Meet Lindsay Van der Meer! This dietitian has had the pleasure of calling PG home since 2006.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
That’s a tie between my husband and my three-year-old daughter. My family is what motivates me to be the best version of myself that I can be. They support me, cheer me on and pick me up when I fall.
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
Stride and Glide Sports, for their knowledgeable staff and great selection of clothing and gear for all of the sports I love to do. I always get my running shoes there.
Describe yourself in one word.
Energetic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hanoi, Vietnam. It has some of the most delicious street food I’ve ever tasted. Vietnamese people are incredibly kind and resourceful and can make a meal out of almost anything, which is inspiring.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Cross country skiing at Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in the Winter and trail running on the many great trails in the spring, summer and fall.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was in university, I worked as a cook at a fancy restaurant in a resort for a summer. During my first week, I forgot about some yorkshire puddings I had put in the pizza oven and they caught on fire, leading to a lot of smoke and an evacuation.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was once told by a patient that she felt like nutrition was a flaky science because she heard different and often contradictory information from everyone she talked to. She inspired me to be a stronger voice for the science of nutrition.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have vivid memories of trying to catch butterflies in my grandparent’s large vegetable garden.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have been a volunteer with the YMCA of Northern B.C. since moving to Prince George. I volunteered as a Group Fitness Instructor for a number of years, and I am now on the Board of Directors. Community organizations such as the YMCA of Northern B.C. are integral at building and strengthening the foundations of our community.
When time permits I also volunteer at community sports events, such as Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, the Outdoor Ice Oval and last weekend at the Prince George Kids Triathlon.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would improve food security (access to safe and healthy food). The role of diet and nutrition in maintaining health and preventing chronic disease is well-established, yet many vulnerable populations do not have their basic needs for food met. Food security starts locally with initiatives such as local food boxes, Farm-to-Table programs and farmer’s markets. Support those who support local!
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
Running is my time to reflect and recharge. I sneak away right out my front door or to the great trails in Moore’s Meadow for some time to myself.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
I see a lot of really positive things happening in Prince George right now. Compared to a few years ago, downtown Prince George is thriving with new restaurants, stores and two microbreweries. There is dramatically better bike commuting infrastructure.
What do you think makes Prince George great?
Prince George has amazing facilities, quick access to nature and a great downtown restaurant scene. The sports community is inclusive and we have a wonderful group of like-minded friends that have become like family to us.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Establish myself as the go-to professional for Sports Nutrition in Prince George
2) Qualify for and Run the Boston Marathon
3) become a Master Gardener
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I took up knitting a few years ago and, after taking a few classes from Darlene at Top Drawer Yarn Studio, I am now making toques and socks for my friends and family.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Dietitian on the Move.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I became a Registered Dietitian because I’m passionate about helping people live healthier by applying the science of nutrition to their lives. I’ve been working in clinical practice in the public healthcare system for more than 10 years.
What is the goal of your business?
I want to help coaches, athletes and active people achieve their performance goals by translating sports nutrition evidence into practical strategies that fit into everyday life.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I have a lot of energy and I’m ambitious, but I’ve also learned from experience that I need to put time into the areas of my life that keep me balanced: my relationships and my health in particular.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Becoming a Registered Dietitian is a career choice that has led to so many opportunities for me. No regrets!
What do you always find yourself saying?
Everything in moderation, including moderation.
Tell us your best piece of life advice
Take care of yourself (your body and your mind). No one will do this for you.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Tessa Virtue (three-time Olympic figure skating gold medallist). She’s an amazing athlete that has done a lot for the sport of Figure Skating.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting local businesses supports the economy in Prince George, which is the backbone of our community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Watching my daughter grow into a happy, healthy, food-loving, and intelligent little person.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Physio North Sports and Wellness Centre deserves a shout out. I’ve had a few injuries over the past few months and Physiotherapist Mark Issacs has helped me rehabilitate so I can stay active doing what I love.
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Eda Mae at @_Stylish.Fashionista_ She’s my work colleague at B.C. Cancer and she is an expert on all things makeup and fashion. I hadn’t bought new make-up for years and she helped me find products and simple beauty routine that fit my lifestyle.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Prince George!
