Plant Chat: Jen Haugen, RDN, LD
I am so glad to have Jen Haugen, RDN, LD, on my blog this month! Jen is the author behind the beautiful Down-To-Earth Dietitian blog, where she nourishes families through the message of including more wholesome plants. As the author of The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden, Jen is especially passionate about helping people learn how to garden in order to live a richer more vibrant life. As you know, that’s something dear to my heart, too! Jen has worked as a clinical dietitian at Mayo Clinic and as a supermarket dietitian with Hy-Vee where she spearheaded the concept of community gardens at her store. Continue reading to learn more about Jen’s love for gardening and her passion for nutrition.
What inspired you to become a dietitian?
I became a dietitian by deciding one day, after some nudging from my parents (after they witnessed my love of food and nutrition knowledge) to try job shadowing my aunt, who was an outpatient dietitian. Seeing patients in her office have “a-ha moments” to better their health through food was amazing.
What are you passionate about in the food and nutrition world?
I’m passionate about teaching my kids how to garden and cook so they know more about food, how it grows and what to do with it for lifelong health. I’m passionate about helping other moms do the same – to nourish themselves and their families well.
My inspiration for writing The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden stemmed from fighting the “not enough” syndrome as a working mother for years. I thought I needed to do more, make a difference and be more. As a supermarket dietitian, I was teaching children lifelong gardening and cooking skills but at the end of the day I was too tired to teach my own children these skills. I knew I needed to re-establish my priorities, which led me to decide to quit my job as a supermarket RD and focus on nourishing my family.
What is your own personal nutrition philosophy?
I believe when we nourish our families well while teaching our families about how food grows or how food is produced and the nourishment and nutrition it provides, we are doing the right thing. I believe there’s a place for all foods, and balance is extremely important.
How do you think gardening can make a difference in people’s lives?
I believe every mom can change the world and it starts right in our own homes. As moms, we can change the world we live in by starting with the simple idea of gardening with our kids as a family. We can create an intentional time where we work together in the garden. Through that, we create memories that will last a lifetime, while creating nourishment for our tables and our souls.
For people who want to start gardening, but just don’t know how to take the plunge, what is your best advice?
To buy my book, The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden! It might sound contrite but it really is for anyone who wishes to start a garden and doesn’t know where to start or how to stay motivated.
What if you don’t have a yard; how can people grow some of their own food?
The perfect solution is to grow some vegetables in containers. I have a friend who does all her lettuce, radishes, spinach, and even pepper plants in containers on her front steps. Gardens can mean different things to different people – whether it’s in a container or in the back yard – the benefits can be seen from all types of gardens.
I love your idea of a “compost” recipe—what do you mean by that?
Compost is good for the garden – it adds nutrients that help plants thrive and grow and produce. It loosens the soil so things have room to grow and spread their roots. I believe the same is true when we apply our own version of compost to our lives. That recipe enriches us, helps us grow as people, while helping us become better moms as well. When our lives are a little “looser” meaning we have more time in our schedules, we also too can spread our wings and spend time on the things that are the most important to us.
What is growing in your garden right now?
My absolute favorite fruit/vegetable is tomatoes. I love the way they smell and taste. Plus, they are so versatile in recipes.
My book includes information on how to plant 35 different fruits and vegetables, plus 30 garden-fresh recipes, and creative ideas for sections of the garden, for example, planting a “Taco Tuesday” section that features tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
Here is one of Jen’s favorite recipes!
Thai Inspired Zucchini Noodles
Jen Haugen, RDN, LD
Author of The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden
Kitchen and Garden Consultant | Writer | Speaker | Food and Agriculture Communications
Down to Earth Dietitian Blogger at www.jenhaugen.com
Email: jen@jenhaugen.com
Connect with me on Twitter @jenhaugen or on Facebook @JenHaugenRD