One of my favorite experiences each fall is attending FNCE—the world's largest meeting of food and nutrition experts and registered dietitian nutritionists, hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The conference includes educational sessions, an expo hall, excursions, special events, and some fun parties. This year, I traveled to Minneapolis, MN, and I can’t wait to share my experience with you. Let’s dive in!
My Favorite FNCE 2024 Sessions:
Session 1: The Hormone Story—A Dietitian's Role in Optimizing Reproductive Health
Overview: This session tackled hormone dysregulation and its links to infertility and chronic health issues stemming from things like poor nutrition, stress, and environmental factors. The speakers dived into menstrual cycles, how to boost nutritional health, and ways to cut down on hormone disruptors.
My Takeaways:
Optimize Nutritional Intake: Include nutrient-rich foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, selenium, folate, and zinc to support hormone balance and reproductive health.
Add CoQ10: Supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 may support fertility by enhancing egg quality.
Manage Stress: Implement stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.
Limit Environmental Exposure: Avoid plastics and choose non-toxic home products to reduce hormone disruptor contact.
Session 2: Debate—Are You What You Eat? Exploring How Diet and Environment Shape the Human Gut Microbiome
Overview: Experts unpacked how different factors influence our microbiome. Attendees walked away with a solid grasp of how diet, biology, geography, and lifestyle shape our gut health.
My Takeaways:
Focus on Diet Diversity and the "30 Plants Weekly" Guideline: Try to eat more than 30 different plant foods each week! This can boost the diversity of your gut microbiome. Mixing it up with different fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes gives you a range of fibers and nutrients that help good bacteria thrive, making your gut healthier and more resilient.
Fiber is super important for feeding the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate), which help keep your gut lining strong and reduce inflammation.
Session 3: Reclaiming Our Influence—Navigating Social Media with Authority and Credibility
Overview: This session was all about empowering attendees to use their science-based nutrition expertise on social media. Participants learned how to share accurate nutrition info while building their online presence as trusted experts.
My Takeaways:
Combating Misinformation: As we all know, social media is rife with misinformation and disinformation in nutrition and health. Dietitians need to share accurate, evidence-based content to counter false claims and build public trust.
Effective Content Creation: Utilize engaging formats like short-form videos, carousels, and static posts to convey messages clearly.
Building Trust and Credibility: Be authentic, relatable, and transparent in your communications. Sharing personal experiences and staying true to your values helps connect with your audience.
Benefits of a Strong Online Presence: Establishing recognition, expanding reach, and maintaining a credible reputation online can open doors for career opportunities, collaborations, and public health influence.
My Favorite FNCE Products from the EXPO:
Struesli Granola: This revamped granola is filled with organic tiger nuts—a type of root vegetable that’s a potent source of prebiotic fiber and antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C and E.
Wonderful Pistachios: They launched a perfectly balanced snack solution for your sweet cravings: Sweet Cinnamon no-shell pistachios. These are packed with heart-healthy fats and plant protein, sure to keep you full between meals.
Sunsweet Prunes: These are nature's candy and a perfect source of natural carbs for a pre-workout snack. Sunsweet has also launched a Probiotic and Prunes product filled with BC30 Probiotics and prebiotic fiber, making it the ideal gut-friendly snack.
Brazi Bites Gluten-Free Waffles: These certified gluten-free waffles are a convenient breakfast option available in classic homestyle, blueberry, and even a cheesy variety inspired by Brazilian cheese bread. I recommend pairing them with eggs and fruit for a balanced meal.
SunButter: Free of the top eight allergens, SunButter is a great substitute for almond or nut butter, especially for those with allergies and parents with kids in nut-free schools. They also offer convenient on-the-go packets for a perfect portable snack.
Every year I leave this conference feeling educated and inspired and I hope that after reading this, you do too! If you attended FNCE, please comment below and share your favorite part (or food product) from this year!