Liz DaSilva: Dietitian

Listening in to this podcast it was fascinating as someone who I have spoken to quite a bit over the years there was still so much to learn from her as she shared her life story. 

To anyone who knew Liz - she mentions living with serious illness in the podcast and she is no longer with us. I want to specifically honour any grief this may bring for someone - and - my hope is it truly brings as Liz always wishes for so many - joy.

Join the conversation of hearing about all of the influences of her life including her family experiences with food. Her role as a dietitian was one she was very proud of, and she speaks to living off the land, policies to support farmland, the importance of food, wanting to take food seriously and also her thoughts on hospital food and the value of eating well. 

Although not mentioned in the podcast, she was very creative in how to present the facts - but also equally as much an advocate to being critical of reviewing journals and articles and encouraged professionals to meet to discuss journals especially their methods to determine whether the results were deemed appropriate to consider in practice. Recognizing the rigour of a journal is important when looking at health claims cited in traditional media - is the rigour of the journal adequate? Many health professionals without diving into the evidence tend to pause. 

Part of Liz's personal experiences as a caregiver and her thoughts on various family member's preference regarding food and how it is different than what she may choose for them. She makes the distinction between her grandfather, father and her son’s relationship to food including the difference between the physiology of food, and emotional attachment and enjoyment. Personal experiences also supported her role as a dietitian. 

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A few quotes: 

"I think we do an extraordinary job with the amount of money we are given [hospital food]."

"…  best practice is very clearly delineated people should have access to food 24/7... just like people have access to medication…"

"They got 19 countries to agree on something – yup malnutrition is a problem – and here are some of the ways we need to attend to it…"

"...they are instructed on how to eat a knife and fork properly.. and they are taught at a very young age this is what good food is."

“we are the holder of knowledge, you are the recipient, instead of here is the knowledge, let’s experience it together and see what’s meaningful for you, viable, what you can live with – very different.”

“nothing is more important than eating - you can live without a car – but you will die without eating – dietitians are unique as you are helping people live, survive, thrive, right – it’s a huge privilege.”

“my grandfather said everything that you are putting in your mouth I have either raised or grown… and that was so powerful… just the look of pride he had on his face… I’ve done this… I am feeding my family…"

“he would pay them in food…"

“many of the old cultures… you really are nurtured through food… if you are having a hard day your family member will make you something special… it’s just embedded in our culture…”

“when you offered food… you are offering time and space… so they can speak their troubles, speak their joys.”

“One of my accomplishments is the letting go of being a dietitian with my mom… to just allow her experience her own quality of life…  I offer… and then she picks what she wants… but it is her right to choose her own enjoyment.”