It’s that time of year again – where we round up and reminiscence about the past year. Instagram started this a few years back and they collate your #BestNine2022 pictures based on the number of “most liked pictures/reels” However, with the new algorithm and the ability to ‘remove likes’ let’s just say this year was interesting on the IG platform. Don’t worry, this won’t be an IG bashing post, but rather a 2022 ‘year in review’ – from my top recipes, to work, & personal. What a year 2022 has been!
Top 5 Recipes of 2022
I always love looking back at the most/least popular recipes over the past 12 months. It really is hard to predict what will take off but also interesting to see that what I thought would be ‘popular’ ends up being a flop. As I begin to plan for next year, let’s take a look back at the ‘most’ popular recipes of 2022. And duly noted more potatoes for next year! Definitely let me know what other recipes you’d like to see as I’m always experimenting.
- Salt ‘N’ Vinegar Smashed Potatoes – This recipe was my top rated recipe on Instagram. Last year my top rated recipes were all potato related. Seems fitting that the one potato recipe that I made this year came out on top. Can potatoes really ever go wrong? Here’s to potatoes in all ways and forms.
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – Most Popular on Pinterest – Even if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute milk and lemon juice. This dressing is in my refrigerator at all times. Even having it on the Christmas and New Year’s menu. So simple to throw together, this helps me the dietitian, to eat more vegetables. I call that a win win!
- Gambas Al Ajillo – This is the recipe that I loved creating the most. This recipe brought me back to my time in Spain and makes me want to travel again. For now, I’ll travel through food and the recipes I create. This is a must make (if you like shrimp!)
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup – Reader Favorite – Simple. Tasty. Seriously the best. Throw everything on the sheet pan and you’ve got yourself a meal? While you’ll need to blend it, regardless you’ve got yourself an easy, homemade soup that really is quite delicious. Stir some Greek yogurt in for some added protein and voila, lunch is served.
- Champagne Sorbet Cocktail – Most Page Views – If you’re in need of a quick last minute drink idea, this one does not disappoint. It’s easy to have the champagne and sorbet on hand. You’ll be ready for a get-together in no time!
#BESTNINE2022 – WORK
The beginning for 2022 started out much the same, working remote and continuing to teach via Zoom. Wrapped up my third Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) cohort, and while I loved what I was doing, I also knew it was time for me to move on and grow. Two months ago I accepted a position with the Cardiology division to begin to create a nutrition department/program. Excited to be a part of the team and begin to offer nutrition consults/classes to patients. Nutrition is not only a science but also an art in finding ways to help patients incorporate habits they can have lifelong. Challenge accepted. Stay tuned for some exciting stuff! (pictures are over the last 5 years in my department of Community Health)
#BESTNINE2022 – WEBSITE
After switching to WordPress the year before, 2022 was all about adding as much content as I can/could. Not bad if I do say so myself. Learning SEO is time consuming, however, I did have one recipe rank on page three of Google search. And even if that doesn’t mean much to you, it’s a sign (for me) that my ‘keywords’ and titles of recipes are starting to become ‘searchable’. In the blogging world, that’s critical for the website to ‘take off’. I’m still learning and have a long way to go. And while 2023 might not have as much content (see personal below), I’m still going to focus on creating great content and taking amazing pictures. For proof of a few to come, see below.
#BESTNINE2022 – PERSONAL
I still continue to ‘travel’ through the food I create. My Gambas al Ajillo is proof of that. However, I did go to a food and nutrition conference in Orlando this past October. Counting that for a win, one because I traveled and two, because of being able to connect and interact with all my fellow dietitians. My heart has never been so filled after one weekend. Not only did I get to learn all the up-to-date information and research on nutrition, but I also was able to connect with my fellow Academy Media Spokespeople. We had a great time and filled each day with connection, creativity, and cultivation. 2023 will be in Denver and I’m already counting down the days.
Next up? Speaking at a National Nurses Conference for the Mayo Clinic. Excited and honored to be asked to speak to this group of nurses/professionals. Here’s hoping more speaking opportunities develop in this next year. And last but not least (it’s a big one), is that I’ll be starting my masters degree in January. 25 years after completing my bachelor’s degree, I’m finally jumping in and doing it. Even with acquiring the CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) certification and maintaining my hours and continued education, the new norm is having higher education. And that’s the reason why creating new recipes might not be the priority in the coming months. I’m going to try to keep up, however, I know my time will be a little more limited. Regardless, let me know what recipes you’re looking to create and I’ll make sure to ‘test’ those recipes!
#BESTNINE2022 – ROUND-UP
If you’ve made it all the way through my year in review and really only came for the photo collage, here you go! My feeling is that the reels skewed things, however, all the reels created included pictures of myself. Desserts, boards, kitchen tips, and exotic fruit seemed to be the favorites. No rhyme or reason here, but it got me thinking, what content would you like to see this next year. Some of the latest nutrition information I’m learning in my masters? Recipes? Kitchen tips/hacks? Let me know!
Instagram is just one platform & with it’s algorithm issues, not all my eggs are in one basket. Not to mention that videos are not always my thing. But regardless, thank YOU all for following me here on my website. I’ll keep posting when I have a new recipe or a nutrition article to talk about. Heading over now to talk about all the new Nutrition Trends for 2023!
As 2022 comes to an end and 2022 begins, it’s a great time to reflect. I look back on the past so that my view going forward can be that much clearer. Be present. Breathe it all in. Enjoy the ride and keep growing. Take care and be safe my friends.
