When I was 14, I went with my dad to see aregistered dietitian.
He wanted to learn how he could manage hisdiabetesby improving his dietary habits.
Stumbling upon my career was an unexpected bonus of the visit.
Photo of the author byAsma Rahman, Ruh Doula Care and Photography
But the meetings expected outcomemy dad changing his eating habitswasnt as successful.
My father didnt apply any of the recommendations the dietitian provided.
In fact, Id told the R.D.
Those werent right either.
He was more familiar with roti and white rice with meat-based curries.
So, in 2015 I started my business and blog,Nutrition by Nazima.
My websites tag line was Helping women live healthier and happier lives.
What I really wanted to say was HelpingMuslimwomen live healthier and happier lives.
But I didnt want to seem like I was trying to be hurtful by excluding everyone else.
These women often shared that they wanted to work with me specifically because of that commonality.
Here are just a few examples of how I tailor my focus to this specific audience.
Since my ethnic background is from India, I do bring that South Asian cultural influence when developingrecipes.
Asking about their culinary traditions helps me know that the guidance I’m providing makes sense.
Fasting for Ramadan involves not eating or drinking from sunrise until sunset.
When I was growing up, I would often get questions like, Not even water?
and, Do you have to?
Thankfully, times are changing.
More people are starting to understand the custom due to increased interest inintermittent fasting.
But professional nutrition guidance on how to fast for Ramadan is still far too scarce.
Navigating how to eat during the non-fasting hours is an essential way to be more productive while fasting.
I had my first daughter while training to become aregistered dietitianand have since had my second.
Initially, I didnt like even mentioningweight lossin conversations with clients.
But so many women come to me with weight loss goals, particularly after having gone through pregnancy.
Most women joined the Muslimah Moms First program with weight loss as one of their main goals.
Healthy eating goes far beyondkaleand an undue emphasis on weight loss.
