Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN
Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN
Jessica Rizo, my intern who is a MS/DI Nutritional Science Student at California State University, Long Beach was able to connect with Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, nutrition expert and author of Everyday Snack Tray. Jessica was interested in learning more about award-winning RDNs who work in areas outside the typical paths for young professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Frances is the perfect person to share insight with enthusiastic interns who are entering our profession.
Jessica Rizo: The Healthy House Call Program sounds innovative. What inspired you to create this program, and how does it differ from traditional nutrition counseling approaches?
Frances Largeman-Roth: Having done both in-person and remote nutrition counseling, I knew that clients sometimes weren’t 100% transparent when talking about eating and cooking habits. It makes sense-they feel like they’re being judged. I wanted to really understand where people came from and what their unique challenges were around healthy eating. Being in a client’s home helped me focus on what they specifically needed help with. Were they dealing with a small prep space, did they have young kids, was the refrigerator on a different floor from the kitchen? All of these elements help me tailor a nutrition plan to a client.
JR: In developing this program, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them to ensure its effectiveness in promoting nutrition and well-being?
FLR: People can be hesitant to invite you into their home. They’re afraid that their space is too messy or busy. And of course, during the pandemic, it just wasn’t conducive to visiting people in their home environment. I like to meet people where they are, so I always ask if they would prefer that I wear a mask. And if it’s nice weather and they’d like to sit inside, that’s always a nice plan. If you are genuinely interested in helping someone, they can sense that and will be more likely to be up front with you.
JR: What strategies or resources do you recommend for staying up to date with the most relevant and evidence-based nutrition research?
FLR: I receive many industry newsletters from commodity groups like avocados, walnuts, and almonds, and I also subscribe to Food + Tech Connect, which helps keep me up to date on new product innovations. I also try to attend as many webinars and in-person events as possible to stay current on nutritional research.
JR: Where do you draw inspiration from when developing new recipes? Are there specific sources of or experiences that influence your creative process?
FLR: I always find inspiration when I travel! Whether it’s a particularly delicious house-made granola at a hotel, or a great flavor combination at a taco truck. Inspiration is everywhere! The farmer’s market is also a wonderful source of ideas for me.
JR: What advice would you give to aspiring dietitians who are interested in pursuing a career that includes recipe development and social media outreach?
FLR: Be open to new experiences and people. Never say no to a dinner invitation and ask questions! I have learned so many amazing cooking tips and tricks from asking questions throughout the years. Not just chefs, but also home cooks and farmers.
Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, is a New York Times bestselling author and nationally recognized health expert. Frances was the Food and Nutrition Director at Health magazine for eight years. She writes and develops recipes for Parents, BabyCenter, Today.com, Cooking Light magazine and other publications. Frances is a sought-after spokesperson and provides private nutrition counseling to clients through her HealthyHousecall program. Frances is a frequent guest on national TV, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, Access Hollywood Live, CNN, The Rachael Ray Show, and The Dr. Oz Show. She has also lent her expertise as a judge for Food Network Challenge and The James Beard Awards. Frances is the author of Everyday Snack Tray: Easy Ideas and Recipes for Boards That Nourish for Moments Big and Small, Eating In Color: Delicious, Healthy Recipes for You and Your Family, Feed the Belly: The Pregnant Mom's Healthy Eating Guide and co-author of the bestselling The CarbLovers Diet Cookbook. Frances earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and completed her dietetic internship at Columbia University. Frances lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and three kids.
Learn more about Frances here.