At Primary Health Solutions, we believe that food plays a powerful role in overall health – and for many of our dietitians, that passion begins with a personal experience. 
For Sarah Fiedeldey, MS, RD, LD, that passion started when she was a young girl.
In middle school, Sarah struggled with food, body image and her weight—experiences that ultimately lead her to develop a deeper interest in nutrition and the connection between how we feel and food.
“Once I realized the foods I was eating could directly impact my health and how I was feeling, I became so inspired I wanted to learn as much as I could about the foods we eat and what they can do for us.”
Sarah’s personal experience eventually helped her start a career in nutrition and helping others. She works with Butler County WIC and Primary Health Solutions, where she has the opportunity to help families build healthy habits from the beginning.
“What I love most about my role at is that I get to help from the very beginning. From pregnancy through childhood, I have the opportunity to encourage families to create healthy lifestyles together.”
From introducing new foods to little ones for the first time or making everyday lifestyle changes, Sarah helps families navigate nutrition in an approachable and positive way.
For Sarah, the term “food is medicine” is more than just nutrients. Food can be a way to connect, celebrate and spend time together.
“Food is community, food is love, food is bringing people together, food is life! I believe food is a steppingstone to build stronger connections, healthy relationships, and stronger bonds, and I emphasize this with my participants!”
That philosophy is key, especially when it comes to helping children build a positive relationship with food. Sarah encourages families to get involved in the process—whether that’s getting a little messy in the kitchen, cooking together, or trying something new.
“You never know what you’ll like until you try it,” said Feldeldey.
Her approach is simple: keep trying. A food that isn’t a favorite the first time around may become a favorite later. Continue giving children the opportunity to explore different foods and make mealtime fun for the whole family!
And yes, that approach includes dessert, too.
Sarah’s favorite food is ice cream—specifically strawberry with real chunks of strawberries mixed in. Her message? You can still enjoy the food you love while working towards meeting your nutrition goals.
When it comes to everyday nutrition, Sarah encourages families to focus on the basics.
“Eat more fiber and drink more water.”
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, sustainable choices can add up to healthier habits for the whole family. Check out her recipe for Dirty Bean Dip—a simple and delicious way to add more fiber to your day!
Ingredients: 
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of corn, drained
1 medium tomato, diced
½ cup of green bell pepper, diced
½ cup of red onion, diced
1 small can of green chiles
1/3 cup of Italian dressing
1/3 cup of ranch dressing
Add all of these ingredients into a large bowl, mix to combine. Cover and let chill in the fridge before eating.