Dr. Carla Habib Mourad, PhD, LD brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is not only a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist but also a prolific educator and advocate for healthy living. She holds a PhD from Durham University in the UK, as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics from the American University of Beirut. Today, she joins us to discuss all aspects of health and nutrition.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey and what sparked your passion for nutrition?  

My passion for nutrition started early on. I was always fascinated by the connection between food and health.  During my studies at the American University of Beirut, I became even more convinced of the powerful role nutrition plays in our overall well-being.  Seeing the impact of misinformation and the confusion surrounding healthy eating motivated me to start the first nutrition-focused television program in the Arab world back in 1997. It was a way to reach a wider audience and provide reliable, evidence-based information. That experience, combined with my clinical work and academic pursuits, solidified my commitment to educating and empowering people to make healthier choices.

As a health nutrition expert, what are the most common misconceptions or myths you come across regarding diet and nutrition?

Nutrition myths and misconceptions abound, and in the age of social media, they spread rapidly. Among the most prevalent are those associated with weight loss, including detox diets, carb-free meal plans, and fasting trends that seem to emerge with each passing decade.

Can you elaborate on the importance of balance and moderation?

Balance and moderation are the cornerstones of a healthy and happy life.  It’s about finding what works for you and incorporating it into your daily routine.  It’s not about restriction or deprivation, but rather about making conscious choices that nourish your body and mind.  It’s about enjoying the foods you love in reasonable portions and ensuring you’re getting the nutrients you need from a variety of sources.

You emphasize a personalized approach to diet planning. What makes your method unique?

I firmly believe that every individual is different, with unique nutritional needs, preferences, and lifestyles.  A successful diet plan must take these factors into account.  My approach focuses on creating a plan that meets all nutritional requirements, promotes steady progress towards weight goals (if applicable), is flexible enough to accommodate social events and uses readily available foods.  Crucially, it must be sustainable for the long term.  If you can’t see yourself following the plan for life, it’s not the right plan for you.  And, importantly, a healthy diet should never leave you feeling hungry or fatigued.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their journey to healthier eating?

Start small, be patient with yourself, and focus on making sustainable changes.  Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; they’re a normal part of the process.  And most importantly, remember that healthy eating is not about deprivation; it’s about nourishing your body and enjoying food in a balanced way.