After TMU — Andy De Santis

What led you to pursue a career in nutrition?

I led a relatively unhealthy lifestyle until my late teens when I discovered that changing the way I ate massively improved my quality of life. It didn't take long for me to realize after that sequence that a career in nutrition was more or less my calling, I never looked back from there.

How does your Ryerson University experience influence or benefit your current role?

I had a wonderful education as an undergrad at TMU which set me up for success in the long-term. My fondest memories revolve around the nutrition students room in Kerr Hall. I have gone back for presentations on numerous occasions and provided opportunities for undergrads to be featured and write for my blog. I speak highly of TMU wherever I go!

What does your typical day look like?

I wear a few hats, but my days are more or less divided between seeing patients on a 1-on-1 setting and working on various writing projects (including my blog, my books, and so on).

What is the most challenging part of the work you do?

Honestly, it's true what they say that if you love what you do you won't work a day in your life.

I'm fortunate to be paid to do what I love.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

First and foremost, helping people live healthier lives. Beyond that, I have good diversity in my day in terms of patient interaction and time spent on writing, blogging and social media.

I could not ask for more!

Any advice for any students or alumni interested in pursuing a similar career path?

It's never too early, or too late, to start building a brand around blogging and social media. Dietetics is an awesome career and one of few where you can genuinely say you are able to do what you love to do everyday! Remember when your mom told you to eat your vegetables? Yeah, she was right.

As a published author, what have you enjoyed most about the writing process and is there advice you'd give to a first time author from all your experience?

I’ve published 7 books so far! Two on the DASH diet, one on low sodium living, one on intermittent fasting, one on pescatarianism, one on cholesterol lowering and one on acid reflux. I’m currently finishing up my 8th book. I love the professional development and sense of accomplishment that comes with researching and writing a book and I think if you've gotten to the position where you are offered a book deal or writing your own book — you've obviously done something right. Anyone who dreams of writing a book one day, should know that my dedication to blogging for my own website is what led me to the path of authorship!