How to be a Nutrition Lighthouse/ Beacon; Shine brightly in the dark world of social media predation
The influence we have over behaviour and consumer decision making has never been greater. This talk looks at recognizing your influence as a nutrition expert on social media and leveraging it the right way. Communicating ideas is fast, visual, and testimonials are so influential; even more so due to the subconscious programming that occurs from hours spent on social media. With feeds flooded with both “experts” and experts, and everything in-between, and zero context, the consumer is left feeling confused and desperate.  As a true expert, we know this power and privilege of access should come responsibility to be a lighthouse in a dark and exploitive nutrition infodemic. This talk will go through filters nutrition experts can use to stay ethical and effective in getting eyeballs on the correct nutrition and health information on social. Our presence on social media can have significantly impact choices and behaviours, and it can snowball. Delivering this type of rapid, edutainment is a new chapter in our job description. We will uncover 5 simple yet specific principles that both serve the public and you as an expert, to reach target audiences without compromise.

Nishta Saxena, MSc., RDN
Nutritionist and Owner
Vibrant Nutrition

Nishta Saxena is a Registered Dietitian, practicing since 2005. She is a Paediatric and Family Nutritionist, founder of Vibrant Nutrition, a full-service clinical nutrition and nutrition education practice. She is also a proud mother of two, living the strategies she preaches to families across the globe. Her years of specialty expertise in paediatrics and family dynamic nutrition has positioned her as an authority in paediatric nutrition and feeding issues. She manages an amazing team of RD’s that provide clients with medical nutrition therapy through the lifecycle, working in prevention and management of chronic diseases. In her practice, Nishta helps families through their ever-changing nutritional needs as children grow and develop. Nishta believes that nutrition can transform lives, and it is her goal to change lives through her work. In her practice she helps families through the lifecycle of stages of nutrition, taking a whole food, nutrition-for-real-life approach. She is also known as a “nutrition myth-buster,” promoting evidence-based nutrition rather than food trends. Nishta divides her professional time between the academic, media and private practice. She completed her clinical dietetic internship at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and her MSc in Clinical Nutrition Science at the University of Toronto, where she has a faculty appointment in the Department of Family & Community Medicine. A frequently invited speaker at conferences, she presents up-to-date clinical nutrition concepts to physicians and the public. @nishtasaxenard www.vibrantnutrition.com nishtasaxenard (on Threads).