In today’s conversation, Dr. Avanti and Ashley Carter, a Registered Dietician, delve into the profound impact of cultural nutrition, food stories, and access to healthy food options on the health of Black communities. Ashley shares her personal journey from growing up in a food desert with family health challenges to becoming a registered dietitian committed to culturally sensitive health education. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving cultural food traditions because they hold our stories and memories. Ashley also discusses how food culture and story affect healthier eating, highlighting the work of Eat Well Exchange in providing nutrition education, culinary classes, and food access programs tailored to community needs.

Today on The Healing Catalyst:

• Ashley's background: food desert to a dietitian
• Healing through food stories & the connections between food, culture, and health
• Balancing healthier choices with preserving cultural food traditions
• Food deserts’ impact on marginalized communities and health outcomes
• Empowering healthier choices through knowledge and debunking myths
• Addressing food insecurity with local initiatives and policy changes

Connect with Ashley:

• Instagram: @ashleyvnutrition & @eatwellexchange
• Website: eatwellexchange.org

Resources:

• Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz 
• Leave a voice message for Avanti: “Ask Me Anything”
• Get Dr. Avanti’s Weekly Letter: avantikumarsingh.com/join-my-newsletter 

Connect with Dr. Avanti:

• Subscribe, Rate and Review: The Healing Catalyst podcast
• Website: avantikumarsingh.com
• Avanti’s Book: The Health Catalyst
• Instagram: @avantikumarsingh
• Podcast: The Healing Catalyst

The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.