09 Nov Inside the Fridge: Kait Fortunato

Inside the Fridge welcomes Kait Fortunato. Kait is a Registered Dietitian in the DC/Maryland area. Kait focuses on individualizing her recommendations to have each client see results and live a healthier, more productive life. She believes in tailoring a nutrition plan to easily fit a busy, active lifestyle. Kait has a unique approach for using social media to connect with her clients. Read her Blog, and find her on Twitter and Facebook for even more healthy living resources.

Below we ask her questions about her grocery shopping and food habits – with actual pictures from her fridge!

Inside the Fridge: What cooking utensil/piece of equipment/appliance do you live for?
Kait Fortunato: A sharp kitchen knife, makes chopping so much simpler!

ITF: What foods are important when recalling food memories?
KF: The most important thing is the people involved. I love helping both of my Grandmothers in their kitchens and my Mom in hers. Whether its a holiday celebration or a simple lunch during the Cowboys game.

ITF: How have your cooking/shopping habits changed over the last 10 years?
KF: Ever since I have moved to DC I have definitely learned to shop on a budget.

ITF: What is your weekly food budget? 
KF: I like to say around $50/week

ITF: How often do you shop?
KF: Once every 2-3 weeks. Sometimes I will have to pick up fresh produce in between trips. I always have frozen fruits and vegetables on hand in case I cannot shop more often.

ITF: Where do you shop for food?
KF: Harris Teeter is the closest in my neighborhood.

ITF: What is the single most important thing on your mind when you are shopping for food?
KF: Price!

ITF: How many do you shop for? Ages? 
KF: Just one! Though I love to cook for my friends.

ITF: How many times a week do you eat out? (based on 21 meals/week)
KF: About twice a week for happy hour or dinner on the weekends. I always eat breakfast home and pack a lunch for work.

ITF: How do you plan your weekly meals? Create a spreadsheet of fly by the seat of your pants? 
KF: I like to have an idea of what my work/social life will be like the upcoming week or two so I can plan meals accordingly. I will also check to see what food I already have and what else I need to fill in the gaps.

ITF: What is the most coveted food in the fridge right now for each member of the household? Why?
KF: Since I don’t shop every week, I always try to ration my fresh fruits and vegetables

ITF: What is the oldest item in the fridge right now?
KF: Silk soy milk, I love soy milk since it lasts so much longer than cow’s milk. I also love the vanilla flavor.

ITF: What convenience product can you not live without?
KF: I always have canned beans or chickpeas for a quick, added protein to salads or as a side dish.

ITF: What brands do you swear by? Why?
KF: I love Maple Grove Farms Natural Peanut Butter, Think Thin Protein Bars, Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt, and Dr Praegers Veggie Burgers. They are wholesome, delicious food items that never let me down!

ITF: What was the last meal you cooked from scratch?
KF: Whole Foods has a recipe for Turkey Pumpkin Chili which I made for friends last weekend.

ITF: What was the last meal you cooked from convenience products?
KF: Last night I had a veggie burger and I roasted some carrot fries.

ITF: If one person could cook for you tonight, who would it be?
KF: Paula Dean, mainly because of the memories of watching with my mom. Her meals may not be the healthiest but they are all about family and home.

ITF: What words of wisdom or advice do you have for other folks who are doing their best every day to fill the fridge?
KF: Definitely take time on the weekends to think about your week ahead. Make a grocery list for simple breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas based on what you already have on hand and what’s on sale in the store. Before putting groceries away, wash and chop vegetables, portion out snack bags of nuts, crackers, fruits and vegetables, so you can easily grab them throughout the week. Cook your chicken before freezing so you can just warm it up after a long day of dance and soccer practice. Get everyone involved so they can learn about healthy eating and try new things.

ITF: What are you working on these days that you’d like to tell us about?
KF: I am a Registered Dietitian specializing in healthy eating for families and children. I am in the process of developing new family programs for quick, weeknight meals that are cheap and family friendly. I can also help with picky eaters and overall pediatric nutrition.

Thank you Kait!

If you would like to be featured on Inside the Fridge, please email RobinsBite Intern Laura Bartee – Laura *at* robinplotkin *dot* com