Episode 022: A Farmer’s Daughter Dishes on Produce w/ Amy Myrdal Miller

Amy Myrdal Miller isn’t just a farmer’s daughter. She’s an award-winning dietitian/nutritionist, the founder and president of a consulting company, and has even worked for the CIA. The Culinary Institute of America, that is. She likely knows more about walnuts, pineapples, and beans than 99.9% of the population and, not only does she have a collection of over 300 cookbooks, she is the co-author of The Healthy Heart Cookbook for Dummies. Amy may or may not also be part of a “secret society.” In today’s episode, talk about all of these topics and more. 

ABOUT AMY MYRDAL MILLER MS, RDN

Amy is an award-winning dietitian/nutritionist, farmer’s daughter, published author, and founder and president of Farmer’s Daughter Consulting. During her 20-year career in nutrition, Amy has worked for Fleishman-Hillard, Dole Food Company, the California Walnut Commission, and most recently The Culinary Institute of America. Her work experiences have helped her hone her skills in public relations, nutrition marketing and communication, and culinary nutrition.

From June 2007 to July 2014 Amy worked for The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), a private, not-for-profit culinary college. Her role included planning conferences and leadership retreats for foodservice, culinary, and healthcare audiences; these events focused on nutrition, health, wellness, and sustainability issues.  Prior to joining the CIA, Amy led domestic marketing and health research efforts for the California Walnut Commission, directed nutrition education and nutrition marketing programs for Dole Food Company, conducted cardiovascular health research studies at the Rippe Lifestyle Institute in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and managed public relations campaigns for various food and agriculture clients at Fleishman-Hillard.

Amy has been widely recognized for her nutrition leadership. She was the 2014 recipient of the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy Nutrition Impact award, the 2013 recipient of the California Dietetic Association Excellence in Research award, a 2007 recipient of an ADDY award, and the 2003 recipient of the Produce for Better Health Foundation Diamond Crystal Award. She is a co-author of The Healthy Heart Cookbook for Dummies and the executive editor of the Dole 5 A Day Kids Cookbook.

A farmer’s daughter from North Dakota, Amy received her BS in dietetics from the University of California, Davis; completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital & Clinics; and she received her MS in nutrition communication from the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

“… I think there’s a lot of fear based communication right now and my primary goal is to help people feel good about their food choices.” – Amy

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN TODAY’S EPISODE…

1:34 How Amy decided to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist

2:39 How Amy came up with her company name, Farmer’s Daughter Consultants

3:04 What Amy’s company does

4:05 Amy talks about her efforts writing a monthly column for Produce Business Magazine

5:09 Amy talks about what needs to happen to get people to eat more fruits and vegetables

“What research shows is that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables no matter what form, no matter how they were processed […] have the lowest risk of heart disease.” – Amy

8:23 Amy’s culinary tips for using frozen bananas and caramelizing pineapples

“I read cookbooks like I read novels.” – Amy

9:26 Amy discusses her time with the CIA

13:19 Amy explains the purpose of companies like Compass, Sodexo, and Aramark

14:18 Amy talks about the importance of beans (legumes), the proper way to prepare dry edible beans, and how to deal with their unfortunate side effect

“Gas is actually a good thing. It means you’ve got a healthy, happy gut.” – Amy

20:28 The methods Amy uses to help manage her weight

22:42 Amy reveals the one food personality she would go out to dinner with if given the opportunity

23:58 Amy’s favorite sources for food inspiration

26:30 Amy divulges some information about the Secret Society she belongs to

SOME OF THE RESOURCES DISCUSSED…

Learn more about the CIA’s Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives initiative and events.

North Harvest Bean Growers is an organization committed to helping “producers and shippers supply the world with dry beans.”

Check out Julia Child’s Kitchen at the Smithonsian!

Amy’s main sources of food inspiration are Mediterranean Fresh by Joyce Goldstein and American Masala by Suvir Saran.

Les Dames d’Escoffier International is a well-known but fairly secretive society for the elite women in the culinary arts. The 2016 LDEI Annual Conference is being held in Washington, D.C.

Lastly, to learn more about Amy’s efforts to increase the consumption of beans visit her website, Farmer’s Daughter Consulting.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The Food Sommelier Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates.

Until next time!

PRAISE FOR THE FOOD SOMMELIER PODCAST: 

• Delish
  October 21, 2016 by Duffash from United States

  Loving the interview about water! Yes, water can taste amazing! Great info!

• Must listen to to this show!
  September 19, 2016 by Erin Peisach from United States

  Packed with easy to understand and entertaining nutrition content!

• My food inspiration!
  September 18, 2016 by SkippyJohnJones145 from United States

  I'm so glad I found this podcast as it provides a deeper level of food appreciation than other I've listened too. I'm now more able to eat mindfully and fully enjoy the food I'm eating.

• Love of a foodi!
  April 24, 2016 by MattB4SBB from Australia

  It's awesome. Just awesome! All about food. My ideal place of relaxation!

• Great for the Food Lover
  March 28, 2016 by BrandonTBM from United States

  The perfect podcast for any food lover looking to rediscover a new type of relationship with food.

• Love it!!
  March 27, 2016 by Animartrom12 from United States

  Helpful, informative, encouraging, honest, reasonable... I just love how she delivers her information.. Not scary, like helping you take baby steps to a better you;-)

• Instant Obsession
  March 24, 2016 by jlwolf from United States

  As a dietetics student, I was Immediately HOOKED on the Food Sommelier. Annette is a true inspiration for me in a fascinating field. The diversity of her guests are all equally as intersting and knowledgable in nutrition and the science surrounding it. I really enjoy the food reviews.They offer insight into the healthier menu options chain restautants offer but most of us overlook.

• Making Food Fun & Simple
  March 9, 2016 by NutritionGenius1 from United States

  Annette has such a good outlook on food and brings on some of the top experts and movers and shakers in the food/nutrition world. There is so much to learn from all of her guests and even her own experience! You will gobble this up and learn new tips and tricks to incorporate into your every day life.

• Great podcast!
  February 5, 2016 by DCulve from United States

  I LOVE this podcast! I love all things food and this podcast delivers. The interviews and topics are super interesting. I especially loved the podcast with the nutrition diva. Annette does a great job hosting!

• More than meets the eye
  November 16, 2015 by Jmccracken01 from Australia

  This podcast is about more than just 'food'. It's about understanding the value that great food can bring to your life, your relationship, your vitality and your energy. While only new, I'm finding it insightful and interesting. Thanks.

• Excellent Podcast!
  November 14, 2015 by Nehemiah7483 from United States

  Annette's expertise about nutrition and food is awesome. Lots of practical and insightful information about all things food.

• Love it!
  November 14, 2015 by Britany Felix from United States

  I LOVE that she reviews normal restaurants instead of the fancy places in New York that I'll never eat at. This information is something I can actually use to help me choose the best place to eat healthy when the hubby and I feel like going out to dinner.

• Great podcast!
  November 14, 2015 by ItsMeRD from United States

  Such great food info in here, just listening makes me hungry!

• Awesome niche and great show
  November 13, 2015 by Podcast Mom from United States

  Love this podcast and learning so much!

• A Tastey Show!
  November 13, 2015 by Cleaning coach from United States

  Your interviews are great and are perfect for someone like me who isn't a foodie, but wants to eat healthier.

• Good podcast for those who are concerned about what we eat
  November 13, 2015 by HGCIII from United States

  Annette brings practical information to us on what and how we eat. The resturant reviews will save us time and money when eating out - and allow for great food. Eating wholesome and healty food at home or when eating out is so important for all of us. Well done - keep moving forward.

• Great show
  November 13, 2015 by vwdieselnet from United States

  I really enjoy ways to eat better especially with my new exercise routine.

• Man I’m hungry!!!
  November 10, 2015 by Alexandra B-P from United States

  Fun and lively show that makes food fun! The host goes in depth into food giving you a whole new insight to this exciting world. Love the nutritional touches. Overall - A+!

• Awesome show
  November 8, 2015 by Aditya of My Seven Chakras from Canada

  Warning- don't listen to this show on an empty stomach! Loved the episode about Olive Garden. Brought back fond memories of the classic spaghetti nepolitana that i always used to order! I look forward to more Your browser does not support the audio element.