I’ve been a Registered Dietitian since 1992. I had a strong interest in nutrition and health way before it was popular or cool to be concerned about your cholesterol level, the vitamins/supplements you need, or the balance of Carbohydrates in your diet. Nutrition has gained increasing popularity since I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Foods & Nutrition in 1990. Today, most people know at least the basics of nutrition and some are nearly experts. Many people have tried almost all the array of diet programs out there. It seems that every year or so a new diet craze emerges that promises to be different than all the rest and to “work”. I’ve found that a lot of people are confused and overwhelmed with all the conflicting nutrition information on the internet and advertised in popular culture. Many clients I see in my office are looking for the “right” way to eat in order to meet their health or weight goals. It is my belief that there simply isn’t just one “right” way for everyone to eat to meet healthy nutrition standards. On the contrary, eating “right” is very individualized for each person. I prefer to think of it as “healthy” eating, and that is different for everybody.
From my years of experience in educating and counseling thousands of people with all types of medical, health, and weight challenges, I have found first-hand that certain aspects need to be taken into consideration before collaboratively creating an eating plan with my clients. Some of these considerations are: culture, lifestyle, religion, personal food preferences, ethnic traditions, and, of course, health concerns. Emotional and mental aspects are also important to consider, as well as a client’s personal experience of what works for them and what doesn’t.
My formal training and education as a registered dietitian has been mostly based in the western medical model of Medical Nutrition Therapy. However, Nutrition has always been a growing and emerging science. We are constantly learning new things in the field. Over the years, I have come to respect and educate myself in aspects of eastern medicine and nutrition which takes into account the body, mind, and spirit. My training as a therapist has influenced this. Thus, my way of working with clients in Nutrition Counseling and Coaching is holistic, combining the best from the East and the West.
My approach in working with clients around the issue of nutrition and healthy eating is very non-critical, non-judgmental and non-shaming. I appreciate a client’s past experiences, fears, the emotional aspects, and the life stressors that play into making lifestyle and behavioral changes. I also consider a client’s “self-talk” or thought patterns which affects all aspects of one’s life, including how you take care of yourself and the decisions you make. I appreciate how difficult it can be to change long-standing habits. Being deprived is not the overall goal of improving your health, nutrition, and lifestyle. Finding what works for you is the goal.
I have specific experience and expertise in working with these issues:
- Infertility
- Pregnancy
- Weight management
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Insulin resistance
- Hypoglycemia
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Type I Diabetes Mellitus
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus
- Gestational Diabetes
- Food allergies/intolerances/sensitivities
- Eating Disorders