Day 1 of the Virginia Dietetics Conference is a wrap. I don’t like to be negative about things, but today’s presentations weren’t very impressive. I feel like a lot of these nutrition conferences are too basic for us RDs – I come hoping to stay up-to-date in my field and hear research, trends, science, real life experience. Yet it seems presentations are usually just about very basic topics. We spend years learning chemistry, and then it’s never mentioned again! The best presentation I’ve been to was on epigenetics at the Charlotte meeting last year. That was some interesting science. Maybe I’m just too fresh out of school to appreciate the more basic topics that I feel like l just learned about?
I suppose one would say that I should be doing the presentation – or planning the meeting – if I’m going to make constructive criticism. Maybe someday I will.
Overall the conference is good – and thanks to those who have put hard work into it. I’m still enjoying it and meeting other dietitians.
I managed to sneak in a 15 minute walk around the parking lot while on the phone with Matt discussing bakery business during one of the breaks. It was SO nice out!
When our day was over, there was a reception
With veggies + sushi
[Had to snap the photos before it was officially time to dig in!]
And lots of cheese, crackers and hummus
Plus a bar
But I can drink fine spirits any time, so I said no thanks and instead just chatted around for a bit before heading outside.
The EARTH was calling me!!
All day in a room with no windows and 80* outside. I suited up for a run!
Here’s my running route strategy. Look for a big green blob on a map. Zoom in and look for trails.
Find the parking lot.
And then drive there! Google Maps is my favorite way to find running near my hotel.
The trail was beautiful and exactly 2 miles long.
My run was great and just on the way home I passed……
Totally accidental. NOT.
Actually all day I had been dreaming about a trip to WF, my king sized bed and my book. I just wanted to chill out after the long day. And take a shower in my botanicals!
I recently got this facial cleanser after smelling a bunch of them at Whole Foods last week. It smells INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I pretty much got the same exact dinner as last night!!
This salad was MASSIVE!! You know in nutrtional education materials when they show a salad covered in ranch dressing and cheese and bacon and ham and say “Remember: some salads can really add up!”
This is the yuppie version of that salad.
All good real food, but way too much of it! I was absolutely stuffed when I got to the bottom! I blame those amazing cinnamon butternut squash cubes in the right corner! And the fluffy bed of kale on the bottom. Too many vegetables!
Somehow. Somehow. I had room for a bite of my Amish Friendship bread an hour after dinner. 1/4 of my loaf is gone, and I’m pretty sure the housekeeping didn’t touch it…
Now, if you’ll excuse me, the King [bed] and I are off to snuggle!
Meg says
Sorry the presentations didn’t keep your interest as much as you wanted 🙁 Maybe next time 😀
Oooh accidental Whole Foods stumble-upon?! Yeah right… 😉
Enjoy your kind-sized bed!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I would have opted for Whole Foods salad bar, too!
It seems that all of mainstream health and nutrition is very basic and subscribes to a lot of recycled, outdated information and data. I swear there are more people without degrees that know more than most doctors and dietitians in the US these days because the academia has not caught up. It’s not the fault of the students, but more of the institutions where they learn and the conferences they attend. A lot of it is due to politics, though.
Elizabeth says
I think more of it is that we as Registered Dietitians make a point that we practice evidence-based nutrition, rather than anecdotal treatments that other “nutritionists” may use. For something to be evidence-based, it takes years of scientific studies and reviews. We don’t just jump on the latest fad bandwagon, as many others do.
I will agree with you about doctors though – they have very little to none nutrition training, and many are well-aware of that. They need to refer to us, the RDs!
Karen says
It does seem that as a whole, RD’s tend to be quite conservative. These days, with the general population becoming increasingly sophisticated in nutrition,it seems that many of these professionals are behind the curve, clinging to the outdated or long-held beliefs while many mainstream folks and numerous other complementary/alternative health practitioners embrace more progressive ideas and interventions. Certainly, there are exceptions, but the many of the most outspoken in the field tend to be those on the traditional end of the spectrum.
Amanda @ The Artsy Kitchen says
When I travel, the first thing I always scope out is a Whole Foods. I could pretty much eat WF salad bar every day… I do the exact same thing, I just pile everything in that looks good and usually end up with the most random $20 salad ever.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
that’s too bad that there’s not much new stuff! good for you for getting out and about 🙂
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
You’re so brave. Just finding a route and running. I don’t think I’m quite there yet.
staceyhealthylife says
Good for you for going on a run. I have to say the food they are serving at this conference could be a little better since it’s RD’s.
Kristen, Sweetly says
There is nothing better than snuggling into a gigantic hotel bed while you’re away and have had a super long day! 🙂 Enjoy it until you can be home again.
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations says
I like the purple sweater you wore today. Level of material (basic, intermediate, advanced, etc.) is an issue at most professional conferences I think. When I attended my first one, I felt like it was all so new and exciting. But then when you become more advanced, you really want more advanced programming. It’s so hard for the programming committees to meet the needs of everyone. There are almost always some really great sessions though.
Jenn from Much to My Delight says
I can’t believe I JUST got back from a weekend in Amish country and am just now learning about Amish friendship bread. Man, I always miss the boat. Or the buggy, in this circumstance.
Hope the rest of your conference is a success!
Jessie -- The Messie Kitchen says
See that bread is addicting!!!! I just posted the recipe tonight.. enjoy 🙂 So great to finally meet you!
http://www.themessiekitchen.com/2011/04/sourdough-cinnamon-raisin-bread-amish.html
KathEats says
Wow – what a recipe!
Kelli says
I love Alba botanical’s!! I use it all the time. Added bonus is it’s local to where I live. : ) Glad you like it too.
Molly says
I love it too! I use the pineapple enzyme face cleanser and the jasmine and vitamin
E lotion. Both smell amazing!
Kelli says
🙂
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
The best thing after a day stuck inside? A nice long run.
I hope your second day is more interesting than the first one.
WF is a great resource when traveling especially ones that have a Cafe Gratitude.
Kristi @ KristiAteIt says
Too bad about the conference. But, it was really cool that you found a trail near where you are staying. I never would have thought to do it like that! Very clever…
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
Too bad about the presentations!
I love that you planned in the WF hot bar once again — travelling with you would be fun!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
WF hot bar-success!!! Love your meal idea, Kath. Hope the conference is fun tomorrow (maybe more topics that are a wider range???) Sleep tight in that nice bed!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i use alba’s green tea spf and it smells great. funny, i discovered it at a whole foods while traveling also!
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
You must be staying at a Marriott! I had those same shampoos/soaps when I was up at my job orientation =)
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
that’s such a bummer the conference isn’t totally up to par, but there are probably a lot of topics being shared that i’d love to hear about! hopefully tomorrow is better 🙂
Kacy says
Great running tip, I’ve never thought to do that!!
Abby says
I never thought of using Google Maps to find running! What a fabulous idea. Love your accidental stop- 😉
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Looking for big green blogs and zooming in and running there…great strategy 🙂
Seminars, conferences, continuing education anything…sadly, it’s usually really dumbed down and a timewaster. Not to be negative either but I want to learn, push, be challenged and have NEW info…not recycled basic stuff. I feel you. At least the sushi looked good 🙂
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I’d guess that the program is probably gearing towards RD’s who may have been in the field for quite a few years and haven’t either learned these items in their original education or need a quick refresher. Regardless, I can definitely see where it would feel frustrating for you! Hope it gets more interesting!
At least the reception food looks really good! 🙂
Lesley Lifting Life says
My WF salads always really add up too! 🙂 Ha, just can’t seem to help myself.
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
That’s always disappointing when a conference doesn’t meet expectations!
I’ve heard good things about that facial cleanser, might have to try it!
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
My teacher last year told me that R.D.’s only end up using 30% of what they learned in school. And then I proceeded to reply: “Then…I’m wasting my time?!?!”
I remember the talk on epigenetics! That was a GREAT topic 🙂 A little hard to follow at first, but by the end, I was really interested! She did a wonderful job explaining it!
Yay for a run! Maybe tomorrows topics will be better? Hope so!
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
PS. I also thought the Bariatric topic was interesting too last year. The visual aids were very informative 🙂 That’s the sort of thing I like to hear about at the meetings: new procedures, updated info on benefits of certain foods, new trends in wt. loss…
Remember the woman that talked about Vitamin D?? She said that we only benefit from sunlight at a certain time from ‘this’ month to ‘this’ month?
KathEats says
Yes – that whole day was great! Go Charlotte!
Mary says
hey! I think we wear the same shoes (Gel Nimbus woohoo!)
That is annoying about the conference, hopefully you have some break out sessions with more in depth/interesting topics you can attend tomorrow! I’m new enough in my field where every talk at every conference is still relatively exciting to me while most of my older colleagues are bored.
Also, you should totally be leading a session yourself…you are probably THE leading expert on social media/nutrition!
Julie @ Lettuce Choose Healthy says
whole foods salad bar <3
Christine says
I frequently have to attend trainings that don’t leave me with a lot of new information- it’s really frustrating since I don’t like to waste time!
Alicia @culinarybliss says
I have to say, this has been my experience with professional conferences, too. And the sad flip side is even when you’re doing presentations of good quality, the appreciation just isn’t always there. They really are great for networking and getting psyched up about your profession, so just try to take it for what it is. (Also, feels like vacation time!)
Good for you taking time for a run and hitting the hay.
Mary says
hey! I think we wear the same shoes (Gel Nimbus woohoo!)
That is annoying about the conference, hopefully you have some break out sessions with more in depth/interesting topics you can attend tomorrow! I’m new enough in my field where every talk at every conference is still relatively exciting to me while most of my older colleagues are bored.
Also, you should totally be leading a session yourself…you are probably THE leading expert on social media/nutrition!
Crystal says
That sucks about the presentations. But perhaps there is a comment box somewhere that you can make that suggestion? Epigenetics is really interesting. 🙂 I’m majoring in genetics, too! I’m hoping that next year’s classes will be as interesting… despite all the chemistry that comes along with it!
Marian Schembari says
You shouldn’t feel like you’re being too negative at ALL. I rarely attend a conference or seminar that I feel is chock full of information that’s not new to me. I’m “in” social media and I’ve only ever been to one event that didn’t feel like really basic information, and that event was specifically about new technologies (hence, they were new, so not a lot of people knew about them). I think too often conference coordinators want to make as much money as possible so they try to appeal to the widest audience possible. It’s a shame that it works out that way. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
Yummy I’d eat that whole salad too! Looks so good
I guess today was an outside > conference sort of day. Its too bad you didn’t find the conference interesting but I guess it means that you know your stuff!
val says
you’re in my hometown area! (everything in northern virginia is a big blob of an area:) i’m excited to see where you’ll go tomorrow!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I love it when I ‘stumble’ upon Whole Foods 😉 I actually did totally stumble upon one the last time I was in LA. It was a godsend- I really had to pee, and somehow when I was leaving a carton of ice cream jumped out at me and asked to come home! I couldn’t deny it 🙂
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
Good that google can find you a running route nearby. Usually I just ask the concierge to give me a route, that way I know they will send me somewhere safe and crowded.
As for my CE, we have plenty of choices in our fields, and the accounting rules are constantly changing, so we feel like once we are up to date the new tax laws, new changes are taking into effect. It’s constantly trying to catch up to learning the new thing.
Alice says
Totally agree, alone in a place I don’t know and where people wouldn’t know to look for me wouldn’t be my stratgy. Sadly a populated conciege recommended running spot is safest to take off with your headphones on. I live in the city and I hesistate to go running alone in Rock Creek Park in broad daylight.
Courtney @ the granola chronicles says
Your dinner from WF looks wonderful.
Molly says
Hmmm, that is disappointing! I went to a DM conference in March and 5 hours into it I had been overloaded with information. Sometimes it is nice for lighter material to break up the intense day.
Ginna says
The NP conferences I attend are usually pretty good, but i can understand how some of the topics seem very redundant at times.
I was curious if your RD national cert requires clinical hours? If so how do you do this while not working as an RD?
KathEats says
Nope – dietetics is SO broad that they don’t force you to do your cont. ed. in one branch. You could do it all in one topic [your specialty ] if you chose
JenATX says
Pretty pic of you on your walk 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I wish I had Amish bread in my hotel room!
Pearl (Crunch and Chew) says
Craving cinnamon butternut squash now!
By the way, what headphones do you use for running? I’ve been using my iPod ones but they won’t stop falling out! Thanks 🙂
KathEats says
I just wore my Android phone headphones – which actually did stay in WAY better than my iPhone ones
Kim says
I have used my ipod earpuds in the past, the fell out always. I got the yurbuds ( they go overtop the ipod earbuds).. what a difference!! they stay in SO good. Now I can’t stand to run without them.
sasha@ Blyssfulhealth says
Looks like a jam packed day. Love the pics of the run and of course the things that you got at WF.
Carrie @ Nutrition By Carrie says
Your comments about convention curriculum were interesting…its a shame that the subject matter is not more progressive. I’m finishing the last of my science prereqs before starting grad school in the fall (nutrition science). Epigenetics is one of my pet subjects…I did a presentation on it last year for a bio class, and went way above and beyond researching it. Mention folic acid and methylation and I get all excited…
Oh yeah…I’m with you on WF…their food bars rock. One of the first things I do when traveling is scout out in advance whether there are any Whole Foods. Even in places like Las Vegas.
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
After a day inside, it would be a crime not to get out in 80* weather for a run!
Emma (Namaste Everyday) says
what a great idea to find running trails! I will do that next time I’m out of town 🙂
Angie says
Love your “yuppie version” of the salad. Looks delicious!
Hannah says
This night of yours is actually one of my favourite things to do when travelling. When I was in the States, I’d wander around all day, then hit a Whole Foods or similar store, stock up on goodies (more dessert than you 😉 ) and chill in my hotel room in bliss 🙂
Ella says
I just attended the Nevada Dietetic Association annual meeting in Reno (I’m doing my DI in Vegas) and I feel similarly about the quality of the presentations. I’d say about half were stimulating and new, full of science- and research-based ideas. The other half were soooo basic. I wanted to die when a doctor presented for 90 minutes on the MEDITERRANEAN DIET. Everyone in the audience, including an intern like me, could have given that presentation from heart, no notes required!
But yes. It is very easy to criticize, and I was grateful for the positive parts of the conference.
Heidi - apples under my bed says
Ooooh that meal looks amazing! Cinnamon squash, yes please!!
Heidi xo
Laura (Starloz) says
it’s a shame the presentation was not very informative. that’s so disappointing.
i’m loving the way your discussing the typical … some salads can really add up. because it’s true they can but we ned to learn how to avoid this happening.
Hannah @ Healthy Life says
I love to do that too when I’m away with work in London- make the most of the hotel room and just go to bed early with my book! I usually take a few pamper products ans give myself a facial too.
Shame the presentations didn’t interest you- especially as you were inside all day!
The dinner salad looks great 🙂
Carol says
I find that many of the presentations I attend for continuing ed. I can also teach or lead. Very frustrating especially when you get your hopes up that you will be learning something new:)
Happy you got your run in! Nothing worse than being cooped up and not being able to work out:)
Hope today is better!
Emily says
I nearly always have the same feeling at dietetics meetings, Kath. And even if there is research presented, it’s not always well supported or done in a thoughtful way. I’ve actually found that the American Society for Nutrition is a great source for the latest scientific research (they are having a conference similar to the annual ADA meeting in DC this month). They also produce a couple of journals. Check it out if you want! http://www.nutrition.org/
KathEats says
Thanks for the info! If I had a bigger travel budget, I’d definitely see if I could make it, but this conf. is wiping me out. Great link!
Christie {Nourishing Circle} says
Sorry the conference has been boring so far. I think it sounds like a great idea for you to do some of the presentations – be the change? right?!?!?
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
The Florida Dietetic Association conference was pretty good when I went last year, with a nice variety of topics to choose from. The food, however, was definitely not! I was so surprised, since it was meant for RDs — vegetables soggy in butter, a baked potato bar where the only options were cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits, and a gigantic torso of meat (I swear, it looked like some animal’s torso! It was HUGE!) that was so tough they were having trouble carving it and saying that it was hurting their wrists to try to carve!!!
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) says
I agree, that many of the dietetic presentations need some work. I actually went to a couple of great ones recently; one on “mindfulness” and the other on “enteral nutrition in the ICU” which was chock full of newer research. Loved them! But most of the time? Not so much.
Great job on getting out there for a run! That really helps to loosen up the day. 😀
Katherine: Unemployed says
I am learning that it is important to take pictures of food before eating any of it because it really will disappear. Recent attempt to review a bag [yes, full-size] of chips: fail…
Simply Life says
I love using google earth to find runs!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Gooooorgeous outside! I always feel that way too haha I am always so scared I will drop my phone!!
Kara says
I’ve often been surprised at how professional conferences can seem basic right after school! It made me wonder if I’d get stupider with age 😛
kate@ahealthypassion says
Ahh I love that you left the party to go outside thats something I would do.. salad looks amazing but what isnt from whole foods!
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
Omg, dont tell me that you never hear about chemistry again after years of it! I knew it! I’m in organic chem right now and i’ve though MANY times, when will I need to know this again?
Patty says
Never thought I’d leave a comment, but I’ve been following you for about 3 months, since I read one of your articles in Breathe on smoothies. I live in Greenbriar, and run/walk/bike in that park every wknd. Glad you found it and were able to enjoy the beautiful day!
KathEats says
Oh how fun!
KathEats says
Oh fun!
Elizabeth@The Sweet Life says
I love Alba products–their lotions are amazing!
Laura says
I attended a professional conference right after grad school (different profession, though) and had the same issue. I was chatting with professor about feeling disapointed, and he said it was not uncommon for recent grads to feel that way at conferences. Some of the information is new or a much needed refresher to people who have been out in the field for a long time. He suggested reviewing the topics and researching the presenters before signing up for another conference (schedule and presenters is usually online or can be requested via email).
Char says
I’m upgrading and re-taking chemistry to get into dietetics, and I’m not a chem student so thank you for saying that you don’t use much chemistry after school’s all said and done…it’s refreshing for me to hear! I love how you scouted out a running trail..such a good idea!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Hearing about material you already know about is so boring! I transfered after 3 years in a biomedical science degree to a nutrition degree, so a lot of my first year classes this year are just review for me. It’s so tedious!
At least you got a good run in though!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I COMPLETELY agree with you about continuing education events. I feel like FNCE is worth the time because there are so many diffrent options at any given time, but unfortunately my local conferences are often disappointing.
At least the food is usually good?
kelly says
It seems like all of the Conferences start off with “We have an obesity problem in America” and go on from there. WE KNOW THAT! For now, I have given up on the Alabama Dietetic Conference but I heard that the SCAN conference is amazing….
Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day says
I have made the decision to go back to school to become an RD.. !..
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom? I am starting out as a Freshman in college at age 39!
KathEats says
Check out the RD Q+A at PreventionRD.com’s site. It’s very informative and I’m in it!
Melanie Schneider says
I love using google maps to figure out my runs as well, however, someone just informed me of a great website they use – mapmyruns.com. I haven’t checked it out yet but I figured I would pass the information on in case you wanted to check out another way of planning your runs. Apparently people post their popular routes so you can search in a certain area and find out where people are running. Sounds good to me!
KathEats says
I prefer Google G-maps pedometer to Mapmyrun.com but maybe it’s gotten better with age?
Cait's Plate says
I just had sushi myself last night! And there’s definitely nothing better than a Whole Foods salad bar 🙂 I can never control myself from strolling in when I just “happen” to pass by as well 😉
Melissa says
I am convinced that those cinnamon butternut squash cubes are also coated in crack! They are SOOO good!
Love your strategy for finding places to run! I’m going to try that!
R @ Learning As I Chop says
I love Alba products. They always smell so good
faith says
I tried Blue Ridge Country Store’s salad bar for the first time yesterday, wow, I see many a salad bar trips in our future!
p.s. I love you. Just had to put it out there. Miss you.
KathEats says
xoxo
Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says
I’m so glad that you still “overindulge” sometimes, even if it is on vegetables! I feel like you always do so well with intuitive eating and making good choices, it’s good to see that you’re still human! 🙂 Thanks for the reminder that you don’t have to eat perfectly all the time to be healthy!
Errign says
Gahhh, the weather looks so beautiful. Rainy & grey in NH today! 🙁
Kristina says
What a bummer about the conference – it’s always disappointing to feel like you invested a lot of your time and money in something like that and don’t feel like you learned much or got anything out of it. It looks like you’re making the most of it anyways, though 🙂
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
I get endlessly frustrated with continuing education programs that don’t continue your education on anything… we didn’t suffer through years of biochem and tpn calculations to hear about public policy 😉
Susan (Oliepants) says
Yep- I too would be able to make tummy room for the Amish bread!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
I could literally live at Whole Foods. There is one right near my train stop in NYC so I often ‘run in’ for something, but end up with an arm full of wonderful goodies!
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
I feel like that’s the way most conferences are unfortunately. At least you’ve met a lot of people, and found some sweet running trails! That WF salad looks awesome.
MonsteRawr says
As I look out the window at the steady rain and gray skies, I am practically writhing with jealousy over your run. The pictures are so lovely, and it looks like a fantastic trail to run. I hope you enjoy the rest of your conference.
Jenn says
One of my favorite trails in the area. I just completed my first 10-miler over the weekend, and ran this trail regularly to train. Glad you enjoyed it!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
You’ll definitely be making presentations someday as you deserve to be doing!! No doubt you probably have much more experience than some of them speaking already.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Thanks for the great tip on finding a trail!!!
AGC says
Hi Kath- If you are looking for a more science-based conference you should attend the American Heart Association’s Nutrition, Physical Acitivity and Metabolism conference. It’s great!
This year’s just took place in Atlanta but next year’s is in San Diego in March. 🙂
http://my.americanheart.org/professional/Sessions/EPINPAM/EPINPAM_UCM_316904_SubHomePage.jsp
Dee says
i love alba botanicals. I first experienced them back in 2004 when i was only able to buy them from eBay (I think – I don’t even remember anymore). I got this amazing Mango-Vanilla shaving cream. It was to die for. 🙂
And wow, your salad looks amazing! I was just thinking about heading to Whole Foods later today. 😉
Melissa @ Journey to Marvelous says
Whole Foods salad and hot bar is my absolute fave…I have overstuffed myself there a few too many times! 🙂
Angel7 says
I love sushi!
Butternut squash cubes… Yum!
That salad was huge, or maybe the picture made it look gi-normous! But I am sure it was well worth it, and you probably covered all the vitamins and minerals you needed for a day in it 🙂
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Katie (quick cook rice) says
That is my kind of Whole Foods salad bar! I overstuff the box and myself. every. single. time.
Hilary says
Haha…very nice title! And that salad looks AMAZING and super-filling!
Chloe says
Kath – It sounds to me nutrition RESEARCH focused conferences would be more beneficial to you, for ex. Experimental Bio, which is happening next week in DC. I’ll be there.
http://experimentalbiology.org/content/upload/file/2011%20Scientific%20Sessions%20by%20Society.pdf