Heidi Schultz RD
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Getting to know Heidi Schultz RD…
Where did you do your undergrad and internship?
I have a BS in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN; I completed my didactic coursework through the University of Northern Colorado’s online program, and I did my internship at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).
Tell us about your practice. What population are you working with mostly?
My passion in dietetics lies in two areas – outpatient dietetics and public health/policy. I am thrilled to be engaged in the public health field through my current employment at Portland Public Schools as their Wellness Policy Coordinator. This is a position funded through the CDC’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant. My work at the district is focused on creating sustainable, population-based changes in the school environment, specifically around physical activity and nutrition.
What inspired you to become a dietitian?
Years ago I was working as a corporate trainer at a weight loss company. In my role I worked directly with the weight loss clients providing them with the knowledge and skills to effectively mesh the program into their lifestyle to overcome the various challenges that they would face as they moved toward their weight loss goals. I also trained new employees on motivational interviewing techniques and basic nutrition knowledge. It was such an honor to work with these clients and employees, and to play a role in their journey as they moved toward making decisions around food that was nurturing to both their bodies and their souls. The company had a team of dietitians on staff to provide nutritional guidance and I frequently consulted with them. I knew then that I would become a registered dietitian.
What books have shaped your practice the most?
I like all books by Michael Pollen
Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
10 Habits that Mess Up a Woman’s Diet by Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD
Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
What websites and journals do you frequently visit for nutrition information?
Journals:
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
Magazines:
Today’s Dietitian, Clean Eating, Eating Well, Oxygen, Runners World, Natural Health, Triathlete
Documentary:
Recently watched a documentary called “Unnatural Causes – is inequality making us sick?” – it was fantastic.
Websites:
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Food Research and Action Center
Eat Right (ADA) Eat Right Oregon
Do you enjoy cooking? Have you discovered a favorite recipe recently?
I enjoy cooking on the weekends, but find the weekdays get too hectic to create anything new or exciting. Our weekday meals tend to be pretty simple – a lot of grilled chicken and salads. A new favorite recipe I have is for a Tofu Scramble. I’m actually not a vegetarian, but I love many vegetarian/vegan dishes.
I also have a favorite blog site, Rachel’s Digestif. She features great recipes and also promotes some other great cooking blogs. I highly recommend the Kale, Spinach, Pear, Banana smoothie – it sounds questionable, but is truly fantastic!
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Getting to know Heidi…
How did you end up in Portland?
My husband and I came to visit Portland for a friend’s wedding… we stayed in Hood River for a few days before the wedding and fell in love with the mountains, then when we drove to Portland for the wedding, we loved the city and the temperate weather. We moved to Portland six months later.
In regards to a balanced life, who inspires you most?
I find inspiration from so many people – my husband, my family, my friends, my yoga teachers, even random articles in magazines about something that someone is doing or a belief that they have.
What keeps your life balanced?
Being grounded and having balance in my life is really important to me… it isn’t easy, but when I’m “there” it feels so right. I find that I typically need to schedule things into my life that give me balance – just like any other appointment. This includes workouts, quality time with my husband, family and/or friends, volunteer work, a fun adventure, or even just some down time to read a book.
What websites to do frequently visit for fun?
I don’t really enjoy spending a lot of time in front of the computer, but I do love anything that makes me laugh. I’m especially fond of people sending me links to funny YouTube videos. I have a dry sense of humor, so I like a bit of sarcasm now and then.
Some favorites:
Zumba vs. Crossfit (YouTube)
Training for an Ironman (YouTube)
British Animal Voiceovers (YouTube)
Some Blogs I enjoy are:
I also love how Beyonce has partnered with Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative. This video about increasing activity in schools always puts a smile on my face: Beyonce’s Let’s Move – Move Your Body (YouTube)
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