Each week we profile a different Canadian Food Blogger who is part of the FBC community. This week we meet Rachel, the Victoria based blogger behind the site The Conscious Dietitian, where she shares plant based recipes for sustainable eating all from the perspective of a dietitian!
Name: Rachel Dickens
Blog name: The Conscious Dietitian
Where were you born? Prince Rupert, BC
Where are you living now? Victoria BC
How did you decide on your blog name?
I was looking to bring together nutrition and food sustainability. The Conscious Dietitian encompasses my passion for nutrition that is good for our bodies, as well as the planet.
What do you blog about?
The Conscious Dietitian aims to bring together evidence-based nutrition recommendations with a focus on choices that are better for the planet. We learn in school about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, but what we didn’t learn about was how to teach clients on the more sustainable option. There is a lot of evidence to support plant-based nutrition for our health and the health of our planet. I also include many recipes that are all plant-based, with minimal processed ingredients, and seasonal with a consideration of food-miles.
Is your blog your business, your hobby or something in between?
Currently my blog is my hobby, though I would love to one day be able to make it more of a business. Currently I work full time in a Diabetes Education Centre.
What post on your blog most encapsulates you and why?
I like this post for Chia vs Flax vs Hemp because I am able to outline the differences in health benefits between these 3 common seeds, as well as the differences in their sustainability standpoint.
Which post do you wish received more love and why?
I love this recipe for Hemp and Sunflower Seed Pate. It is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It contains only whole-food ingredients, and the best of all, it is super easy to make!
Which post’s success surprised you and why?
This recipe for No-Bake 100 Calorie Peanut Butter energy balls is my most popular post. I have so many energy ball recipes on my site, but I suppose this one is the most popular because it is a quick and easy low calorie snack.
What’s your biggest challenge as a blogger?
Finding the time. I would love to be able to create new recipes, take photos and research sustainable eating habits more often, but working full-time limits my opportunities.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a blogger?
Be real. I love following bloggers that are authentic and transparent. I think people can appreciate these qualities.
What has been your biggest success as a blogger so far?
I love seeing the progression in my food photography skills. I think it is important to maintain a balance between clinical work and creativity. Learning about photography has been a great opportunity to gain skills I otherwise wouldn’t have invested in.
Share a couple of your favourite food blogs to read. Why do you like them?
Love and Lemons – her recipes are very seasonal and celebrates available produce.
Desiree Nielson - an author and Registered Dietitian that writes in an easy to understand format with quirky undertones.
Favourite food - care to share a recipe or a restaurant destination?
Favourite Restaurant – Be Love in Victoria BC – plant-based fine dining!
I love nut butters! My Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are one of my favs.
What are you working on next for your blog?
I want to focus a bit more on nutrients to consider on a plant-based diet. Currently I am working on a post about Vitamin D.
What else should we know about you that may or not be in your “About Me” page?
I LOVE being a dietitian and inspiring people to make healthy food choices.
What makes your blog unique?
I am a Registered Dietitian that specializes in sustainable eating for the planet.
How do you cultivate a sense of community around your blog?
I am active on social media and love hearing from readers.
What part of the FBC site do you find most useful?
I love the e-mail updates and blogging tips! I especially love the photography posts.
You can unsubscribe any time!
Awesome, would like some first nations food recipies so filled with nutrition in fish and wild plants foods found in certain areas in BC, also berries
Hi Mark – so glad you enjoyed the profile on Rachel! If you’re interested in Indigenous cuisine check out our history of Bannock and our profiles on First Nations chefs Rachel Eyahpaise, Shawn Adler and BC’s Paul Natrall!