I am a Registered Dietitian and mom to two. Born and raised in Calgary, I made Edmonton home for 4 years to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences from the U of A. Shortly after, I moved to Vancouver for two years (the day after my wedding!) to earn a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from UBC. Ultimately I decided to come home to Calgary to work and raise a family.
After working for a few years in the health region at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and with the Healthy Babies division of Healthy Living, I had my son. After “mat leave” I decided to start First Step Nutrition, working mostly with the population in which I had the most experience and was most interested in: pregnant and postpartum women, babies and young children. Common issues I help clients deal with include starting solids, picky eating, allergies and constipation in children, pregnancy weight gain, postpartum weight loss, and increasing breast milk supply.
Professionally I am a member of the Alberta College of Dietitians and Dietitians of Canada. Personally, I am a member of Birth Unlimited, and a board member of the Calgary Breastfeeding Matters Group and the Calgary Attachment Parenting Society. I love to read, watch Glee, travel to warm all-inclusive destinations and I and am perpetually learning how to golf!
FAQ
Dietitian vs Nutritionist
A Registered Dietitian is a health professional who has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from a University, completed a year-long dietetic internship, and written a registration exam. Dietitians are also required to be a member of their provincial College of Dietitians and complete yearly competencies.
The titles “Dietitian, Registered Dietitian and Registered Nutritionist” are protected in Alberta. Be sure to check for these titles when you are looking for reliable nutrition information. However, the term “Nutritionist” is not protected. Nutritionists may have varying levels of training and formal nutrition education, or none at all.
Contact Jen for more information: 403-608-3240 or jen@firststepnutrition.com