Professor Gail Meinhold, MS, RDN

Email gmeinhold@miracosta.edu
Office Location Oceanside, T411

Allow 24 hours on instructional days (Monday-Friday) for responses.

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday noon - 1pm

It’s always good to know a little about your instructors, especially when it comes to the topic of nutrition.

My Education and Professional Background

I have been teaching at MiraCosta College since 2009 and I am excited to be part of the Kinesiology, Health and Nutrition Department. I have spent much of my life promoting and teaching health and nutrition. Before teaching at MiraCosta College, I was a nutrition professor at Chapman University, Orange Coast College, and Saddleback College teaching a variety of lectures and labs. Prior to teaching, I worked as a Clinical Dietitian at a Community Hospital and then spent fourteen years with Mead Johnson Nutritionals. I hold a master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Food Administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The Medical College of Virginia is where I completed my Dietetic Internship. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), which means I am an active, registered member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I am also a member of SCAN (Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists). I would classify myself as an athlete and avid runner, having competed in the Olympic Marathon trials in the 1980’s.

What’s my "agenda"?

I do not own a business. I have not written a book on nutrition and I have no ties with any food or supplement company. I receive no support from any type of industry. Therefore, there is no conflict of interest for my teaching classes. I believe I am unbiased. I read, look, listen to many things “out there” regarding nutrition, and base my evaluation of them on the scientific evidence. I certainly hold strong beliefs concerning nutrition, but those beliefs are based on fair and objective evaluation of the issues. My only agenda is to seek more complete understanding of nutrition, to teach this in my classes and motivate students to adopt a healthy lifestyle! I am able to answer questions regarding nutrition, but not medical questions. I am not a doctor or a nurse.

My philosophy about nutrition

I teach my students that food is not the enemy. I believe that eating should be enjoyable and it can be (even while eating healthfully)! I base my beliefs about nutrition on valid scientific research and emphasize the importance of applying critical thinking to any claim you hear or read regarding diet and nutrition. The motto, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” certainly applies to nutrition. But there is no disputing this: A nutrient-rich diet, in combination with regular exercise and effective stress management, promotes good health, fitness and general well being.

What kind of diet do I eat?

In the most general sense, I eat and recommend a plant-based, whole foods diet (lots of hearty soups, salads, stir-fries, and casseroles with different kinds of plants – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, and legumes.) All colors, all sizes, and simply prepared, close to their natural state. I am not a vegetarian since I do eat fish, low-fat dairy and some eggs. I eat what could be classified as a Mediterranean Diet. I don’t like to overcomplicate the eating part of my life, and I don’t prepare elaborate or expensive dishes. I don’t weigh my food, count grams, or over think my proportions of carbohydrates to proteins to fats. Why? Because getting overly caught up in such minute details is complicated and leads to burnout. The name of the game is sustainability. And simply put, if it’s too complicated, it’s not sustainable. And if it’s not sustainable, what’s the point? Not only does it have to work, it has to be user-friendly, operating with relative ease within the framework of my busy family. My “diet” refers to a lifestyle of “lifelong” eating. Not a plan that I am on today and off next week. And since I love to eat and do not deny myself delicious foods (but what I find delicious is often pretty healthy) I exercise regularly – especially running, surfing, and cycling. I have recently taken up yoga :)

This is my favorite food quote by Michael Pollan .........................

Miscellaneous Trivia about me

When not teaching or building curriculums I enjoy traveling, photography, gardening, and cheering on my two collegiate sons with their sports (go Bruins and Huskies!)

My favorite website is www.NUTRITIONFACTS.ORG Michael Greger M.D. scours the world of nutrition-related research, as published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals, and brings that information in short, easy to understand video segments and articles. The site also provides links to the original journal articles whenever possible so that readers/listeners can source the information directly. Please take the time this semester to peruse this website and feel free to reference it in upcoming activities. Here is a video clip on "Living to 100" by Dr. Gregor.

I like using social media. Besides Michael Greger, M.D. @nutrition_facts on Twitter, I like to follow Dr. Sanjay Gupta @drsanjaygupta, Nancy Clark, MS, RD. @nclarkrd, and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine @PCRM. On Facebook I like Dr. Garth Davis. Listen to him speak on a RRP Podcast.

Feel free to come to my office during office hours, or make an appointment to come at another time, not only for help with the course you're enrolled in, but just to "talk nutrition"!

Cheers,  

Gail Meinhold,MS, RDN