5/18/2021
We are so happy to interview another powerhouse dietitian this month, Elaine Magee! Throughout her career she has often created the jobs that she’s had from being a writer for WebMD, to writing books, to appearing on morning shows, to working with Stanford, to her current role at the Wellness Corporate Dietitian for Albertsons Companies.
Along with all her various roles, she also has cultivated her personal brand, @therecipedoctor, where she does media and consulting. Elaine is truly an inspiration by going after so many different avenues throughout the field of nutrition and dietetics, another of which is working with brands!
Tell us a little about yourself, how did you get started as a dietitian and what do you do today?
I am almost 60 so we are going back a few decades! I was a dancer growing up and became fascinated by anatomy and physiology in high school. I loved writing and developing recipes too so getting a degree in nutrition seemed to bring many of my interests together. Through my career I often created the jobs I had and hopefully blazed some new trails for the profession like being a nutrition expert writer for WebMD.com, writing books, a syndicated column, writing for magazines, being a regular guest on a top morning radio show, being the Wellness & Performance Dietitian for Stanford University, etc. Currently I am the Wellness Corporate Dietitian for Albertsons Companies and through my personal brand, The Recipe Doctor, I also do media and consulting along with my InstaGram: @therecipedoctor
What is your mission as a dietitian?
I am passionate about helping people feel fantastic and live longer by having a healthy relationship with food and making changes that will last a lifetime. The motto of my IG (and my recipes–which are also my passion) is “finding the happy place between delicious, healthy and easy”
What do you look for when choosing new products to buy or recommend?
I look for products that are composed of mostly whole foods plus it has to taste great! Some of my IG followers have diabetes or pre-diabetes so I also look for lower carbohydrate options that might help them as well.
What is the value of working with brands to both you and your customers/clients/audience?
I love finding brand partners that come to me with opportunities or that I can go to with ideas for really fun and creative recipes and posts. These collaborations enhance my Instagram and media appearances with a variety of content and themes.
How did you start working with brands? (or what was your first brand partnership?)
I worked with a few brands many years ago as a book author. One of my experiences, after writing TELL ME WHAT TO EAT IF I HAVE ACID REFLUX, was doing a satellite media tour around heartburn and the holidays for a pharmaceutical company who made a medication for heartburn. Another early experience was writing and performing in an educational DVD with the actress Teri Garr for people with Multiple Sclerosis (it was produced by another pharmaceutical company).
What are some of the ways brands can work with you today?
I am always looking for brands that align with my food philosophies and particularly those that are looking for content creation and recipe development.
What advice do you have for other RDs who want to connect with brands?
Consider what you have to offer them that is unique and don’t be afraid to share some of the creative ideas you have for them and their products.
Do you have any advice for brands who want to connect with RDs?
Let dietitians know (who you are open to working with) if you are open to pitches and when is the ideal time for them to reach out with their ideas. This way they can be sure to share their ideas at the right times for the brand’s planning calendar. I encourage brands to keep their eyes open over social media channels and when they find a dietitian with a social media account that aligns well with their food or product, to reach out to connect! I love when that happens.
Just for fun, what is your favorite kitchen tool?
Gosh…that’s a really hard question. I LOVE my Pink KitchenAid mixer but I also love my VitaMix blender and I’m obsessed with my nonstick Pampered Chef nonstick griddle, my air fryer and my immersion blender. See what I mean by this being a hard question?
Interested in connecting with Elaine more? You can visit follow her on Instagram, Linkdin or connect on Link!
