Angel C. Planells, MS, RDN
Angel C. Planells, MS, RDN
Nataly Aceves, a dietetic intern in the master’s in nutrition science program at California State University, Long Beach recently had the opportunity to interview the fabulous Angel C. Planells, MS, RDN. I was not aware of the Men in Nutrition YouTube videos and really enjoyed hearing career stories from my colleagues in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I know you will too.
Nataly Aceves: Name two of your most memorable experiences/interviews as a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Angel C. Planells: I’ve done many interviews and they are all different and unique. I will say that the opportunity to represent our profession and being seen and heard around the country and world is really cool. Here are just two examples: 1) I did an interview for GQ magazine on alcohol, and one of the parents for the kids that I coached soccer with said “Angel is going to help me with my hangover.” 2) I did an interview for Men’s Health where we discussed the science of weight loss. I prepared by reviewing current literature on this subject, but they wanted the piece to be sexy and trendy. As a media spokesperson, we represent everyone in the profession. As a matter of principal and practice, we must stick to the science and discuss the current research/literature. It’s a bummer that I was not put in the article, and so the hope is that another RD does not opt for the trendy/sexy angle that is not research or evidence based.
NA: Please share suggestions/guidance/insight for continued promotion of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) within the field of nutrition and dietetics.
ACP: I recognize I come into the profession with a unique perspective. I also have had the privilege and opportunity to volunteer and meet with several excellent dietitians from around the state of Washington, the country, and around the world. Make it unique to you as I have been an advocate for improving the number of men, and the number of diverse factors to help our profession grow and become the best version of itself. I’d like to make some more videos to help students and professionals recognize and appreciate the opportunities that this profession has to offer.
NA: The Academy has approximately 100,000 credentialed practitioners… a very small percentage are male. What changes/unique opportunities that you have come across as a male in the field of nutrition and dietetics in the past 5 years?
ACP: The profession was at 2% male in 2002, and here we are at about 5%. Progress takes time, and the men in dietetics video that the Academy has released https://youtu.be/wxqRenepk4o is currently at 13K views. I came up with the video concept and got to carry that forward with my own men in nutrition video here: Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/_OroqXc8YIE and Episode 2 https://youtu.be/0yaRoLZUBow . In the whole IDEA concept, men are an important part of the equation as 49% of the general population is male. I don’t expect our profession to get to 49%, but eventually to 8-10% which would be in line with the nursing profession.
NA: On your YouTube channel, you outline a wide array of cultural food items of the AAPI community. What is your favorite dish to prepare and why?
ACP: I love food so I will say I love the taste and flavor of different cuisines I enjoy all 7 of the cuisines in the video, and it helps to live in a city with lots of Asian cuisine. If I had to pick a go-to, it would either be Vietnamese (cause I’m half) or Thai (love the blending of flavors).