Thymeless Nutrition 2024: Nourish A Better Tomorrow

We speak to Candice Vossler, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Owner of Thymeless Nutrition based in New Jersey. Thymeless Nutrition exists to bring quality virtual nutrition care to all New Jersey adults. Its mission is to nourish a better tomorrow by creating healthier habits today.

What inspired you to choose a career path in nutrition?

Classic diner fare, Chinese take-out, and taco night were just a sample of my childhood staples growing up in New Jersey. Then, I took a nutrition class out of curiosity at Rutgers University. I tried out what I learned in class and noticed that I had more energy, better focus, and felt better overall. Learning how to eat well really improved my quality of life. Life was so much better nourished! I loved food and wanted a career that helped others.

Describe what a typical consultation with you involves?

Before the first consultation, clients fill out a nutrition history form so I can familiarize myself with their current eating habits and overall health condition. During the consultation, I review the client’s goals, expectations, and address questions and concerns. Clients get personalized one-on-one nutrition guidance that’s centered around their goals, preferences, and lifestyle. 

I suggest nutrition recommendations that are based on the latest nutrition research and the client lets me know where they want to start. By the end of the first consultation, clients have the knowledge they need to start taking steps toward their goal.

What are some of the most common nutritional mistakes that you observe people making?

Skipping breakfast. Breakfast wakes your body up and jump-starts your metabolism. It sets up our day for making healthy decisions. Skipping breakfast tends to make you hungrier during lunch and we’re less likely to make healthy decisions when we’re hungry. Eating breakfast is part of a sustainable lifestyle where you’re not running on empty for part of the day.

Trying to hit goals without support and accountability. Changing eating habits is hard. It requires a lifestyle change. Sustained change doesn't happen overnight. It’s a step-by-step process over a long period of time. People need someone to walk with them, encourage them, and keep them accountable for their plans and goals. Making lasting change can be possible with the support of a registered dietitian.

Over the past two years, there’s been a notable increase in pre-cooked and packaged meal delivery services. What’s your view of these services vs fresh from scratch home cooking?

Consider the pros and cons of each option. Pre-cooked and packaged meals save time, tend to have higher salt and unhealthy fats, and cost more. From scratch home cooking takes more time and effort but the cook can control what seasonings are added and overall it tends to cost less. Lack of time and motivation can be considerable barriers when it comes to home cooking. 

Some pre-cooked and packaged meals are highly processed products that are high in unhealthy fats and have a lot of sodium and sugar added in. These are meals to consume once in a while.

Then, there are less processed, whole food products that have healthy levels of fats, salt, and sugar and even contain vegetables. These are great to include more often to save you time and the headache of deciding what to cook.

 Consider your health goals, budget, time, and motivation to decide how often to include pre-cooked and packaged meals.