QUESTION: Do you do talks for the public and if so, what is the cost?

Answer: Yes! I frequently do presentations on nutrition and food related topics for various non-profit groups, students, and community organizations. I request that you have a minimum of 50 people in attendance for the presentation. There is no cost. The best way to check on my availability is to e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me at: 800-334-4936.

There’s been a new turn in the much-anticipated redevelopment of Ingles’ super market site in Waynesville: Chick-fil-A has joined the party.

Ingles’ site development plans on file with the town of Waynesville have been updated recently to include a Chick-fil-A fronting Russ Avenue. It will occupy the vacant parcel beside Home Trust Bank and roughly across the street from McDonald’s.

QUESTION: Should I be worried about BPA liners in cans and be buying BPA-free cans?

Answer: While some brands do offer BPA-free cans this is not commonplace and this is typically noted on the label. 

QUESTION: I get bored with my plain old oatmeal. Can you give me some ideas on some different things to add to it?

Answer:  Try cooking your oatmeal with milk or flavored non-dairy milk ( like vanilla soy/coconut or almond) to make it more creamy. You can also add in some dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates while cooking the oatmeal.

QUESTION: One of my New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthier and so I have been trying a gluten-free diet.  Do you think a gluten-free diet is healthy and will it help me lose weight?

Answer:  Gluten is a combination of the proteins (glutenin and gliadin) found in wheat, barley and rye. For individuals with celiac disease,  a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity and is currently the only treatment for that disease. 

QUESTION: I have high blood pressure and have been told to cut down on salt and sodium. What should I be looking at on the label?

Answer:  One of the key recommendations of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is: "Reduce daily sodium intake to less than 2,300milligrams (mg) and further reduce intake to 1,500 mg among persons who are 51 and older and those of any age who are African American or have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease."

QUESTION: I have noticed you have a gluten-free section and tag items that are gluten-free – why not a sugar-free section for diabetics?

The good news is that unlike those who need gluten-free products for celiac disease or other medical conditions, someone with diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2, can virtually buy products throughout the store – as long as they are reading labels! Carbohydrate counting is the method that the American Diabetes Association recommends (www.diabetes.org) for diabetes dietary management of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. 

What sort of training or degrees do you have?

I have two undergraduate degrees, a B.A. in Speech Communications from West Chester University and a B.S in Human Nutrition from the University of Maryland and I have done some work towards a Master's in Marketing.

Ingles has unveiled plans to build a new gas station on Russ Avenue, Waynesville’s most heavily trafficked commercial corridor.

It marks a slight change to previous plans, which called for a gas station along the entrance road leading to Ingles grocery store. The gas station was initially slated to go in between Belk’s and Home Trust Bank. Now, it will go beside Home Trust bank and will front Russ Avenue.

Waynesville will be home to the largest Ingles grocery store in Western North Carolina following major renovations and expansion at its Russ Avenue location.

Shoppers will have a larger beer and wine selection, expanded deli and prepared food counter and café.