The FoodMinds upwaRD program is an industry-leading professional recognition and development program that elevates the voices of emerging nutrition communication leaders. This year’s winners were selected for their expertise in translating evidence-based nutrition recommendations into exciting, engaging, and accessible content in traditional and social media channels.
Today, we hear from Alicia Miller, a 2024 upwaRD winner!
How did you become passionate about nutrition communications?
As I worked toward becoming a registered dietitian, I spent a lot of time thinking about the impact I wanted to make in the field of nutrition. Initially, I felt pressure to pursue a traditional clinical role, but I quickly realized that the way dietitians are utilized in inpatient and outpatient settings wasn’t the right fit for me. While clinical dietetics is incredibly valuable, I wanted to reach people on a broader scale—to share evidence-based, practical nutrition guidance in a way that was accessible to the masses.
That’s where nutrition communications came in. With my background in marketing and PR, I already had the skills to craft messages that resonate with large audiences. Coupling that with my expertise in nutrition allowed me to create content, resources, and advocacy efforts that truly meet people where they are. Social media became a powerful tool to educate, connect, and empower families, reaching far beyond what would be possible in a clinical setting.
At the core of it all, I’m a helper by nature. If even one person feels seen, supported, or better equipped to navigate their feeding journey because of something I’ve shared, then I’ve done my job. That’s what keeps me moving forward.
When you create your content, what personal rules or values help guide you?
My content is always guided by practicality, accessibility, and inclusivity. I want the information I share to be something that real families can apply to their daily lives—without judgment or shame.
Some core values I prioritize:
- Equity & Cultural Diversity – Nutrition guidance should reflect and respect different backgrounds, food traditions, and access levels.
- Empathy & Kindness – Food and feeding are deeply personal. I aim to create a judgment-free space that acknowledges the realities parents face.
- Advocacy for Food Access – Nutrition doesn’t matter if people can’t access nutritious food. I use my platform to speak on food insecurity and policy issues that impact families.
- Nuance & Realism – There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. I always encourage flexibility, personalization, and sustainable changes over rigid rules.
I strive to make the information I share available, accessible, and easy to understand, because good nutrition shouldn’t feel like a privilege—it should be for everyone.
What kinds of messages are you passionate about sharing?
I’m passionate about sharing messages that make people feel seen, validated, and empowered. So much of mainstream wellness content relies on fear-based messaging, guilt, and unrealistic standards, and I love being able to disrupt that narrative by promoting gentle, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to food and nutrition. I frequently talk about gentle nutrition—focusing on what you can add to your plate rather than what you should restrict; challenging diet culture—helping people unlearn harmful food beliefs and embrace an approach that works for them; encouraging variety—because food is meant to be enjoyed, and there’s room for all foods in a balanced diet; and affirming different feeding choices—there’s no “perfect” way to feed your family, and what works for one household won’t necessarily work for another. At the end of the day, I want my audience to feel less stressed, more confident, and free from unnecessary food guilt.
What types of brands or organizations do you get excited about working with?
I love working with commodity boards and food brands to help families incorporate nutritious foods in approachable ways. Busting myths, sharing research-backed information, and creating practical recipes that make healthy eating more accessible are things I’m truly passionate about. I’m also especially excited about partnering with mission-driven organizations that focus on nutrition education, food accessibility, and health equity, as these collaborations allow me to amplify my impact and support more families in meaningful ways. Additionally, I love working with companies that prioritize inclusivity, cultural congruency, cultural humility, accessibility, and community impact in their messaging and initiatives. Ultimately, I want my collaborations to feel authentic, aligned, and beneficial to the people I serve.
What’s the nutrition question you hear most often from your clients or followers?
The number one question I get as a pediatric dietitian is, “How do I get my picky child to eat more vegetables?” My general advice is to be patient—picky eating is normal, and repeated exposure matters more than immediate acceptance. It’s also important to avoid pressure, as forcing kids to eat something often backfires and creates food aversions. Instead, try using descriptive language to help them identify flavors and textures they enjoy, like asking, “Do you prefer crunchy or soft carrots?” Additionally, offer variety in different ways—exposure isn’t just about eating; it’s about touching, smelling, and seeing new foods. Of course, every child is different, so strategies may vary, but I always encourage parents to trust the process and stay consistent.
Where can people find you?
- Instagram & TikTok: @ItsTheCardamom
- On the web: thecardamomnutrition.com – where I share blog posts, recipes, free resources, and more!
Favorite food?
TACOS! No matter the filling, no matter the style—tacos are elite.