Talk Time is a weekly online TV talk show co-hosted by Shawna Randolph and Sean Burke. Together they, along with guests, cover a variety of topics from pop culture to healthy living. This series introduces the team. Today, meet panelist Emily Mardell.
Emily is a Registered Dietitian, the CEO of Food First Nutrition Consulting, and the Founder of GetJoyfull. She is also a spokesperson for Dietitians of Canada and a Performance Dietitian for FC Edmonton.
Discuss your passion for nutrition consulting
As a mom of three that grew up in a sport-focused family, I have a passion for helping to raise healthy families and nurturing young athletes.
I studied biochemistry and neuroscience at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and later harnessed my passion for food and nutrition into a dynamic private practice. Through Food First I work one-on-one and do media consultation work. I work with everyone, be they a family struggling with picky eating, a teen with low iron, or a 25-year-old professional athlete. My aim is to provide education and coaching that helps people achieve their health, wellness, and performance goals.
As a spokesperson for Dietitians of Canada and Performance Dietitian for FC Edmonton, I translate evidence-based nutritional science into healthy plans for everyday eating and peak sport performance.
I founded GetJoyfull, a movement that empowers families to reconnect with the food on their tables, to help foster the joy of food and share delicious recipes families can enjoy. Food is so much more than macronutrients; food is connection, legacy, love. GetJoyfull helps reconnect families with the food they put on their table.
What are some of the contributing factors to your success?
I do discovery calls where I connect and talk with people about their goals, barriers, etc. From there, we can start creating a personalized program. Think of it like a custom recipe with just the right mix of education, action planning, coaching and accountability all with the ultimate goal to empower wellness and healthier relationship with food. Nutrition is about matchmaking – finding good fits, connecting, and aligning core values.
What is your biggest challenge, at the moment?
I have a passion for learning and educating. I love to teach, especially in person. As pandemic restrictions relax, I cannot wait to get back into schools, food banks, offices and gyms to interact with the community in a fun, meaningful, dynamic way, again. Also, being a die hard sports fan, I missed being in the stands.
What do you love the most about what you do?
My work is dynamic. I love connecting with people that can teach you as much as you teach them. I enjoy working with food insecurity and helping families in need. Food for all is a concept near and dear to my heart. To be able to help people in the community where I live is something that I love. I don’t like that there is food insecurity, but to help with solutions is very rewarding.
What’s next for you?
I look forward to expanding the GetJoyfull blog and the GetJoyfull movement. If you don’t ultimately have joy in eating, your relationship with food breaks down. I also look forward to partnering with other business women – farmers, storytellers, artists, chefs etc. As a mother, I appreciate these women immensely. When I work with amazing women it feeds my soul and reminds me that while family comes first, if you have a community of strong female support, you can do it all. I draw inspiration from that.
