Alexia Hall is a Registered Dietitian (RDN) and Integrative and Functional Credentialed Practitioner (IFNCP, May 2021) with an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Certification in Food Allergy Management.

Alexia works with families to make healthful dietary changes as well as observe certain behaviors in children (such as picky eating) to see if these behaviors are signs of more serious disorders or health concerns.

What does "family" mean to you?

Everything. My family unit includes my biological family, my co-workers, friends, and patients. It means that this is my community and we are here to support each other and build each other up.

What does "thriving" mean to you?

That feeling of joy that comes from using your skills, passion, grit, and gifts to bring peace, healing, and joy to another human. When the people around you thrive, so do you.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An artist. But as nutrition became more of my lifelong passion, I found that I was still able to use art to show off good healthy food!

When did you know you wanted to be a healer? Can you tell us about that time in your life, and what it felt like to come to that realization?

When my second daughter was born with some health issues. That magical moment when I realized that good food and nutrition helped to bring about her healing and the realization that I could use what I learned to help heal others!

When did you know you wanted to work with children?

I loved being an art docent in my children's elementary schools. Children are generally so excited and open to learning, especially if it involves fun and more than one of their senses. I love watching kids pick vegetables at a farm and tasting them for the first time!

What's the biggest difference between working with children and working with adults?

Children have that sense of wonder, hope, and fun and the attitude that they can do anything. We tend to lose some of that when we get older.

In your practice, what do you see as the biggest factors in children growing up loving nutritious foods?

Parents and their feelings about food, especially how open they are to trying new things. Especially in the toddler years. I honestly did not have the best nutrition practices when my kids were very young.

I've worked hard ever since to correct some of that in my own family and then teach that to others as well. It is so much easier to do when a child is two or three vs. when they are a teenager—let me tell you from experience!

As a mom and as a dietitian, what is one piece of parenting advice you'd give to The Family Thrive Parents?

Always have a positive expectation for your child. Kids live up to both positive and negative expectations. I find that if you label a kid one way (for example, picky), then they live up to it and it is tough to change later.

What is one piece of self-care advice you'd give to The Family Thrive Parents?

It doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to be all or nothing. We are all on a journey and just being willing to try is a huge first step toward success.

What is your own most important self-care practice? Can you tell us a little bit about how you came to it, what it looks like, and how it helps you?

Sleep! Closely followed by exercise and water. I am a major grump without them!

What lies ahead for Alexia Hall?

The IFNCP credential and the training I am receiving will further my practice in the Integrative and Functional realm. I hope to use the platform that the Family Thrive is providing to spread the message of good nutrition. I also plan to advocate for healthier food and nutrition policies, especially in our National Free Lunch Program.

Thank You

Alexia Hall, RDN
Kitchen Curative