12 Jun Inside the Fridge Welcomes Canadian turned Californian & Co-Founder of Nourish RDs McKenzie Hall

McKenzie Hall is a registered dietitian based in Los Angeles, and co-founder of Nourish RDs, a nutrition communications and counseling business. She is a writer, speaker and nutrition counselor who focuses on whole, real foods as the foundation for health and wellness. Her best (non) diet advice? Eat real food and share it with those you love! You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest and check out her recipes and nutrition tips on the Nourish RDs blog.

ITF:  Where do you shop for food?

MH: I love shopping at my local farmers market, it’s a great way to support the community, its fun and the food always tastes so good. I’m completely spoiled since I live in Southern California where a variety of delicious, locally grown produce is available year-round. I’m considered a regular customer at my local Whole Foods. I’m obsessed with their bulk bins, where I usually buy all my nuts, dried fruit, grains and spices. I also love shopping at Trader Joe’s for its affordability and great selection of frozen and pre-cut fruits and veggies.

ITF:  Do you love food shopping or dread it?

MH: I really love food shopping. I think its fun to scope out new products at the store, and sample seasonal items at the farmers market.  It’s such a good feeling to having a well-stocked kitchen and pantry.

ITF:  How often do you shop?

MH: I typically shop on Thursdays at the farmers market. On Sundays, at the local stores and do the majority of my food prep.  When I have a well-stocked fridge and pantry, it makes it so much easier to eat well during the busy week.

ITF: How do you plan your weekly meals? Create a spreadsheet of fly by the seat of your pants? 

MH: I have a few basic meals that I like to rotate throughout the week. My grocery list revolves around my staple items and then I build on that depending what additional ingredients I’ll need for new recipes.

ITF: What is the most coveted food in the fridge right now for each member of the household? Why?

MH:  Sundried tomato hummus I just picked up at the farmers market.

ITF: What is the oldest item in the fridge right now?

MH: A jar of pickles or my Dijon mustard.

ITF: Do you believe in leftovers?

MH: I’m the leftover queen! I’m one of those crazy people that actually prefers leftovers. I especially aim for making a big meal on Sundays so I have leftovers available for the beginning of the work week.

ITF: What convenience product can you not live without?

MH: Peanut butter. Peanut butter toast is my go-to breakfast when I’m in hurry – I don’t think I could ever get sick of it!

ITF: When you hear the word “homemade” what is the first thing that comes to mind?

MH: Something that isn’t made in a large factory, or hasn’t been through extensive processing before it reaches your taste buds. “Homemade” food is prepared with a personal touch in someone’s kitchen.

ITF: What food/s are important when recalling food memories?

MH: Since I’m from Alberta, Canada, I’m from meat and potato country. But, garden fresh peas, carrots and tomatoes, as well as home-canned raspberry jam all evoke food memories that really set the foundation for my love of good quality food, cooking and nutrition.

ITF: What are your go-to food/nutrition/culinary/cooking website/s, book or cookbook?

MH: My go-to nutrition book is The Plant-Powered Diet by Sharon Palmer.  Cookus Interruptus  is a wonderful website by Cynthia Lair with tons of how-to videos for preparing whole food based meals.

ITF: What was the last meal you cooked from scratch?

MH: I made an egg scramble with spinach, and topped it with avocado this morning.

ITF: If one person could cook for you tonight, who would it be?

MH: My grandma. Every vegetable on her table comes from her garden and nothing tastes as comforting as her homemade dinner rolls.

Thank you McKenzie!

If you would like to be featured on Inside the Fridge, please email Robinsbite intern Destini Borchardt- Destini@robinplotkin.com