Alena Hickman, MPH, RD
Welcome to my blog!
I am a Registered Dietitian based in Metro Detroit and my passion is promoting health and preventing disease through nutrition. Dietitians play a key role in educating the public about nutrition and how diet influences overall health. In effect, we can help reduce the burden of chronic disease and encourage a healthier population. As a dietitian, I apply my knowledge of food and nutrition, along with my desire to help others, to inspire behavior changes that lead to desirable health outcomes.
My interest in nutrition began in high school, when I became more conscious of what I was putting into my body. I desired to "eat healthy." This desire developed into an obsession with calories, food, and being thin. My lack of knowledge led me down a road that I realized I didn't want at all. After several years and working with a team of medical professionals, my relationship with food is mended. I chose recovery and that is something that an individual has to do on his or her own. My parents, whom I love dearly, suffered emotionally as I did, but could not change my mindset about gaining weight and getting healthy. A forced change is not a lasting one. However, through my faith, the support of my family, and my medical team, I overcame this hurdle and would like to use my experience to inspire and serve others. My registered dietitian was surprisingly the team member that inspired me the most---to the extent that I decided that nutrition was the career path that I wanted to pursue. I felt like I could help people who struggled with similar issues--body image, self-esteem, and on a more shallow level, weight. This is where career meets passion! I believe that the challenges that we face in life are meant to equip us to help someone else. These hardships develop empathy, so that we are genuinely able to understand, at least in some capacity, what someone else going through the same issue is feeling. This understanding fosters trust and increases the likelihood that the suffering individual will receive the help that he or she needs.
My educational background in biopsychology and public health has enhanced my ability to work with a wide range of people seeking or needing nutrition services. Changing the way that we view and use food is psychological, as well as behavioral. There are also many other factors to consider, including our environment and social support. Combining the fields of psychology, nutrition, and public health, I will develop a comprehensive intervention that works with clients to help them achieve their health goals.
I have inpatient and outpatient experience providing medical nutrition therapy in a variety of settings. I also work as a community dietitian providing nutrition counseling and education for families participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. In addition, I work as a nutrition consultant, providing individual, family, or group counseling and interventions. My experience allows me to develop individualized, inclusive nutrition care plans. Whether clients are seeking general wellness and nutrition guidance or are requesting assistance with adhering to a specific meal plan, I will meet these requests. My services also include recipe development and nutrition writing.
More research is demonstrating that good nutrition is pivotal in keeping illness at bay and adding quality years to our lives. As a nutrition professional, I promote healthy, sustainable dietary practices in order to prevent, curb, or reverse chronic health conditions, including obesity, malnutrition, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney and heart disease. These practices will increase energy levels and ensure that you look and feel your best. My mission is to show people that food does not have to be the enemy. Food is fuel, food is medicine, and food can, and should, taste good.
I love hearing other perspectives on wellness, so please comment, question, and interact. I appreciate your feedback.
Enjoy your stay-and return again sometime!
I am a Registered Dietitian based in Metro Detroit and my passion is promoting health and preventing disease through nutrition. Dietitians play a key role in educating the public about nutrition and how diet influences overall health. In effect, we can help reduce the burden of chronic disease and encourage a healthier population. As a dietitian, I apply my knowledge of food and nutrition, along with my desire to help others, to inspire behavior changes that lead to desirable health outcomes.
My interest in nutrition began in high school, when I became more conscious of what I was putting into my body. I desired to "eat healthy." This desire developed into an obsession with calories, food, and being thin. My lack of knowledge led me down a road that I realized I didn't want at all. After several years and working with a team of medical professionals, my relationship with food is mended. I chose recovery and that is something that an individual has to do on his or her own. My parents, whom I love dearly, suffered emotionally as I did, but could not change my mindset about gaining weight and getting healthy. A forced change is not a lasting one. However, through my faith, the support of my family, and my medical team, I overcame this hurdle and would like to use my experience to inspire and serve others. My registered dietitian was surprisingly the team member that inspired me the most---to the extent that I decided that nutrition was the career path that I wanted to pursue. I felt like I could help people who struggled with similar issues--body image, self-esteem, and on a more shallow level, weight. This is where career meets passion! I believe that the challenges that we face in life are meant to equip us to help someone else. These hardships develop empathy, so that we are genuinely able to understand, at least in some capacity, what someone else going through the same issue is feeling. This understanding fosters trust and increases the likelihood that the suffering individual will receive the help that he or she needs.
My educational background in biopsychology and public health has enhanced my ability to work with a wide range of people seeking or needing nutrition services. Changing the way that we view and use food is psychological, as well as behavioral. There are also many other factors to consider, including our environment and social support. Combining the fields of psychology, nutrition, and public health, I will develop a comprehensive intervention that works with clients to help them achieve their health goals.
I have inpatient and outpatient experience providing medical nutrition therapy in a variety of settings. I also work as a community dietitian providing nutrition counseling and education for families participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. In addition, I work as a nutrition consultant, providing individual, family, or group counseling and interventions. My experience allows me to develop individualized, inclusive nutrition care plans. Whether clients are seeking general wellness and nutrition guidance or are requesting assistance with adhering to a specific meal plan, I will meet these requests. My services also include recipe development and nutrition writing.
More research is demonstrating that good nutrition is pivotal in keeping illness at bay and adding quality years to our lives. As a nutrition professional, I promote healthy, sustainable dietary practices in order to prevent, curb, or reverse chronic health conditions, including obesity, malnutrition, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney and heart disease. These practices will increase energy levels and ensure that you look and feel your best. My mission is to show people that food does not have to be the enemy. Food is fuel, food is medicine, and food can, and should, taste good.
I love hearing other perspectives on wellness, so please comment, question, and interact. I appreciate your feedback.
Enjoy your stay-and return again sometime!