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Let's Talk About Nutrition: Mirieta Is Here to Help (Y)our Diet Thrive

February 01, 2021

Let's Talk About Nutrition: Mirieta Is Here to Help (Y)our Diet Thrive

If you’re not already following Mirieta, a.k.a. @thesweetenedpea, on Instagram, know this: The possibility of making your life (and nutrition) at least 10 percent more joyous is only a screen tap away. 

Mirieta took a short break from her RD studies and creating content for our most recent collab to answer all our burning questions. Grab your favourite snack, cozy up and take a peek into Mirieta's world. 

 

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS 


What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?

I finally started reading for leisure again! I made it my New Years resolution and I’m really proud of myself for keeping it up so far!

What’s your life motto?

Make memories, count blessings!

Favorite vegetable?

Red bell peppers

Name one thing you’ve learned the hard way?

Trust your gut – your gut is ALWAYS right!

Go to snack:

Unsalted, roasted almonds. I take these with me everywhere!

Sweet or spicy?

Sweet, please!

Last song that was stuck in your head?

Pon de Replay by Rihanna! Hits from the early 2000’s have been on repeat in The Sweetened Pea kitchen A LOT as of late. 

Green juice or smoothie?

How about a green smoothie?

 

 

Thank you for chatting with us Mirieta. Let’s jump right into it. Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what made you want to become a dietitian?

I’m a Toronto-born foodie and dietitian in-training with southern European roots. Having a green thumb and celebrating with food are two very significant traditions in the culture that I grew up in. As such, I’ve been curious about food systems for as long as I can rememberpractically curious about every single step it takes to get food from farm to table! It was through taking biology in high school however that I became particularly interested in the power of food, as an influencer of health. I was hooked from the start, hungry to learn more, and passionate about helping others use what we know about nutrition to better their lives. 

 

What does nourishment mean to you?

To me, nourishment is somethinganythingthat supports our health, growth and development. Naturally, we relate this to food; but in reality, there are so many other tangible and intangible things that we use and interact with to nourish our body, mind and overall wellbeing. 

 

 

If you could pick one superfood to eat over and over again, what would it be?

Hemp seeds! They’re a complete, plant-based protein and super versatile. I could eat them sprinkled over just about anything!

 

If you could persuade people to change three things about their diet, what would they be?

At a high level, I think that most people can benefit from eating (1) in the company of others, (2) mindfully, and (3) more plants-based foods. 

 

What are your 5 must-have items in your fridge at all times?

I find myself feeling very incomplete whenever I’m out of lemons, eggs, some kind of leafy greens, feta cheese, and/or fresh figs (I LOVE figs!).

 

What are your 5 must-have items in your freezer at all times?

My freezer must-haves include: frozen ripe bananas, frozen berries, some salmon or trout fillets, a loaf of whole grain bread and a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream!

 

What about your pantry?

I like to keep a rotating stock of various nuts on hand, sunflower seed butter, as well as canned beans, dry pasta and a pack of Smarbite rice cakes. Whenever my pantry is stocked with these basics, I never have to worry about putting together a last-minute meal or snack! 

 

 

Are there any books, magazines, newsletters, podcasts or websites you would recommend for those who want to become better educated about diet and nutrition?

Unlock Food is a fantastic one-stop shop for credible nutrition information on a huge variety of topics! You can also find some dietitian-approved meal planning resources and recipes on there. As for a book, How to Be Well: The 6 Keys to a Happy and Healthy Life by Dr. Frank Lipman is a great read. I really like how it positions nutrition in respect to so many other important aspects of health. 

 

Picture this, you’re living your most perfect day — what does this look like?

My most perfect day would most definitely start with an extra foamy cappuccino and full breakfast, preferably on a balcony or patio. I love to eat outdoors! After fueling up, I’d head out for a walk or hike somewhere, check out a farmer’s market, and then meet up with friends or family to enjoy a nice meal out somewhere.

 

Now what’s your actual typical day look like?

Unfortunately, a typical day for me right now does not look anything like my most perfect day! Aside from restrictions due to COVID, I’m in the home stretch of my dietetic training right now and so I’m very focused on my studies. Creating content and connecting with The Sweetened Pea community is definitely my escape and the highlight of my day! Whenever I’m not studying or scrolling through IG, I can very likely be found in the kitchen coming up with my next recipe!

 

 

Any words of advice/suggestions for someone considering entering your field?

Think BIG! Nutrition is such a huge (growing!) field. There are opportunities to pursue your passions, lend expertise and create an impact everywhere where food is, or should be, involved! Don’t be afraid to push boundaries, ask questions and express your creativity. 


Saving the big one for last. Where do you see yourself in the next 2 or 3 years? Any big plans you’d like to share?

In 2-3 years, I hope to be living many more days like my most perfect day. A healthy work-life balance is a top priority of mine, and so is being accessible to as many clients as possible. Because of this, what I’d like to see 2-3 years from now is that regardless of what exactly it is that I am doing, my office will fit into a laptop sleeve and The Sweetened Pea community will continue to grow!

 

 

WHAT IS SMARTBITE COLLECTIVE? Smartbite Collective shines a spotlight on changemakers in our community that live according to Smartbite principles. We started Smartbite Snacks because we want to live our lives on our own terms while creating a positive change around us. We don't wait for things to happen, we get up and happen to things. Roadblocks don't discourage us, they fuel us. We believe that life is what you make it, how you impact it and also how you look at it – rice cakes are just rice but wine is just grapes. To us simplicity, boldness, kindness and giving a shit (yes, we said it) are everything and when we meet someone who embodies all of the above, you bet we'll ask tons of questions. 



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