With more than 76,000 followers on Instagram, dietitian Dana Ghareeb has gained a widespread recognition locally for those interested in adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Dana uses Instagram as the main platform for communication, and she provides a content that intelligently mixes between the style and essence of life, in addition to providing important advice about health and following a balanced lifestyle, and this is not surprising, as Dana obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Florida International University in Miami and a practical master's degree in nutritional sciences with an emphasis on cognitive neuroscience from the University of Illinois.

Oud met with dietitian Dana Ghareeb who spoke about her career, her outlook on life, and how she celebrates motherhood.

Tell us about yourself, when did you first become interested in nutrition?

I wasn't interested in nutrition at all. I initially wanted to study medicine, but my parents were afraid that studying abroad would be too long and difficult. My mother suggested that I study nutrition because she had always been interested in healthy food in general. Honestly, the nutrition I studied at university does not have the same concept as the nutrition I practice now. The science of nutrition is constantly changing and developing at a fast pace through the efforts of many researchers. At the beginning of my university studies, we were told to stay away from saturated fats, and now studies show that saturated fats are really healthy! In my practical practice, I lean more toward a holistic approach rather than the usual calorie-restricted diet. I am always keen to learn about the clients' lives, their mental health, and daily stresses because all of these factors have an impact on their general health.

You are specialized in prenatal and postnatal nutrition and infant nutrition. What made you choose this field?

I suffered greatly during my pregnancies. Both were complex and challenging experiences - especially my first pregnancy with my twin boys. I had many complications during pregnancy and even with childbirth. After having my kids, I started researching and reading more about prenatal nutrition to understand what happened to my body. Simply put, your health prior to conception within two years is directly related to your pregnancy experience and the health of both mother and child. The levels of micronutrients in the mother should be optimal before conception. Not many mothers know that! That's why I'm passionate about helping other moms-to-be experience a more enjoyable and healthy pregnancy. In terms of children's nutrition, I'm a big believer in starting healthy habits at an early age. If a child gets used to eating clean food while practicing sports or movement activities, they will not be at risk of obesity, diabetes and many other chronic diseases later in life. That's why I follow the 80/20 rule with my kids and I keep them active in many sports. The 80/20 rule basically provides for 80% clean healthy food and 20% unhealthy choices that children are surrounded by in society.

The basics of caring for a new mother are not discussed much in our region compared to the Western media. Why do you think it is so?

It wasn't discussed much in the past but I currently see many health professionals and advocates, myself included, talking about the fourth trimester being the first three months after a mother gives birth. In addition, I am glad to see the concept of "self-care" being discussed among so many mothers which makes me very happy. A tired and exhausted mother will not be able to take care of her family if she does not take care of her mental and physical health. A happy healthy mother = a happy family.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a nutritionist?

I would say the biggest challenge is changing eating habits. It is difficult to change the habits that a person has accumulated over the years. That's why I work closely with my clients for months and in some cases years to change those habits into a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

How do some foods heal and nourish the new mother?

There are foods that contain specific nutrients that the mother needs for postpartum renew. Bone broth is one of the most powerful postpartum healing foods. I encourage all of my postpartum clients to drink 2-3 cups of bone broth daily.

What's the next step for Dana Ghareeb?

My book on pregnancy nutrition is coming out soon. It is bilingual - in Arabic and English. I'm so excited about it. I also have many other projects that will be launched soon, God willing.

What lessons have you learned from COVID-19?

Gratitude for health and family. To adapt to all the changes that happen in life - especially virtual school!

How does your mother inspire you?

My mother is one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. She has definitely influenced my eating habits since I was a kid. We were taught that eating fruits and vegetables is very important at a young age, and my siblings and I grew up loving healthy, clean, home-cooked food.

How did your mother or parents encourage you to become a dietician?

As I mentioned earlier, they encouraged me to study nutrition instead of medicine because my mother is a true believer in "food is medicine".

What is your first or favorite memory related to your mother's style?

My mother's fashion icon was Princess Diana. Many of her looks, dresses, and even her princess DI haircuts are classic, elegant, and practical. She doesn't follow all the trends though, only the ones she likes and look good on her.

As a mother of twin boys and a girl, how would you describe your parenting style?

I would say I raise with love, not fear. I read a lot of parenting books, I have consulted several parenting coaches (especially for twins because they're so much different), and I'm still learning how to raise my kids to be compassionate, generous, gentle, independent, and strong individuals. I must say that parenting is challenging - especially in the era of technology and social media.

Describe a typical day in Dana Ghareeb's life.

I don't know where to start from... It’s the life of a work-from-home mom!

My kids usually get up earlier than me and have breakfast. I have a different planned activity before the start of the virtual school every day. Some days my daughter has a gymnastic coach, or they all have a tennis class, or a teacher.

By the time I wake up, they will be ready for the virtual school. I make sure they get into their classrooms and then I drink a small cup of coffee and eat breakfast on my desk at home and start answering and communicating with clients.

Soon after, I either have a virtual workout or I hit the gym. When I don't have a planned workout, I usually go out and grab a coffee with almond milk (and escape the madness of virtual school!). After exercise/ coffee, I go back to work and respond to my clients on phone while my kids finish their Arabic and religion lessons via zoom.

By 2 pm, we have a family lunch with my husband. After that, my children usually have different activities and teachers. It is really important to me that my children are active throughout the day. I usually go with them to some of their activities or I stay to work from home when I have a lot on my plate.

We do our homework by six in the evening.

Family dinner is around seven in the evening.

Their bedtime routine starts at 8 pm and they eventually go to bed at 9 pm.

Once my kids are asleep, I get back to work on making meal plans for my clients.

My bedtime is usually around 10:30 pm. Sometimes I read a book, or chat with my husband. I always try to sleep before 11:30 pm.

On rare occasions, usually at the beginning of the month when I open registration for my virtual services, I stay up late at night to work on nutrition plans for new clients and fall asleep around 2 am.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I post on social media all day long —stories on Instagram— and I answer the direct messages sent by my followers