Filipino cooking, we never missed a meal.
I have also been a full-time...
Mom.
Grad student with small kids.
Working mom with big kids.
Devoted and supportive wife.
Caring daughter.
Human.
I get it.
Living healthy is not always easy.
It takes time to prepare healthy meals and exercise.
The people in our lives need us, both at work and at home.
Our own needs often get pushed down the priority list.
This can be stressful sometimes.
And food can be oh-so-comforting.
Why I care about nutrition and health.
Professionally and personally, I have seen the direct effects food, exercise, and weight loss have on health.
Early in my life, I lost my dad to the complications of diabetes.
As a young mom, I have brought my kids to the emergency room too many times for food allergies. From rashes to vomiting to difficulty breathing, the effects of food on health became alarmingly clear to me.
As a dietitian, I have witnessed patients lose weight, cut their blood pressure meds in half, reverse prediabetes, lower cholesterol and triglycerides--from nutrition and physical activity alone.
I'm not perfect.
Nor do you have to be.
There are plenty of weight loss programs, diets, and nutrition theories out there. Often, they contradict each other. Or are difficult to stick with--either because they are too restrictive, or they just don't fit into your life.
Over the years, I have observed some common dieting patterns, or quirks, that keep people from reaching their health goals. Identifying and addressing a few quirks may be easier than trying to overhaul your entire diet. Follow along with me to find out if any of these quirks are yours. You just might find a fix that works for you.