Hello everyone! My name is Paulina Cruz and I am a Sodexo New York dietetic intern. I have completed my clinical rotation at NYP-Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, NY and now am in my wellness rotation. I am thoroughly enjoying my wellness rotation, however I really miss clinical. Currently, I am interning at two ShopRite stores (West Chester and Hatfield) located in my home state Pennsylvania. I have worked closely with the retail dietitians at ShopRite and have accomplished so much with the community. I have sat in on consultations, assisted in adult culinary classes, helped with grocery store tours, went to senior centers and elementary schools to give nutrition presentations, organized food demos to promote healthy eating and food products, supported with diabetes, weight loss, and cancer prevention classes, and so much more!
I was given an amazing opportunity of giving a nutrition education presentation to a group of individuals diagnosed with prediabetes. My topic was on plant-based nutrition and diabetes. I created a PowerPoint presentation along with a handout that was peer reviewed by another Sodexo dietetic intern. Additionally, my preceptor and I prepared a healthy plant-based meal to provide to the audience to taste. I selected a Southwestern Pasta Salad that consisted of Banza pasta, black beans, corn, lime, avocado, vegan mayo, and spices. Banza pasta is such a great alternative to traditional pasta because it is high in protein and fiber. This pasta is great for everyone, especially those with pre-diabetes and diabetes because protein increases insulin response without increasing plasma glucose concentrations. The reason I chose to present on plant-based nutrition was because a plant-based diet can reduce the risk for diabetes, as well as cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Also, I am very passionate about plant-based nutrition, as I am plant-based vegan myself.
My presentation was well received and the audience had so many questions. My hope was that I was able to provide an insight on a plant-based diet and the many other benefits it has, particularly with the prevention and management of diabetes.
I absolutely love working with the community, but I also really enjoy working in clinical. It’ll be interesting to see where I end up after the internship. Overall, my internship experience has been amazing thus far. I am grateful for all these wonderful opportunities that have given me so much insight on the different paths I can take after the internship!
I was given an amazing opportunity of giving a nutrition education presentation to a group of individuals diagnosed with prediabetes. My topic was on plant-based nutrition and diabetes. I created a PowerPoint presentation along with a handout that was peer reviewed by another Sodexo dietetic intern. Additionally, my preceptor and I prepared a healthy plant-based meal to provide to the audience to taste. I selected a Southwestern Pasta Salad that consisted of Banza pasta, black beans, corn, lime, avocado, vegan mayo, and spices. Banza pasta is such a great alternative to traditional pasta because it is high in protein and fiber. This pasta is great for everyone, especially those with pre-diabetes and diabetes because protein increases insulin response without increasing plasma glucose concentrations. The reason I chose to present on plant-based nutrition was because a plant-based diet can reduce the risk for diabetes, as well as cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Also, I am very passionate about plant-based nutrition, as I am plant-based vegan myself.
My presentation was well received and the audience had so many questions. My hope was that I was able to provide an insight on a plant-based diet and the many other benefits it has, particularly with the prevention and management of diabetes.
I absolutely love working with the community, but I also really enjoy working in clinical. It’ll be interesting to see where I end up after the internship. Overall, my internship experience has been amazing thus far. I am grateful for all these wonderful opportunities that have given me so much insight on the different paths I can take after the internship!
