Name, where you’re from, and where you’re currently going to school

My name is Ande Georges, and I’m from Hampton NH! I am a junior at the University of Vermont studying Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in dietetics.

What inspired you to want to pursue a career path as a dietitian?

If you ask any of my friends or family, they’ll tell you that I’ve always been a foodie. What started as an appreciation for tasty eats turned into a social media account (@seekingsustenance on Instafram) where I show what I’m cooking up and where I’m eating out. When I was picking where I wanted to go to college, I saw that UVM had a holistic nutrition program which got me thinking about turning my passion for food into a career. As I’ve worked my way through intro classes, I’ve refined my interest in cooking and my own goals as a physically active individual, and saw the connection between nutrition and a happy way of life. Not only was this bridge between hobbies and school refreshing as a student, but the exciting topics I learn about in class made me want to educate my friends and family. This helped me realize I enjoy sharing science based explanations to common nutrition based questions.

How did you get interested in intuitive eating and HAES?

Last spring semester I took a class about Eating Disorders where we explored what they are, how they develop, treatment options, and new discoveries being made in the field. Coming into the class I thought I knew enough about EDs, but I quickly learned there’s a lot more to the story that you wouldn’t know unless you have lived experience or have been instructed about them. It made me realize how crucial it is for any type of healthcare provider to be trained in ED awareness and treatment because you never know how your words can affect others. Because of the eye opening information I learned from this course, I feel very passionate about intuitive eating and its role in my dietetics practices!

What do you see yourself doing in your future career as an RD?

I’m not too sure exactly where I want to end up, but currently some of my interests are disordered eating treatment and pre-natal nutrition! I would love to be an advocate for weight inclusivity in the medical field, so I see myself being in a work environment where my beliefs can positively impact patients seeking nutrition help. I’m excited to learn through this internship experience with Leah if any other areas of dietetics stick out to me as possible career options. Maybe somewhere down the line I’ll go on a side quest and become a food critic just for fun 🙂

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time I love being active! I enjoy running for fun and for my mental health, and have even completed two half marathons. At home I live very close to the beach and consider the ocean my second home. In the summertime you can find me swimming whenever possible and spending hours with my book in one hand and kombucha in the other. I also love baking and enjoy recreating recipes I see online to share with my loved ones and to satisfy my sweet tooth.

What are some things that make your heart happy?

Trying new restaurants, swimming, going to the movies, my cat Boycat and my puppy Ruby, getting ice cream with my mom, playing jazz on my saxophone, listening and dancing to my favorite music, and painting my nails, just to name a few!

Your favorite part about the anti-diet/ intuitive eating approach to nutrition?

My favorite part of the anti-diet/ intuitive eating approach to nutrition is the peace it allows in everyday life. Feeling content with your food choices opens the door to making happier memories that are fueled by tasty meals.