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 #BestNine2023 pictures based on the number of “most liked pictures/reels” However, with the new algorithm and the ability to ‘remove your view of how many 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 2023 ‘year in review’ – from my top recipes, to work, & personal. What a year 2023 has been!
#BestNine2023 – Website
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 2023. Some posts started trending with my ‘SEO’ and I have to say I’m a little impressed with myself. Although, who knew all my alcohol drinks would be the most popular?! Definitely let me know what other recipes you’d like to see as I’m always experimenting.
- Fall Sangria – Originally written in 2022, as I said, some recipes started taking off with my SEO and this one was THE one to trend. Suffice it to say, I’m not sure how or why Google thinks a recipe is popular, however, this sangria is definitely an homage to my days in Spain. Every city is known for their sangria. As I traveled from city to city, it was a must try to see how they varied. This is my version of a traditional sangria, however, I added apple cider to put a ‘fall flare’ on it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
- Mexican Street Corn – Elote – Remember, this recipe trended in the summer around the 4th of July. From my days living in California and Texas, this was my tribute to Street Corn you can find at so many Mexican restaurants. It really is something delightful, so if you’ve never tried it, add this to your list of must makes in the coming year!
- How To Set Up A Chili Bar – Whether you watch football or you’re only there for the food, this guide helps set up a chili bar that will feed (and please) a crowd. Whether you have chili with rice or with cornbread, with avocado or without, there really is something to please everyone. Here’s hoping your team wins and you can enjoy both the food and the game!
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup – We haven’t really had too many cool fronts here in Miami yet this year, however, I’m adding this to my list to make as it’s just so simple. Roast everything on a sheet pan and then puree. If you’re up in the air about the sage, you can leave it out, however, I promise you it gives it that ‘what’s the flavor that’s in the soup’ that will have people talking. Grab your favorite bread and get to dunking. Seriously, so simple and delicious!
- Fig, Arugula, and Burrata Salad – Burrata, need we say more? Seriously though, sometimes you can have a salad without all the greens. Yes, this has arugula with it, however, the figs and burrata really are the stars of the show.
#BestNine2023 – Work
I joined the Cardiology division at work towards the end of last year. Working on implementing having a dietitian presence in the space of cardiology has been a challenge. I work together with a team of doctors, physician assistants, a pharmacist, and nurses, aiming to reduce risks in many different areas, i.e., metabolic disease, lipid disorders, and more.
Nutrition really is a mix of science and art and finding ways to connect with patients so they can incorporate habits that last a lifetime. While there have been many patients in this past year that are memorable, this one might be my favorite. She really processed what I taught her and started using her basal insulin as she should and even cut back on the total amount being used. Her average blood sugar level improved from the high 200s to averaging around 150. & if you’re thinking that’s still high, keep in mind, her numbers were almost double. This patient was beyond grateful for me teaching her and I know I won’t forget about her anytime soon.
#BestNine2023 – Personal
In January I started my master’s classes. Suffice it to say that it took almost all my ‘free’ time. Dietitians starting in 2024 will be required to have a master’s. And while I would have been grandfathered in, I decided it was something that I needed to do to stay competitive in the market. 6 classes down, 5 more to go. I definitely am counting down and not really sure how I survived starting a new job and taking classes at night. Here’s hoping 2024 flies by with school.
In October, I took my first flight since COVID. Yes, it took me this long to feel comfortable on a flight. I’m glad that I pushed myself to travel and was able to connect and interact with all my fellow dietitians. My heart has never been so filled after 6 days. 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. 2024 we’ll meet up in Chicago for a Nutrition Trends Conference and then the bigger conference in October will be in Minneapolis. I’m already counting down the days.
#BestNine2023 – Instagram
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 algorithm makes no sense. It’s hard to obtain ‘likes’ anymore these days unless you are doing a reel. With school and work, there have been no reels. The static posts I will continue to do and I’m glad that Diabetes Awareness was represented. My Pomegranate Mimosas are trending on Google and clearly were a hit on IG too! As stated, no rhyme or reason, however, it did get 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! & definitely need more nature therapy. I think we all could!
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 2024!
As 2023 comes to an end and 2024 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.
