Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised on the beautiful island we call St. Maarten with my mom, dad and brother. At home, being active and eating good food was part of our daily life. Thus whether it was a meal at home, lunch at school or eating out with friends, it was natural for me to pick the healthiest option.
Not all kids grow up that way?
Ha-ha no, I’ll never forget being very embarrassed about my dad’s ‘power smoothie’. Whenever my friends would come over for a sleepover, my dad would have this ‘power smoothie’ ready for us in the morning. Our family drank this healthy fruit smoothie regularly for breakfast, but my friends were shocked how it tasted. I guess it definitely wasn’t as tasty for a kid as fruit loops are. Some friends still tease me about it to this day, “That banana smoothie your dad made us drink”. Actually, they might be paying big bucks now at their gyms for the same smoothie!
Were you always interested in ‘a healthy lifestyle’?
I’ll just say that I’ve always been interested in a happy lifestyle, and being healthy is part of that. There was a time I wasn’t aware or educated on what was healthy and what was unhealthy. I ate French-fries at McDonalds or a milkshake from Burger King. When I was a teenager, I started questioning my lifestyle (like any teenager does) and became more aware of my attitude, my skin and my figure. I started doing research and learned that food and exercise play a big role in improving these.
Tell us more about your study?
I study Dietetics – majoring in Health Promotion and Sport Dietetics in Amsterdam. Many people mistakenly use the terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” interchangeably. Although these two professions are undoubtedly related, they maintain distinctive qualities. The biggest difference between dietitians and nutritionists lies in the legal restrictions that each title carries and the level of training between both, though, makes them two distinctly different credentials. Dietitians are considered to be nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
The dietetics study covers subjects like: Biochemistry, physiology, business, sociology, food and nutrition sciences, food service systems management, microbiology, intervention training, economics, personal training and medical science.
Why did you decide to get a degree in this?
In my last year of high school I did my ‘profielwerkstuk’ about the health problem Diabetes on the island. My godmother, teachers, friends at school and even the friendly lady who sells me delicious papayas down the road suffered from diabetes. These were all people I cared about, which motivated me to learn more about diabetes and other health issues. If I could get a degree in this, I thought, I could finally have the knowledge to help them.
What is a common misconception about ‘healthy eating’?
“Healthy eating is expensive, eating healthy takes a lot of time, and healthy food doesn’t taste good.” Those are the most common misconceptions about focusing on eating healthy food. It is all about setting the right priorities.
Are locally-grown food products better than imported products?
I usually choose to eat locally-grown foods to get the most nutrients, flavour and to support the farmers. But this is easier in the Netherlands. On Sint Maarten, you need to know the right people or you will have to take action in your own back yard. Creating your own garden can be some work, but it does pay off; it is better for your body and the planet.
How is choosing locally-sourced food also better for the planet?
Local food is talked about a lot all over the world, especially for those trying to be environmentally sustainable. “Think globally, act locally”. A rising concern is that most of the emissions (air pollutants) happen as a result of growing plants or animals on large scales, and transportation contributes a small percentage as well. Animals (especially cows) are the highest emissions, since their methane emissions (aka farts) have more impact than carbon. It’s a big discussion, but personally I think if you really want to help the environment - eating less animals or animal products is better. And if you want to contribute to a better sustainable food chain - start planting those seeds because local is the way to go!
Do you have any tips on making easier healthy choices?
Take the little opportunities. Being physically active isn't about joining a gym right away, and you don’t have to start counting every calorie either. If you can add an extra 10 steps to your day here and there, they add up. If you choose for more vegetarian options instead of eating meat every day, it’s a little change, but it adds up.
How do you stay ‘healthy’?
My healthy can be different from someone else’s concept of healthy. After all, we’re all different and have our own beliefs and ways, and as a dietician you’ll always have to respect that. Nutritional requirements are always unique.
Though, some main facts are true and what has really worked for me the most is:
- Eating clean, real, trustworthy food.
- Read labels and question everything you eat.
- Get your body moving, exercise regularly, living an active life.
- Make water your best friend - and avoid the sugary drinks.
- Consider going meatless and adding more fruits and vegetables to the plate.
- Getting enough sleep as is recommended for your age.
- Don’t engage in too risky behaviour; cigarettes or high alcohol consumption.
- Learn how to cook properly and healthier - Less bad add-ons (salt/fats/fried)
- Think positively, manage stress and be emotionally healthy.
Side effects may include: happiness, radiance and an amazing healthy, longer life!
