Meet JACLYN GIORDANO. She has been part of the EBA community since our EARLY EARLY days, and her loyalty is so appreciated! As a Registered Dietitian - Jac always makes sure to highlight healthy options that are delicious + easy to accomplish at home. Please take some time and learn more about your fellow neighbor!

Cheers Jac, much love - AMx

Occupation: Registered Dietitian

Based in: New Jersey

Tell us about yourself! What is your story up to this point in your life?

I am a Registered Dietitian working in acute care. I love my job and helping others achieve their goals and lead a healthier lifestyle. I received my undergraduate degree and completed my dietetic internship at Montclair State University. I played sports my whole life and was always active. I played softball through college. I never paid attention to my nutrition until I was injured my junior year in college and realized how important proper nutrition was in the healing process. Another reason I got involved in nutrition was I have family members with chronic conditions and I was able to help them first hand change their life and improve their health. I am pursuing my graduate degree in clinical nutrition at the University of Alabama and will be graduating Spring of 2022! I want to be an expert in my field and lifelong learning has always been my goal. In addition to working full time and being a part time student, I love connecting with people through social media! I think it is a great way to not only connect with people but also to help spread nutrition education and healthy habits to a wide range and variety of people. @nutritionbyjac has grown so much over the past few years and I hope to only continue to grow and be able to help more people through this avenue.

No path is linear, and we all face bumps in the road... what are some hardships you faced along the way - and how has that helped shape who you are today?

The biggest hardship I faced was getting into a dietetic internship. It is the most challenging thing to do within this field. Most internships require the “perfect” candidate and it can be a lot as a college student. I kept my head down and worked hard during my four years of college. I involved myself in sports and clubs and volunteered to try to make myself the best candidate I could be. Luckily, I was accepted into an internship on my first try. I believe the process of applying and building up your resume taught me to always strive to be better, continue to make goals, and prioritize what’s most important. More recently, the biggest hardship has been the pandemic. Working in acute care during this time has changed my view on a lot of things. Healthcare has changed in so many ways, for good and bad. This pandemic has taught me to always appreciate what you have and keep your loved ones close.

Now let's talk about food! What is your all-time favorite dish?

My favorite food is Italian! I could eat pizza every day! Although I know I could, I always prioritize food that makes me feel my best and include my favorite foods in fun and different ways!

What is your favorite drink? (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)

Water!! Plain Jane over here but I drink water all day long! Alcoholic version would be vodka lemonade or a white claw! Life is too short not to have some fun from time to time!

Have you had any personal experience with cooking? If so, explain your favorite dish you have made or favorite food memory.

I enjoy cooking! The kitchen is my creative space where I get to make recipes and throw things together that turn out pretty good in my opinion. I also love taking a recipe and changing it up and putting my own twist on it! My favorite dish is scallops with sweet potato gnocchi, tomatoes, and spinach in a light cream sauce.

What is one outlet that you use in your life to help your own mental health or well being?

Physical activity is my main outlet when times get hard. I go to the gym about 5 days per week before work and it’s that 1-2 hour time where I can let off some steam, get those good endorphins going, and push myself. Nothing else matters when I am at the gym because I focus-in on my goals. Going to the gym before work has been a game changer for me in setting up my day and giving me the mental clarity needed for whatever comes my way!

Follow our girl Jac on IG!

@nutritionbyjac