Ashley Rosales, Registered Dietitian
Ashley Rosales
About me:
Ashley Rosales, registered dietitian, received her B.S. in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis and completed the dietetic internship program at Napa State Hospital. She has a professional background in nutrition for the elderly and has worked in both the clinical and community setting. However, she has found her true calling working in the field of nutrition education where she can empower others to make the best food and lifestyle decisions for their own optimal health and wellness.
Ashley’s fondest childhood memories took place in the kitchen helping her mom and grandmother cook, or around the dinner table sharing laughs with family and friends. As a wife and new mom she loves keeping the family mealtime tradition alive by preparing delicious and nutritious meals at home and she is inspired to help others do the same. She strongly believes that no matter what challenges families are faced with, such as limited time, lack of skills or even economic resources, they can find unique ways to share in a home cooked meal and reap all of the wonderful benefits of family meal time.
Her favorite quote: “We are indeed more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us be much more than what we are.”
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In an effort to combat childhood obesity, I see more and more foods labeled as “bad” with recommendations to cut them from our diets entirely as a way to solve the problem. A
recent study even named pizza as one of six “empty” calorie foods that should be avoided. I don’t know how you feel about this, but I will fight to defend my family’s right to enjoy pizza, and to not feel guilty in the process because I know that it’s not breaking our healthy eating plan.
Reason #1: I credit pizza, and my parent’s willingness to expose me to a variety of foods, for promoting the versatile palate I have today. As a child my father and I would enjoy a mushroom, olive and anchovy (yes, I said anchovy) pizza together. I never even knew anchovies were unusual until I went to my first childhood party and asked, “Can I have a side of anchovies and red pepper flakes, please?” It wasn’t until I studied nutrition in college that I realized the many nutrients that this pizza provided such as, calcium, protein, carbohydrates, B-vitamins and omega-3’s, just to name a few.
Reason #2: Pizza, if prepared correctly, can include all of the food groups. How many foods can do that? The crust is made of grains, which provides the carbohydrates and B-vitamins we need for fuel and energy. The tomato sauce counts as a vegetable serving and is a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is important for heart health. Cheese is packed with calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles. Pile on the mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and pineapple and you have included servings from the vegetable and fruit groups which are high in important vitamins and minerals. Want to add some extra lean protein for a boost of iron? Top with some Canadian bacon or grilled chicken breast. Put all of these ingredients together and you have one delicious and nutritious meal that kids and adults love! (Learn more about the nutritional benefits of pizza and play an interactive game with
My Very Own Pizza.)
Reason #3: Pizza is the perfect communal food because it’s meant to be shared. Pizza has a long, rich history in our country. It started out as a diet staple for many poor Italian immigrant families. However, it wasn’t long until this delicious, inexpensive, handmade food increased in popularity among all Americans. To this day pizza is enjoyed by groups of people gathered together. What a perfect way to enjoy a wholesome meal with the family!
There are many things in life that I am passionate about, with the highest on my list being family, friends and food. Most of my significant memories involve at least one of these things and many involve all three. It was my love of food and its ability to bring families together in a positive way that led me being a Registered Dietitian. My most important role as an RD, and as a mom, is to help others continue to experience the joy of consuming all foods, just doing it in a way that is conducive to health and well-being. So I encourage you to continue to serve your family pizza and to feel confident that you are making a good choice. And if you really want to be adventurous, try adding a few anchovies.
Ashley Rosales, R.D.
Project Manager