Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES
Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES
Jill is one of my favorite colleagues, so when my dietetic intern, Jazmin Alvarez wanted to learn more about diabetes care and education, who else would I turn to but Jill?
Jazmin Alvarez: There are so many specialty areas in nutrition and dietetics, why did you choose a focus on diabetes care?
Jill Weisenberger: I developed an interest in diabetes care early in my career when a former boss asked me to work in outpatient care counseling people with diabetes. I loved it! I then started working on my credential as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and haven’t looked back.
JA: Do you find that generally speaking, clients do commit to changing their eating habits to manage their diabetes? If not, what is the biggest challenge? If so, how do you make this a seamless transition?
JW: Clients generally want to commit to change their eating habits, and many and are successful. The biggest challenge is the client’s mindset. I believe that helping clients feel better about themselves can empower them and change then follows. Allowing them to feel that they have a choice in what they eat can help them commit to change.
JA: What is the most satisfying part of your job right now AND…..how have your job responsibilities changed in the last year with the adjustments we have all had to make with the pandemic?
JW: Choosing what I wanted to do as a registered dietitian nutritionist was, and still is the best and most satisfying aspect of my job. For example, I can take on writing books (four so far!) work with various clients such as the Norwegian Seafood Council, or appear on local television talking about current topics in nutrition, food and health. In terms of dealing with COVID, I had closed my practice before the pandemic but have plans to go virtual in the upcoming year. I refocused my website on specifically responding to my follower’s needs. I created The Beginner’s Guide to What to Eat for Type 2 Diabetes and just completed a video course to help people with their motivation and willpower for healthy habits, so they can finally see the results they’ve been after.
JA: What are 5 items you MUST have in your kitchen at all times?
JW: That’s easy:
Canned chickpeas and black beans
Boxed or canned tomato products
Nuts (walnuts, almonds)
Chocolate covered almonds (5 per day)
V8® Vegetable Juice
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Food & Nutrition Solutions by Jill
Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND
Author/Consultant/Speaker/Spokesperson
www.jillweisenberger.com
jill@jillweisenberger.com
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