Jane Dukes, Senior Manager with the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Consumer Affairs Team, leads us in a discussion about the foods we choose and the benefits they provide our health. In this episode Jane asks Kim Kirchherr, a registered dietitian, about the role protein plays in a healthy balanced diet and her approach to encouraging the public to consider their nutritional choices. 

“I combine that healthcare and that food retail and that agriculture perspective and put it all together. It's been really great because that's really where people's heads are at with the conversations that they're having about their food right now.” - Kim Kirchherr

Kim shares that protein is an “essential part of our nutrition conversation” and goes far beyond the common perception of muscle building. Proteins provide many significant nutrients and add value to the immune system. Kim remarks that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the general public to make their health a priority and explore ways they can prepare food at home to support that health. Going forward, portion control, a balanced diet and using food to acquire nutrition are the three principles of the dietary guidelines that dietitians and health professionals focus on. 

“We are solving people's problems for them. Let's give them the tools that they can solve the problems for themselves instead of the tactical facts that there are so many of. If we could get to that state, I think we would have amazing food and agriculture conversations.”

This Week’s Podcast:

• Meet Kim Kirchherr, a registered dietician, who shares her approach and perspective on modern nutrition
• Explore the significance of protein in a healthy balanced diet
• Learn about the cultural shifts Kim is observing in the public's regard to diet
• Discover the many factors that contribute to food choices and nutritional benefits

Resources:

• Dietary Guidelines
• What are proteins and how do they work?
• Fact Sheet about Iron
• My Plate: Dairy
• My Plate: Healthy Protein