Meet Ashley Carter | Registered Dietitian & Cofounder of EatWell Exchange

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Creating routines and systematic approaches to tasks is a great habit that I have. Some lower-level tasks should not take a lot of time or energy. I develop systems so that I can get the quick tasks done expeditiously, and take time on things that require more time and attention. This also helps me promote creativity and better ideas because I am not using a lot of brainpower towards things that do not require it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
EatWell Exchange is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is based out of Miami, Fl. We are registered dietitians that teach diverse communities how to eat healthier with a focus on their culture. We founded EatWell Exchange because only 2.7% of registered dietitians are black, but a majority of health issues affect the black and lower socioeconomic population. There is a disconnect when teaching the black community because the professionals are not trained on different cultures and the impact of our values, traditions, and access on decisions regarding food. Our foods tell a story, so when you tell someone they can no longer eat their cultural foods you are taking a part of them. At EatWell Exchange, we embrace cultural foods and actually find ways to enjoy the foods we are accustomed to in a healthier manner. We do this by hosting cooking classes and demos where we educate about healthier cooking methods. We also teach gardening to help communities that do not have access to healthier foods. We use all three components, growing your own food, education about nutrition and cooking methods to create change and decrease negative health outcomes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a registered dietitian… but I’m still a foodie! I enjoy eating great food and trying new options. Some of my favorite food spots include Naz Roti (in Miramar), Awash (Ives Dairy), Jerk Grill (Miramar), Go Bistro (Hollywood), and Groovin Bean, Lil Greenhouse, and Red Rooster in Overtown. As far as things to do, I enjoy biking so I would recommend snake creek trail, or if you are careful biking around the city. The citadel is a nice spot to stop by, it’s a food court in the midtown area. I always recommend the beach, now the Hollywood Boardwalk has a lot to see and do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could not start my shoutout with a big thank you and recognition to my big sister, Joy! She has been my support, mentor, strength, brainstorming buddy, event producer, visionary, and clean-up team. Seriously, anything that I am lacking she is strong in. There’s not one idea, event, or plan that I have made that she has not had a part in or assisted me with. When starting a nonprofit, or any business it is scary, you are filled with uncertainties, not knowing if you are capable and if you will succeed. For me, I know that having my sister in my corner as my cheerleader, but also my honest voice of reason will help me through because I know that she will support me but also help guide me when I’m on the wrong path. So, I say this to her all the time, but I really appreciate and love you for who you are and how much you are invested in my success.

Website: www.EatWellExchange.Org

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