Registered Dietician, Founder of Nutrifacts, Shari Bilt Boockvar Sits with Butterfly

as told by Butterfly Co-Founder Bradi Nathan

I wonder if Michelle Obama finishes the food left over on her kids’ plate. And I’m asking, “What is she feeding those “perfect” little children of hers anyway?” Grilled cheese fried in melted butter… on healthy whole wheat bread? That’s what I’m picking at!

Shari Bilt Boockvar, Registered Dietician has been a Nutrition Counselor and Consultant since 1993 and is the founder of Nutrifacts, Inc. a nutrition consulting firm and the mother of one sweet little boy. Shari offers her own version of grilled cheese to her son. Her area of expertise is in weight control, sports/fitness and cholesterol management, servicing families across the country. Shari has been featured by local and national TV stations, such as the Fox News Network, CBS, NY-1, MSG and ABC. She is the contributor to many magazines and websites, including Allure, New York Magazine, Shape, Fitness, CBS Healthwatch, FOX News Channel, and Healthology. In an exclusive interview with Shari, she shares how she skillfully balances health and happiness:

BN: How has your career shifted since you had a child?

SBB:My career is now based solely on my private practice. I try to schedule clients during daytime hours while my son is at school. My consulting projects with individual companies can be done during the day, evening, and on weekends.

Prior to having a child, I lived in New York City where I worked at a major teaching hospital while building a private practice. Eventually I gave up a large practice when my son was born and we moved to New Jersey. I wanted to spend 100% of my time with him while he was young.

When my son was about a year and a half old I decided that I wanted to begin nutrition counseling again. I began to network with people in my community to get my name and expertise out. It has now been five years since I re-started this journey and my practice is thriving. I feature many nutrition services as part of my practice including counseling, corporate workshops and seminars, recipe analysis, supermarket tours, kitchen makeovers, and nutrition “boot camps”.

BN: Can you share some examples of how you involve your son in your work?

SBB:My son is beginning to learn the value of money and work. I have him help me with my “job” and I pay him for his valuable time. This may include putting stickers onto folders or making lists of food packages and/or grouping them into different meals and snacks. It is rewarding for him and gives him a sense of responsibility while providing him with a means to earn extra money in addition to his allowance. He loves being able to save up for Nintendo DS games!

BN: How has working changed you as a mother?

SBB:I appreciate the time spent with my family. At the end of the day, I feel proud of what I have accomplished in my business and I am excited to share my day with my family. It also opens discussion for other things beside what errands I ran and who I met for lunch that day (that is not to say that I don’t enjoy doing those things too!).

BN: How have you and your family benefited by you working?

SBB:It is nice to have extra spending money. I explain this to my son so he can appreciate why some days I need to work and he may not have 100% of my attention. When we are at a toy store and I buy something for him “just because”, it makes him realize that it is nice that his mom works and is able to purchase these extras. I like to “treat” my family for a night out for dinner or buy my husband a birthday gift with the money I earned.

BN: How, if at all, has your mother and/or grandmother influenced your life?

SBB:My mother has always been one of my biggest life influences. Not only her support of all that I do but also because she herself worked ever since I was young. She has taught me my entire life not only about education, work ethics and job satisfaction but also making family your first priority.

BN: Can you share some time saving shortcuts for food preparation?

SBB:
• I call it “assembly gourmet”… defrost frozen vegetables and frozen brown rice – mix with pre-cooked chicken or other protein from the deli counter and top with a low-fat marinade. Voila… dinner is on the table.
• I enjoy foods from a store called “Trader Joes,” if it is in your area. They have great pre-prepared foods and ingredients (many of which are organic) that can be used in quick assembly dinners.

BN: How can moms make good choices when ordering from a take-out menu?

SBB:One of the healthiest choices is steamed Chinese food with a small amount of brown rice. Top with ½ portion of hot & sour soup.
Sushi restaurants are great where you can also order healthy options such as miso soup and edamame beans.
Eat breakfast for dinner – egg white omelets stuffed with lots of veggies and 1 slice of cheese makes a great high protein meal. Ask for a baked potato instead of fries and use 1 tablespoon of sour cream or mustard instead of butter.
I love baked potatoes – you can easily order one from diners or some fast-food restaurants. Stuff it with veggies and sliced chicken breast for a quick and satisfying meal.
Any restaurant should be able to prepare a meal of grilled chicken or fish with veggies.

BN: What supplement or vitamin might you recommend for moms on the run?

SBB:I suggest a good daily multivitamin for “insurance” to ensure that you are getting the minimum basic vitamins and minerals that your body needs that you may not get entirely from food. Also, many moms need additional calcium that they do not meet from dairy intake alone.

BN: How do you feel about frozen dinners?

SBB:I use them all the time for convenience. However, not all are created equal. I look for those that are lower in fat and higher in fiber with as few processed ingredients as possible. Right now, I really like the meals from Kashi, Healthy Choice and Amy’s. Additionally, I purchase Lean Cuisine and Smart Ones brands. Ian’s has healthier frozen meals for kids and I also recommend Health is Wealth and Dr. Praeger’s items.

To learn more about the importance of Nutrition in your daily life, visit Shari Bilt Boockvar at: www.nutrifactsforyou.com

View Butterfly's Nutrition Page by Shari Boockvar


Back to Mentoring; Exclusive Interviews