My name is Rachel and I am a Registered Dietitian (RD), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and food lover. I currently have the privilege of living and working in the Nuu-chah-nulth Tla-o-qui-aht homelands, also known as Tofino, British Columbia. I work alongside the nations as a Diabetes Educator for the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Trible Council and also provide private nutrition counselling services through my private practice Pacific North Nutrition.
Memberships and Schooling
I completed my Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BSc) at Griffith University in Australia and graduated with my Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics (MA), with a major in Public Health, in 2010. I am also an active member of Dietitians of Canada, College of Dietitians of BC, Diabetes Canada and Nutrition Blog Network.
My Vision
I created this blog to help grow and share my passion for nutrition that is equally as good for our bodies as it is for our planet. I want to share some of my favourite seasonal recipes, information on sustainable seafood choices, and nutrition advice that can help lower our carbon footprints.
My Nutrition Journey
My journey through nutrition may not be what you would expect of someone working in the nutrition field. I grew up in a meat and potatoes household, and I didn’t eat my first vegetable until I was a teenager… and it was a green pepper on pizza! Followed by onions on a hot dog. When I was 16 I had the opportunity to travel to Cairns in Australia to do a student exchange. It was there during my homestay that my world was opened up to the new and exciting world of vegetarian cuisine. Yes, baked beans in a can, but you have to start somewhere.
My Nutrition Values
Throughout the years I have dabbled into a variety of diets – pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, then… pescatarian again, and now I guess we can say ‘flexitarian’. I love plant-based eating, not only because it is delicious, but it also makes me feel great and I know it is the best diet for keeping our planet healthy.
Balanced Plant-Based Diets
Working in the diabetes field and in Indigenous health, I can appreciate the benefits of lower-carbohydrate options. Diets that are too high in carbohydrates can make it difficult to regulate our blood sugar levels. This is not only a problem for diabetics or those with insulin resistance as swings in blood sugar levels it can also affect mood, fatigue and metabolic issues.
A lower-carbohydrate eating style can sometimes be more difficult on a plant-based diet because many of the plant-based protein sources are also sources of carbohydrates (legumes, quinoa). My definition of a lower carbohydrate diet is one that is lower in refined carbohydrates and higher in high-fibre choices. With the right planning and information, a lower carbohydrate plant-based eating style is definitely achievable and can be an important step towards a healthy, balanced diet.
Where I Have Been Featured
My recipes have been featured on numerous other food blogs with similar food ideals. I have also been featured on PRIME News Australia (see video here), Food Bloggers of Canada and Manitoba Harvest. I have contributed many articles to established networks, including:
- Well + Good – 5 Healthy Foods You Should Always Buy In Bulk, According To A Sustainable Dietitian,
- Well + Good – How To Make The Healthiest, Most Ethical and Sustainable Food Choices If You Eat Meat, Dairy, and Eggs,
- Well + Good – Be A Mediterranean Diet Superstar With This Guide To Eating Fish Sustainably
- Rumble Nutrition 101: Q&A with Paul and Rumble Dietitian Rachel Dickens
Brands That I Have Worked With
Aside from sharing plant-based, lower carbohydrate recipes, I also love partnering with brands that have similar nutrition values. I have worked with Harmonic Arts, iHerb, Tree Island, Botanica Health, Manitoba Hemp Hearts, Rumble and more. See here for more information on partnerships.
Follow along with me as I research and explore the sustainability of our food choices, and share with you some of my favourite vegetarian recipes. Find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter.
