Daily Plate: Jess Says Hello!

Welcome to my blog! My name is Jess Cording, and I am a dietetics student living, writing, and cooking in New York City. I decided I wanted to become an RD while working for an acupuncturist who treated all different kinds of conditions. I learned a lot there about the effect that diet has on the mind and body, and I wanted to be able to teach others how to achieve a healthy balance.

There's a lot of info out there about what to eat and why. It can be hard to tune out the noise, but it's not impossible to tune in to your body and learn what your personal needs are and how to meet them. I believe it can be very easy to take care of yourself, despite what a lot of diet and food companies want you to think.

While I don’t consider myself a vegetarian, I’ve been living with one for a few years, and I’d be lying if I said his meatless ways haven’t rubbed off on me. Having learned to cook so many creative, delicious meat-free foods, I’m more into all the great stuff I do eat rather than focusing on what’s not on my plate. Of course, sometimes a nice piece of salmon just hits the spot. And while I may not eat much meat, I definitely don’t hold it against anyone who does.

Some of my early culinary efforts were disastrous—and hilarious. I used to store pots and pans in my oven instead of using it when I lived alone, so if I can learn to cook, anyone can! Understanding some of the science of the food I work with has taught me how to get the most mileage out of what I buy, and I’m always on the lookout for new recipes and ingredients. I’ll share some of my favorites with you.

Like most students, I’m on a budget and like to get as much for my money as possible. I also clip coupons and look for bargains, but I think it’s okay—and actually essential—to splurge once in a while on something really nice. I try to keep it as real as possible—no weird diet products, no impossible-to-find ingredients. I don’t have a bread maker or a standing mixer. Maybe one day.

Feel free to ask me anything! I will try to answer.

So why don’t we start at the beginning? With breakfast! One thing you’ll see me eat a lot of is oatmeal. Lately, I’ve been cooking some banana in and then adding a tablespoon of almond butter. If you’ve never tried this, you must! It’s delicious, and it actually keeps me full until lunchtime, which is pretty hard to do. I also almost always have a cup of tea in the morning. I’d love to be one of those people who can claim to be above the lure of caffeine, but um…no. I don’t think that’s ever going to happen. Cheers to that.