Rising Stars: Meet Deanna Dahlinger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Dahlinger. 

Hi Deanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been passionate about nutrition but never thought I could make a career out of it. I started my schooling in a completely different direction, first completing my diploma as an Early Childhood Educator and then a degree in Family and Social Relations which would bring me to enter into the Ontario College of Teachers. However, I knew there was something greater out there for me, something that I’d be excited about and eager to get up each morning and live out that passion. That’s where I found the realm of dietetics. An actual career I could make out of my love for nutrition! 

Before I made the jump, there were many cons to consider. That being many more years of schooling (5 more years in fact), a financial burden, and the difficulty of jumping from a major grounded in social science to that of natural sciences. I decided to take a leap of faith and see where this journey would take me. 

After completing my degree in dietetics, accredited post-bachelor certification, internship, passing my board exam, and gaining licensure under the state of Michigan – I made it and officially became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Dietetics is a very competitive field so you need to set yourself apart to even be eligible to enter into a program. In addition to maintaining a high GPA, it’s also important to find volunteer experiences, relevant paid work experiences, attend conferences and workshops and join local and national associations. 

Looking back, these years were an absolute blur but truly strengthened my work ethic and discipline. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many hats in my role as a dietitian which keeps each day quite interesting! I’ve been with Ascension Providence Hospital since 2017 in clinical acute care where I monitor health conditions, advise nutritional and dietary supplements and work with our interdisciplinary team to support the recovery process. 

From my role there, I saw a huge need for nutrition, beyond an acute care setting. What I’ve found with my personal clients is that many go through life feeling certain symptoms are “normal”. Things like afternoon fatigue, headaches, bloating, and even physical signs such as brittle hair, spoon-shaped nails, and even bad breath – these are all implications of an imbalance of nutritional status. These signs and symptoms begin to compile which can eventually manifest into a disease state. Many of our common chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease and even certain types of cancer can be prevented and managed with nutrition and lifestyle changes. 

And since I’ve been so passionate about nutrition and love to get creative, I also started to share healthy recipes and nutrition tips on my blog deesdailydish.com and on my Instagram account @deesdailydish. I’ve built so many new connections and relationships and have inspired thousands to lead healthier lives. 

What were you like growing up?
I’m Canadian and grew up just across the Detroit border in Tecumseh, Ontario. My mom always made sure my sister and I were eating healthy. She’d make a big dinner every night at 5 pm which always included lots of vegetables, lean protein, and a carb. She would even bake banana bread and hide ingredients like flax-seed to give it a nutritional boost. I guess this is what sparked my interest in nutrition. 

Pricing:

• Pricing varies based on nutritional needs. If you’re ready to make a change in your health, please email [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.deesdailydish.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deesdailydish/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deesdailydish