Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Foreman.
Hi Natasha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Dallas, Texas in Alta Mesa. This community, like many others, has limited access to adequate nutrition resources. I’ve always loved food but not until I met my mentor, a black dietitian did I know that a career in nutrition was possible. I obtained my B.S. in Nutrition/Dietetics from Prairie View A&M University in 2014. I also completed my dietetic internship at Prairie View in 2016 and passed my board exam in that same year to become a registered/licensed dietitian. I’m one of the very few black dietitians in the country, with only 2.3% of dietitians being black. This profession is not very diverse, which impacts the black community and other underserved communities. Counseling should be geared to our cultural preferences. With this in mind, I now sit on the board of directors for a non-profit, MISSION 216. A group dedicated to serving the 75216 area; with hopes to mentor youth and develop a community garden in Oak Cliff to support the community. Traveling is also an extreme passion which prompted me to start my blog tashastasteoftravel.com in March 2020. It includes my travel and food experiences throughout the years. I also offer trip planning services to help you plan your perfect trip.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say it was smooth. I think the lack of diversity in my field plays a part in opportunities. To become a dietitian, you are required to complete a 4-year degree (B.S.) in Nutrition/Dietetics, followed by the successful completion of a dietetic internship that vary in length, from 10 months to 2 years. Followed by successfully passing a board exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. On my first attempt at this board exam, I failed. I think this was the biggest obstacle in my career. I was embarrassed and defeated. All the work I had already completed in 5.5 years felt like a waste. I was down and depressed, but with the support of family and friends and a new attitude, I passed and was able to start my career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been a consultant dietitian covering several long-term care facilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for four years. Providing medical nutrition therapy, education, and food service quality assurances, to our sometimes-overlooked elderly population. My main focus is clinical nutrition, ensuring residents receive adequate nutrition to maintain needs, prevent weight loss, developing wounds, or nutrition-related diseases. I provide diabetes, heart disease, and renal educations. Also administering and providing alternate means of nourishment, enteral feeding for patients with impaired swallowing, anorexia and other eating disorders, and disease management.
I’m also a board member of the non-profit Mission 216, serving 75216. I’m leading and facilitating community projects and recently completed our first community garden in Oak Cliff. Along with nutrition and food, I’m also passionate about traveling. I have a site tastastasteoftravel.com which details my travel and food experiences and also an attached trip-planning business, where I will help plan your perfect trip. Three packages available that included detailed info flights, stays, excursions, and activities. Go fill 0ut my trip questionnaire on tashastasteoftravel.com to get started.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, so you won’t get any slander from me. I love the mix of big city life and the slow pace of Texas living. Our food is amazing and our skyline is the best, period.
Pricing:
- Research Package: $40.00
- Itinerary Package: $100.00
- Confirmation Package: $140.o0
Contact Info:
- Email: tashastasteoftravel@gmail.com
- Website: tashastasteoftravel.com
- Instagram: tasha_cole_
- Facebook: Natasha Foreman
Image Credits
Dennis Edwards
