Bridget in some of her roles as Registered Dietitian!
Hey there and Welcome to Eat Right Mama!
I became a dietitian because I enjoyed creating in the kitchen, and I wanted to help people. I was pudgy as a child and still remember a relative telling me “you’ve put on a little weight”! (Not really what a pre-teen wants to hear, right?). So, I set out to help people eat better, live longer and raise healthier families. I’ve done that for 20+ years now through my books, counseling, speaking and media interviews.
My Food Philosophy
My “famous” mini lemon tarts!
I subscribe to the “all foods fit–mostly” way of thinking. I think that food should taste good and (mostly) be good for you. Yep, that means you’ll find chocolate, full fat cheese and butter in my fridge, alongside whole grain bread, flax seed and lots of fruits and veggies. And oh yes, a bottle of sauvignon blanc will often be found in the door, ready to enjoy. My cooking has been influenced by my Texas roots, my French husband and a love of international travel. More recently I’ve moved toward clean eating (and living), which makes me an avid label reader–on more than just food. I’ve developed recipes for my 4 books, much to the frustration of my hubby. (I’m a messy cook!)
My Experience
I wrote for and checked articles for accuracy on BabyCenter.com for 10 years.
I’ve done just about everything a dietitian can do–worked as a clinical dietitian, diabetes educator, public health nutritionist, renal dietitian and weight loss group facilitator. I’ve counseled high-risk pregnant women, done nutrition coaching in the homes of low income families and consulted with Head Start. I’ve also helped with the diets of special needs kids at a local school district. I was an online expert for BabyCenter.com for more than 10 years and I’ve developed online content for Gerber.com. I’ve also taught college level nutrition classes, done training/continuing education for the Texas Department of Public Health and the Alabama Department of Public Health. In the last few years, I’ve branched out into speaking and really enjoy speaking to groups of consumers as well as health professionals. I’ve been a media spokesperson for the Colorado Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. That leads me to my next topic…media.
Media
Back in the day when I was on Good Morning America!
I had to pinch myself when I checked into my suite at a hotel across from Central Park in New York City. The next day, I was to be a guest on Good Morning America! Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned myself doing that! To make it even more exciting, I was pregnant with my son Robert at the time–luckily there was no nausea that morning!
Since then I’ve done hundreds of TV and radio interviews–it’s one of my favorite ways to share nutrition advice to many people at a time. I was on the Food Network way before it became an evening addiction! I’ve done media tours in Austin, New York, New Jersey, San Antonio, Houston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Honolulu and a few more!
Mom
One of my favorite pics–on the Oregon Coast
So glad they are brothers and friends!
Last but definitely not least, I’m the mom to two wonderful young men. I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom. I remember working one day a week while still nursing. My husband would bring Nicolas to the hospital I was working at and we’d have a nursing session–usually outside on a park bench and sometimes in the car. I also did my stints as room mother, PTA officer and Cub Scout Leader while mixing in carpool duty and part-time consulting. As they got older, I got involved in volunteering at the district level in the School Health Advisory Council.
My personal experience of being pregnant, breastfeeding and raising (mostly) healthy eaters has taught me a lot and inspired me to share my first-hand experience and information based on sound science, with whoever will listen!
What I Do for Fun!
Bridget at the Arc de Triomphe
Wish I was still here! Culebrita, Puerto Rico
I love snorkeling and swimming in oceans where you can see your feet. (Of course where I live, there are no oceans close by, so that doesn’t happen all that often!) Hiking, walking and swimming are what I enjoy for exercise. (And by swimming , I mean with the help of a noodle–I hate getting my hair wet!) I love to travel, eat out and spend time with my family. I actually love to write, and someday I’d like to write a chic-lit novel!