The Role Model In You – Lisa Tillinger Johansen, Registered Dietitian

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Role Model
The Role Model In You
Today’s Guest – Lisa Tillinger Johansen

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

My name is Lisa Tillinger Johansen and I’m 51 years old. I’m a registered dietitian (RD) with a masters degree in nutritional science. I’m a health educator at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California where I teach a variety of classes including weight management for all ages, diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and more. I also meet with patients for individual consults. In addition, I’m the author of a nutrition based book called FAST FOOD VINDICATION.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

My mother was a huge inspiration to me with regard to healthy eating and physical fitness when I was a kid.

3. What did they do to inspire you?

My mother was a big proponent in eating three healthy, balanced meals per day and appropriate snacks. No food group was ever missing. We had lean protein, grains, fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy. It’s like she invented the healthy plate concept. Another very important thing that my mother insisted on was that we always sat down and ate at the table as a family for every meal that we had at home. This always included breakfast and dinner, and during school vacations, lunch as well. It was a huge influence in my life. My mom also encouraged my brother, sister and I to engage in physical activity both at school and in our after school activities. I was on the swim team, played softball, was on the track team, biked, hiked and played a mean game of tether ball. I didn’t do all of these things as well as some, but my mother just encouraged me to do my best. And she was always there cheering me on.

4. How did their lesson change your life?

Today I continue to do much of what my mother exposed me to in my childhood years. I don’t skip meals. I eat balanced, healthy meals and encourage my family members to do so as well. I haven’t eaten red meat since I was 16 years old. My husband and I eat all of our at-home dinners in the dining room. Breakfast and lunch are served at the kitchen table. I don’t play team sports anymore, but I exercise a minimum of five days per week. I walk, bike, do weight training and practice yoga. Good nutrition has been such a big part of my life for so long, that in my forties I went back to school and got my masters in nutritional science and became a registered dietitian.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

I do. I’m a health educator at a major Southern California hospital. I see kids of all ages for a variety of different things. From a nutrition and fitness standpoint, I reach children by teaching healthy eating for families classes, as well as one for teens. I also provide consults for kids and teens individually. My book, FAST FOOD VINDICATION, also helps people of all ages learn to make healthier choices everywhere they eat.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

Eat balanced, healthy meals and snacks. Include lean protein, grains (whole grains a better choice), fruit (limit juice), vegetables and low fat/nonfat dairy in your meals. Skipping meals isn’t the way to go. Monitor portion sizes and limit high fat/calorie food intake. Don’t drink your calories. Try to limit screen time hours (TV, computer, phones, etc.) and move more.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

www.fastfoodvindication.com