At Primary Health Solutions, we believe that food plays a powerful role in overall health—and for our dietitians, that belief often begins
with personal experience.
For Hannah Metzger, RDN, LD, CLC, that moment came early.
“When I was going into high school, I had to meet with a dietitian because I was blacking out and getting migraines,” she shares. “They explained that food could help keep my blood sugar stable—and that some people need extra salt. I thought it was fascinating that food could be used in place of medicine.”
That experience sparked a passion that continues to shape her work today.
“What I love most about my role at PHS is helping kids get their lives started on the right foot with nutrition,” Hannah says. “Through WIC, we get to support families from infancy through age five—and it’s amazing to see the difference that makes in a child’s development.”
For Hannah, “food is medicine” is about building a strong foundation early in life. By supporting families with education, access and encouragement, she helps create healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Programs like WIC play a key role in improving outcomes for children, and that impact is something she sees every day. “Getting to watch babies grow and develop—and knowing we played a small part in that—is incredibly rewarding.”
When it comes to nutrition, especially with children, Hannah encourages a hands-on and flexible approach.
“One of the biggest things I tell parents is to let their child interact with food in their own way,” she explains. “Exploring food through different senses helps open the door to trying new things.”
She also encourages families to involve kids in the kitchen whenever possible.
“Letting children do age-appropriate tasks helps them feel proud of what they’re eating—because they helped make it.”
Real-Life Nutrition That Works
Healthy eating can be simple, fun and family-friendly. One of Hannah’s favorite go-to options? Veggie pinwheels—a quick, make-ahead snack that’s easy to grab on busy days.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 package ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 cup finely chopped broccoli
- 1 cup finely chopped cauliflower
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 6 tortillas
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, greek yogurt and ranch dressing packet until smooth.
- Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture among the tortillas. Spread into an even layer leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped vegetables over the cream cheese mixture.
- Roll up tightly.
- Place the rolls onto a plate in the refrigerator to chill.
- Once chilled (45-60 minutes later), cut into slices with a knife.
- Grab and go!
*You can use any of your favorite vegetables, red bell peppers, radishes, mushrooms or black olives would be a great addition!
