PBnJ is committed to supporting and promoting awareness of the profound effect of food and nutrition on our health. As our community is in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, it is essential that we discuss the important role nutrition plays in the current state of our health. Many people of Nueces county suffer from DIET related comorbidities (Obesity, Diabetes, Renal disease, and Atherosclerosis). It is these diseases that increase an individual’s risk of death from coronavirus. It can be concluded then, that the very same treatment and lifestyle that is promoted to recover, improve, and even reverse these disease, is the same approach that will help reduce the risk of infection and even death from COVID-19: improved nutrition from a whole food, plant-based diet.
PBnJ would like to recognize a heath professional who has served the Coastal bend for over 30 years. Shelby Killion is an RDN, LD and IFNCP (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Licensed Dietitian, and Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner). She has been involved for many years with our local dietetic and community groups.
Mrs. Killion, graduated from University of Texas at Austin, with a BS in Nutrition. Shelby is the owner of Food & Fit Solutions and co-author of “Healthy Tex-Mex – The South Texas Slim Down”. She has worked with me in the past on a personal journey and has proven to be a compassionate professional with a deep passion for helping others achieve their healthy lifestyle goals.
You have been a registered dietitian for over 30 years. Please share with us why you chose this profession and what motivates you to continue serving the community.
My mother helped cultivate a love for health and with my desire to help others, the study of nutrition was the perfect fit. I never tire of my profession because each person brings in unique challenges and heart felt personal experiences. I see beautiful changes in people throughout their journey that motivate me everyday. The smiles, the joy, the confidence, the positive ripple effect that touch many aspects of their life bring me joy. I am blessed to work in a field that I love!
Dietetics is the science of using food and nutrition to improve health. Dietitians work with people who are seeking to lose weight, manage diabetes, resolve digestive health problems, recover from eating disorders, and many other food-related health issues. Registered dietitians provide strategic advice for meal planning, grocery shopping, and eating mindfully.
*Please share your thoughts about the following statement: A whole food, plant-based (WFPB) nutrition has the power to prevent, treat and in some cases actually reverse disease.
Yes a whole food, plant-based nutrition plan offers powerful health benefits that can prevent, treat and in some cases reverse disease which is ideal for many. Then again each person and their situation is unique so limiting food groups may not be the best plan for others.
How often do you talk to your patients about the role of food causing and curing their current conditions?
Discussions with every client includes the role of food and their health condition as well as other aspects to a healthy lifestyle including hydration, physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management.
During your time as a dietitian, you have seen many diet fads come and go. What is the most detrimental fad in today’s society?
The harm in most fad diets is the nutrition inadequacies and the strict regimen that is not sustainable. Most fad diets are followed to lose weight and can provide that weight loss if followed. We all know what happens when the diet is broken.
Outside of your office setting, how would you recommend raising general awareness about the important relationship between food causing, preventing and curing disease?
Positive messages about the power of food shared through the media as well as presentations through companies, schools and community groups are affective.
Do you think the impact of the Covid 19 and Standard American Diet affected the current health of our nation during this pandemic?
Strengthening the immune system through nutrient rich foods is important to fighting disease. Key vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients can be lacking in the Standard American Diet which could affect the immune system.
Do you advocate a whole food plant based diet for your clients? Why or why not?
I work with each client uniquely based on their present state and the goals that they want to achieve. A focus on whole foods and meals that are plant strong are principles that are most important and I take special care in gradually getting to that optimal nutrition plan. For those who are interested, I can guide them in nourishing their bodies with a whole food plant based diet to assure nutritional needs are met.
With all the information and misinformation in the media, how can the average person know if what they are consuming is beneficial to their health?
I would love for anyone interested in their health to be able to visit with a Registered Dietitian. If not able to, I would suggest searching at a deeper level to understand the source of the nutrition information/advice. Talking with their doctor to understand their health conditions and changes in lab results over time is helpful.
During our conversation, you had mentioned “personalizing” a diet plan for each individual. Would you please elaborate on this idea in regard to a WFPB diet.
The nutrition plan that I support for each person varies due to many factors including history of eating disorders, medical conditions, food allergies and sensitivities, culture, family dynamics and the list goes on. If a WFPB meal plan fits for the client, I fully support and can guide in choices to assure nutritional needs are met.
Shelby has a passion for helping people understand their nutritional needs and reach their goals. She is a dedicated professional, who is sincere in her desire to serve. Her years of experience provide the tools, insight and expertise her clients need for success in attaining their nutrition goals.
Although each individual is unique, “based on the present state (of our health) and the goals that they want to achieve”, we all require similar nutritional needs for our bodies to run effectively and efficiently. It is important to recognize the effect of our lifestyles on our health. Commit to investing the time and energy into your health. Let your next meal be the beginning of your choice to promote health and begin healing. Embrace the tremendous potential of nutrition to defend against and fight disease.
Contact: Shelby Killian,RDN,LD,IFNCP – 361-960-2692
PBnJ of Corpus Christi 