In this episode we are talking with Tamara S. Melton, co-founder of Diversify Dietetics, about the importance of cultural diversity when it comes to nutrition, what impact traditional foods have on our health and what a healthy diet really means in the modern global context.
Interview Highlights and Quick Links
3:50 What cultural diversity means in the context of nutrition
7:15 How understanding of other’s food cultures can help improve eating habits
11:35 Why cultural diversity in food and nutrition is crucial for better healthcare outcomes
14:00 Why Quinoa and Kale is not the best choice for everyone
16:10 Why food diversity is so important
19:30 What makes certain cuisines so flavourful
21:00 Why you should always look at locally produced foods first
23:45 The role of geneticist food intolerances
26:35 What to look at in meat and dairy substitutes
28:00 The problem with popular diets (Keto, Paleo, vegan etc. )
31:00 What healthy eating really means – for everyone
33:05 What Diversify Dietetics stands for
About Tamara S Melton
Tamara S. Melton is a Registered dietitian nutritionist and a Director of Health Informatics for Morrison Healthcare. She is the former Inaugural Program Director for Health Informatics at Georgia State University (GSU). Tamara is the co-founder of Diversify Dietetics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the nutrition and dietetics profession. “As an educator and administrator, I have seen the difference that a supportive community and access to resources can make in the success of a student. As a professional, I’ve seen that diverse teams lead to better outcomes for the patients and clients that we serve. I’m excited to create and participate in a space where we can improve diversity and strengthen the nutrition profession!”
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This video was recorded live, as a part of Happy Bellyfish Video Podcast “Healthy Eating Unbiased and Simplified”. In these interview series we bring nutritionists, doctors, farmers and activists to share different prospectives on what healthy eating is.