Experts in Conversation: Finding Balance: A Journey into Food As Medicine with Patricia Bannan MS, RDN
According to the CDC, “In the United States, 20% of young people aged 2 to 19 years and 42% of adults have obesity, which can put them at risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers” (“Poor Nutrition”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Nutrition for Chronic Disease Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/nutrition.htm).
In the face of such daunting statistics, the “Food As Medicine” movement offers a ray of hope. However, navigating this terrain can be overwhelming, especially amidst the pressures of modern life and the challenges of healthy-food accessibility. To shed light on this vital movement, we interviewed Patricia Bannan, a registered dietitian nutritionist, renowned for her expertise in healthy cooking and wellness-focused lifestyle.
The Path to Wellness: Embracing a Holistic Approach
Question: What brought you to this work?
“In my journey from being an overweight child to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist, I discovered the importance of sustainable and enjoyable ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. My experiences fueled my passion for guiding others towards holistic wellness,” Patricia Bannan reveals.
Patricia’s journey into nutrition began with a personal struggle with weight as a child, leading her to explore sustainable and enjoyable ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Through her experiences and career spanning over two decades, she evolved her approach, incorporating media communications and addressing burnout with back-to-basics practices. Patricia’s current focus lies in helping individuals, particularly busy women, cultivate what she’s labeled “Wellness Intelligence” consisting of 3 core pillars: mindset shifts, daily habits, and community support.
It’s not all about the Plate: Nurturing Body and Mind
Question: When it comes to Food As Medicine, what are some of the key factors clients need to know, to be set up for success?
“Earlier in my career, I would have just focused on what’s on your plate. And while I talk about that sometimes, now it’s within a larger context. There are really five pillars of health and one is nutrition. It’s not just about what’s on your plate but also about sleep, mindfulness, movement, and social connectedness. And while those sound separate from nutrition they are all interconnected. For example, if you’re not sleeping well, researchers say you’re more likely to eat about 400 calories more a day, because your body is craving general carbohydrates to stay awake and keep going. Understanding the interconnected nature of health is crucial. By focusing on all 5 pillars, individuals can cultivate a foundation for vibrant health,” explains Patricia.
In Patricia’s holistic approach, she emphasizes five interconnected elements of health: nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, movement, and social connectedness. Recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all, Patricia guides her clients through personalized journeys, focusing on mindset shifts, creating daily habits, and fostering supportive communities. She stresses the importance of aligning actions with personal values and integrating plant-centric diets for sustainable wellness.
From a culinary standpoint, Patricia advocates for creativity in preparing nutrient-dense foods in appealing ways, catering to individual preferences and cultural backgrounds. Patricia emphasizes, “There are different ways from a culinary standpoint to adjust things but also a matter of respect in terms of different cultural, emotional connections.” She underscores the significance and opportunity of celebrating cultural diversity in culinary traditions that can support a client’s positive emotional connection with food and community-building. This practice also recognizes that no single dietary approach fits all. Patricia encourages nutrition professionals to honor and embrace the richness of different cuisines, guiding clients towards culturally resonant and nourishing food choices. You can tailor nutrient-dense foods to individual preferences while honoring diverse culinary traditions.
Decoding Emotional eating triggers
Regarding emotional eating and mindfulness, Patricia highlights,
“It’s not a knowledge issue. It’s an emotional craving. It’s like, I’m feeling stressed out. I’m craving this food because maybe it’s nostalgic from my childhood or it just tastes really good”.
Emotional triggers for unhealthy eating habits are more about mindfulness and self-awareness rather than nutritional knowledge. By addressing underlying stressors and prioritizing self-care practices such as adequate sleep and mindfulness, individuals can mitigate cravings for less nutritious foods. Patricia’s approach: focus on empowering individuals to make informed choices aligned with their holistic well-being, this fosters a harmonious relationship with food, instead of an overly restrictive or perfectionism mentality.
Nature continues to win
“It’s fascinating and beautiful that nature is continuing to win.”
Patricia honors the superiority of whole foods over isolated components packaged into pills. She emphasizes the synergistic effects inherent in natural products, suggesting that their complexity and dynamic interactions within the body surpass the capabilities of supplements.
“[Whole Foods] are just powerhouses of medicinal properties of which we haven’t even fully discovered yet. When we put them into a pill, we often don’t get the same effect.”
Striking a Balance
Question: What are clients most surprised by?
“Many clients are surprised by the balance needed in clean eating. It’s not about strict rules but about finding joy in nourishing foods while embracing cultural and communal rituals. Sustainability is key, both in terms of health practices and mindset,” Patricia emphasizes.
Clients often find themselves grappling with the balance between clean eating and allowing flexibility, understanding that food nourishment extends beyond their plate, and encompasses the nourishment from having the social connection of cultural and communal rituals. This highlights the importance of sustainability-in-practice, cautioning against unsustainable regimens driven by perfectionism and restriction, rather than holistic well-being. She advocates for balance and flow, emphasizing enjoyment combined with nourishment.
Make it a sustainable practice: “Family” Meal and Communities of Care
Question: If there’s no magic pill, and the solution is finding balance, then what’s a practical example of a sustainable habit someone can start today?
“Starting with one nourishing meal per week as a family or with friends can be a powerful first step. By involving everyone in meal preparation and cleanup, fostering conversation, and embracing a supportive mindset, individuals can lay the foundation for lasting wellness,” suggests Patricia.
A practical habit Patricia suggests is dedicating one enjoyable and nourishing meal per week as a family or with friends, fostering conversation and connection. She advises creating a structured yet flexible plan, involving all members in meal preparation and cleanup. By approaching this habit with a supportive mindset, realistic expectations, and community engagement, individuals can cultivate sustainable wellness practices.
In summary, embarking on a journey with Food As Medicine involves embracing a holistic approach to health, incorporating mindset shifts, daily habits, and community support. Patricia Bannan’s work exemplifies the transformative power of these principles, not just on an individual level but on a broader scale within the industry. Each individual’s choices ripple outwards, contributing to the collective effort in reshaping the health and nutrition landscape of America.
As we navigate this journey, remember that every small step we take towards wellness has the potential for profound impact, both for ourselves and for future generations.
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