Commercials I Would Do

Have you seen the Sensodyne toothpaste commercials where a ‘real dentist’ endorses the toothpaste? When I saw the commercial and the initials D.D.S. after person’s name, I paid closer attention. This marketing strategy worked on me. I have teeth sensitivity. I bought the Sensodyne.I was recently approached by a supplement company specializing in high calorie, high protein drinks. They were looking for a dietitian to be part of a commercial to promote their product. Here are a few of the supplement ingredients that I would be promoting, in no particular order:

soy protein isolate

corn syrup

vegetable oil
natural and artificial flavorI respectfully declined because I cannot endorse any packaged food item that has the word “artificial” in the ingredient list. Dr. Oz would agree with me on this one. This situation got me thinking about what companies or organizations I would do a commercial for. And here they are:www.localharvest.orgwww.artichokes.org

www.almondboard.org

www.blueberrycouncil.org

www.watermelon.org

www.pistachios.org

www.walnuts.org

I could not find a kale, broccoli or spinach board, which bummed me out. If they get organized, I’d add them to this list.

Not everyone needs Sensodyne toothpaste, but I cannot think of a single family that that I have counseled in the last 14 years where I did not promote the benefits of fruits, vegetables, nuts and local farmers. If I had the opportunity to spread that message to a wider audience, I would.

About Melanie Silverman

Melanie is a pediatric registered dietitian nutritionist (RD) and a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) working primarily in pediatric nutrition for well over 15 years. She spent seven years as a clinical dietitian at The University of Chicago Medical Center in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit, adult and pediatric burn units, and high risk pediatric follow-up clinic. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at Loyola University Chicago. Melanie has presented at state and national meetings for the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), March of Dimes, Prader-Willi California Foundation, Texas Prader-Willi Association, Oklahoma Prader Willi Syndrome Association, Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) in the United States and Canada and the Prader-Willi Syndrome USA (PWSA). She worked hard for her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Spanish from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. A member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, California Dietetic Association, Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, Women’s Health Group, Nutrition Entrepreneurs and an active member of the International Lactation Consultant Association.