We had the good fortune of connecting with Bettina Applewhite, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bettina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As with many people, starting my own business came from the desire to supplement my income due to the high costs of living. Once I was able to lean into my passions, I have found that I providing a service that is needed and it’s fun to me to do. We all love food, and we have our favorites, but it’s sometimes challenging to try something unfamiliar. There is so much information on nutrition and health that it is difficult for the public to decipher what information is based on science and what information is only out there because it’s trendy. Often cultural foods are vilified as “bad for you” leaving the public to believe that they must choose to either leave behind their traditional foods or be healthy. I am here to educate that cultural foods fit into a healthy lifestyle at home and in school cafeterias.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always loved science and my love for food has grown over time. I became a dietitian because I love how food can heal us physically and how, culturally, it nourishes our souls. A smell can transport you back to a moment in time spending time with your grandmother or a fun carnival night. The power of what we eat hits us on so many different ways. As a dietitian, I understand how eating lean protein and low-fat foods can help our bodies perform well throughout our lives. I love educating people on how small changes can reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol or reduce spikes in blood sugar levels. But because the media understands that what we eat can affect our bodies negatively, most of what we hear now puts food into one of two categories: bad or good. Our bodies and the effects food has on our bodies are more complicated than good vs. bad. I want to help people keep their cultural foods in their diets and make food choices easier when shopping. What sets me apart from other people you see pushing nutrition information is that I’m a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist who loves food, knows how to prepare food in tasty ways, and is always exploring different cuisines.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Spending my high school years in Memphis, TN exposed me to some great food and Southern culture. If I had friends visiting, it would be imperative to take them to a couple of great BBQ places in town and to Beale Street for great music and fun. Walking the Riverfront and the Big River Crossing to Arkansas for great scenic views of the Mississippi River is a must. No trip is complete without the historic lessons given by the Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, and Sun Studios. The only way to make the trip better is to watch the Duck March and enjoy cocktails at The Peabody hotel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the advisement, support, prayers, and encouragement from my support system. It’s my family and friends who let me ramble and talk situations through. It’s the encouragement and affirmations I receive when work gets too challenging, and the climb gets really steep. It’s those people who can remind me of the impact I’m making and the importance of the work I’m doing when I get tired in the journey. I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to the people who have supported me along the journey and continue to believe in me.

Website: www.BitesWithApplewhite.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biteswithapplewhite

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/bettina-applewhite-ms-rdn-ldn-sns-98b874199

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BitesWithApplewhite

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@biteswithapplewhite

Image Credits
Niba Photography personal photos

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