What are the trendy foods for 2017? Nutrition and Dietetics alumna explains on D.C. morning TV show

ValerieAgyeman
Valerie Agyeman

Earning a degree in Radford University’s nutrition and dietetics program can boost a graduate toward a coveted position as a registered dietitian. For Valerie Agyeman ‘15, it has also led to a TV gig.

Agyeman appeared on the WJLA’s Good Morning Washington TV show recently to talk about the hottest food trends for 2017.

“I want to help people truly understand the powerful relationship between what they eat and how their body looks, feels and functions and to help them make more conscious, wiser choices,” Agyeman said. “I want to do whatever it takes to help reduce the ever growing epidemics like obesity, heart disease and diabetes.”

Agyeman, a native of Ghana, West Africa, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics at Radford University and completed the University of Maryland Dietetic Internship Program in June 2016.

“The nutrition and dietetics program at RU prepared me to successfully complete a very rigorous internship program to be eligible for the national board exam for dietitians,” Agyeman said.

Also, being a part of numerous organizations at Radford University “has helped me to enhance many skills including leadership, public speaking, writing and many more, all of which have played a huge role in my career thus far,” she said.

For the past few months, Agyeman has been working as a clinical dietitian in a rehab and nursing center helping the elderly population there meet their nutritional needs every day.

“I can truly say that this is one of the best decisions I have made in my life,” Agyeman said. “It is very rewarding to make a difference in the lives of my residents daily. I love building relationships with my residents, and it feels great to see the many lifestyle changes they make after working with them one-on-one.”

Agyeman also has a passion for cooking, writing, spending time with family and friends, fashion and food photography, as you can see on her Instagram page.

As for future TV appearances, Agyeman said there will be more to come “very soon.” After all, she wanted to become a news anchor before she decided to be a dietitian.

“I have always had a passion for communications and media ever since I was a little girl,” she said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to use my nutrition knowledge to positively impact the community.”

Jan 19, 2017
Chad Osborne
540-831-7761
caosborne@radford.edu