Food features are the most commonly used in BlueStar®. In honor of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, take some time to get to know two Registered Dietitians who make a major impact on our products and the Welldoc team.
Registered Dietitians are trained in the impact of food on health. They complete an undergraduate degree and internship, pass a national exam to receive their credentials, and maintain licenses through ongoing education.
Healthy food choices are so important to people living with diabetes. Our Registered Dietitians are here to provide clinical expertise and support. Catherine Brown, MS, RD, CDE is our Senior Manager, Clinical and Product Content Design, and Julie Harris, RDN, CPT is our Senior Engagement Manager.
What made you decide to become a Registered Dietitian?
- Catherine: I was interested in how the science of food impacted health.
- Julie: My journey to becoming a licensed RD started because I saw how much people struggle with food. I wanted to help others develop a healthier relationship with food.
How did your career path lead you to Welldoc?
- Catherine: I spent about 10 years working with patients, primarily people with diabetes. I left patient care to work with a communications firm creating materials for patients and healthcare providers as part of the National Diabetes Education Program at NIH. From there, I came to Welldoc. My clinical expertise and writing skills have been put to use supporting the development of our many products for people with chronic conditions.
- Julie: I spent about 10 years managing corporate wellness programs, including the many digital health solutions that were offered to employees. I had worked with several members of the Welldoc team in the past and joined to drive engagement.
What is a common misconception about Registered Dietitians?
- Catherine: That we will say certain foods are off limits!
- Julie: That we constantly judge what others eat.
How would you describe the BlueStar nutrition philosophy?
- Catherine: BlueStar strives to support users in planning and tracking healthy meals when they are home or on the go. BlueStar will never say certain food are off limits. Instead we encourage eating a variety of foods in reasonable amounts. Then users can learn from the impact of one’s food choices on blood glucose, weight, and blood pressure.
How do Registered Dietitians help BlueStar users?
- Julie: We use nutritional science and behavior change theories to drive our product development and our engagement strategy. Everything is based on science, instead of fads. We also understand how food is culture, love and has emotions attached to it. Our product aims to help users develop long-term sustainable habits.
Do you have a favorite book to recommend for anyone looking to learn more about nutrition?
- Julie: “Intuitive Eating” by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
