I’m Bettina J. Applewhite. I’m a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, School Nutrition Specialist, and all-around Foodie. I’ve had a passion for food and sharing that love of food with others since childhood. In my teenage years, I started cooking at home for my mom. I learned from watching cooking shows and studying cookbooks. As I continued to cook family dinners, I was able to explore more foods and exotic dishes.
Growing up in the South, I was surrounded by good food all the time. My interest in food only became greater as I began to travel and explore different cultures through people and their food. My first international trip was to India as a high school exchange student. I always knew I wanted to travel but that trip solidified that traveling is part of my DNA. Since then, I’ve ventured abroad several times and even became an American immigrant in Tanzania. I like visiting the touristy places but the local restaurants and food stalls are the best places to find out what the locals really love and how they really live.
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When I had to start a career, It was important for me to blend my love of science with my love of food. I gained my masters’ degree in Integrative Bioscience with a concentration in Nutrition and became a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist working in the Baltimore Metro area. I started working as a clinical dietitian but would always give my 2 cents in the kitchen. I started monthly theme meals to keep my residents excited for something new. After figuring out that I couldn’t leave the kitchen, I began a career in foodservice leadership.
School nutrition is where I’ve found my niche. I became a credentialed School Nutrition Specialist. I enjoy sharing my love of food with younger generations. Seeing students taste something new sparks joy in my life. Sometimes it’s a common fruit or an exotic dish. Whatever it is, making food fun is important.
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Sharing food is my way of sharing my love. I’ve been throwing dinner parties since before I even had a place of my own. In college, I would convince my big brothers and sisters who lived off campus to let me borrow their kitchens. I would invite people over (to other people’s homes… smh) just so that we could share a meal together. Before I bought furniture for my new house, I was hosting brunch. Food isn’t meant to be hoarded. It’s meant to be shared.
So, come on some adventures with me! We can share our foodie experiences together!
