WELLcome Home, Dana Goldberg!
We're excited to continue our monthly feature highlighting someone awesome who has recently moved back to Metro Detroit after adventures away!
This month, we'd like to (re)introduce you to Dana Goldberg!
TW: You've recently returned to Metro Detroit after spending some time away. What brought you back?
DG: In high school, I fell in love with the revitalization of the city of Detroit and always said that it was my dream live downtown. Coming home to visit during college, I was amazed by how fast the city grew and how many more stores and restaurants were open every time I came for a visit. I knew that I had to be a part of the movement – and it also doesn’t hurt to be close to family.
TW: You just embarked on some major world travels, but before those, where did life take you?
DG: I left Detroit to live in Cleveland for five years where I got my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in nutrition at Case Western Reserve University. I lived in Downtown Cleveland where I got a little taste of living in a growing city – I loved it and that was another reason why I knew I wanted to come back to Detroit.
TW: Let’s go back to those world travels. Where did you visit and what were some of your favorite experiences?
DG: I went everywhere from India to Australia and Cambodia to Italy. Over five months I visited 66 cities in 17 countries on 4 different continents. It is so hard to choose just a few, but skydiving in New Zealand, celebrating Purim in Israel, and road-tripping the southern coast of Portugal are definitely at the top of my list.
TW: As you mentioned, you recently earned your Masters in Nutrition and became a Registered Dietitian! What led you down that path?
DG: I spent eight years growing up as a competitive rhythmic gymnast, and as an athlete, I learned how food and nutrition affect the body. I knew I wanted to go into a field where I could still be in the health and fitness world and dietetics just fell into place when I was in college. Plus, who doesn’t love talking about food all day?
TW: Your Instagram (@danagoldbergrdn) is filled with delicious food finds and tips for healthy eating, and definitely made us hungry! When you're not trying new restaurants in the area, what do you love to cook? Care to share a favorite recipe?
DG: Believe it or not, I’m actually pretty lazy when it comes to cooking. My everyday staples are smoothies, salads, and avocado toast, but sometimes, when I feel inspired, I love experimenting with Asian dishes like curry and making my own sushi. Here’s my favorite curry recipe!
TW: How did gymnastics (and working out in general) become such a huge part of your life? Any favorite gymnastics moments / performances / memories?
DG: My mom actually forced me against my will to do a summer camp when I was 9 years old and I ended up falling in love with the sport. It has been a part of my life ever since, and working out is my way of filling the void when I stopped competing. I smile thinking back on when my teammates and I would decorate each other’s hotel room doors when we traveled for competitions. I also got to compete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado which was definitely surreal.
TW: How do you like to give back to the community / others?
DG: I have a real soft spot for little kids so I love volunteering in local hospitals and playing with kids who are sick. Making kids smile is an amazing feeling.
TW: If you could bring one thing from Cleveland to Detroit, what would it be?
DG: I think I have to go with tacos! Cleveland has so many amazing Mexican restaurants and taco bars that Detroit is missing. I also wouldn’t mind bringing some of my friends to live closer ;)
TW: What's your favorite Jewish food any why?
DG: Does a bagel with cream cheese and lox count? There aren’t any Jewish foods I love but Shakshuka is one of my favorite Israeli dishes.
TW: What's your ideal Saturday?
DG: A sweaty spinning class in the morning or a long walk outside if the weather is nice, followed by a big brunch (breakfast food is my favorite) and definitely a lazy afternoon.
TW: What's your hidden talent? (Or if you don't have one, what would you pick if you could?)
DG: I guess you could say I’m abnormally flexible from doing gymnastics, but I would love to learn another language and be able to drive a manual car.
TW: What do you look for in your Jewish community?
DG: I look for both social experiences, but also the ability to learn more about the Jewish faith and share holidays and traditions with the people around me.
TW: Finish the sentence: When I go to The Well…
DG: I want to meet new people and be a part of a Jewish community in Detroit.