Local woman cooks up new show

Dee Merritt teaches viewers that healthy eating can taste good, too. PHOTO/DAISY DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY Northborough - To say that Dee Merritt finds ways to keep busy could certainly be looked at as an understatement. Not only is the certified nutrition and wellness consultant keeping residents informed on healthy living tips with her popular blog (www.foodforthought-dee.blogspot.com), she is also fresh off the launching of her website (www.NutritionalMerritt.com).

Now, Merritt can add a cooking show host to her list of occupations. Merritt leads the healthy eating program “Dee-Lish Nutrish” which originally aired Nov. 5, 2009, and has additional episodes set to air in the future. Merritt is excited about the new endeavor.

“It’s been very fun and exciting,” Merritt said. “For me, it’s been combining my passion for good nutrition and my love for cooking and really [sharing] that with people who can cultivate that with their own families.”

The idea for “Dee-Lish Nutrish” developed in the summer of 2009. A conversation with a friend led her to consider the possibility of expanding her passion for nutrition, and 20 years of experience in the field, to a wider audience.

“A friend of mine said, ‘You know, Dee, you should do a cooking show in conjunction with your nutrition business,’ ” Merritt said. “It wasn’t in even in my plans. It wasn’t even on my radar.”

The friend directed Merritt to someone who works at the Northborough Cable Access Television Station. After Merritt shared a few ideas, plans were put in place to begin filming and she was being asked to prepare for the arrival of a film crew to her house in just a few weeks. Merritt said it was all a little overwhelming.

“I got home and said, ‘what did I get myself in to?’ ” Merritt said. “Fortunately, my kids were off at camp and I was able to focus on concepts and developing content and recipes and putting on two shows together.”

In the show, straight from her kitchen, Merritt informs audiences about the importance of a healthy diet. She shares recipes that not only are good for you, but are delicious as well. It is part of her goal to have viewers understand you don’t need to sacrifice good taste for good healthy choices.

“A lot of people think that dieting or healthy eating is about carrots and celery and dry chicken and that’s not the case at all,” Merritt said. “I’ve discovered ways that make it delicious, enjoyable, satisfying and completely nutritious.”

The early response from the community has been supportive. Merritt has been thrilled with how well the program has been received.

“Everything has been very positive,” Merritt said. “People really do like the recipes. They have told me that it has helped them bring a healthier choice to their diets.”

With more episodes in the works, Merritt is looking forward to how far the show can go. “Dee-Lish Nutrish” is sure to be a water-cooler program.

“I’m really just hoping to educate some people and teach them that this is a really great way to live,” she said.

For more information about Merritt as well as some healthy, easy family recipes, check out her website at www.NutritionalMerritt.com. Residents outside of Northborough can also tune into the show at www. PegMedia.org.