Grandma vs. Nutritionist: Savor the Season, Smartly

Episode 6: In this lively holiday episode of On Call, Off Script, host Ruelle Champion brings together a joyful trio: Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Anitrice McKinnis-Jackson, also known as Mama Joy, founder of the nonprofit Nana’s Restart, and Rocio Garcia, a registered dietitian with Jackson Health System. Together, they celebrate beloved grandmother-approved holiday dishes, and get expert tips on how to enjoy these seasonal favorites mindfully.

Guest(s):

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava:

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joins the conversation to reflect on her multicultural family’s holiday traditions and their love of spices and fresh flavors. She speaks warmly about gratitude, spending time together, and the way food helps keep Miami-Dade’s many cultures connected while still letting each one shine.

Mama Joy:

Mama Joy, founder of the Overtown-based nonprofit Nana’s Restart, joins the episode to share heartfelt stories of cooking for her family and community, and the importance of love in food preparation. She shares the cultural meaning behind recipes passed down through generations, and even lets us in on how to do macaroni and cheese the right way, the dish everyone asks for.

Rocio Garcia:

Rocio Garcia, a registered dietitian with Jackson Health System, offers practical guidance on balanced holiday eating without sacrificing flavor. In her family, she’s the one who brings the vegetables, but she assures us we can still dig into our holiday favorites. She also shares tips on portion awareness, mindful enjoyment of cultural dishes, and how holiday meals can be both comforting and nutritious.