What made you become a nutritionist?
I have always been fascinated with nutrition, even when I was a child.
After healing myself through food (meaning I haven’t had a flare from my autoimmune disease in 8 years and I’m not on any prescription medication) and realizing the power of nutrition, I went back to school. I also listened to hundreds of podcasts to get the latest information, read the most up-to-date research, reports, and books, all to learn how to help others take control of their own health in a realistic way.
What’s the one supplement you take every day and why?
In times of stress, whether it’s physical, environmental, emotional stress, I like to help my body deal with the stress so I use I will take B5 pantothenic acid and vitamin C to protect it. I find that by using these powerhouse type adrenal supplements, my body, and even through proof of my labs, I know that my body will bounce back faster.
What’s one bad health habit you had to break?
I need to get off my screens earlier and sleep more! I have seen lack of sleep affect people’s labs in a very negative way. Sleep is one of the most important, and easiest, things we can do to be kind to and help our bodies.
What’s your favorite way to break a sweat?
I get bored easily, so I like to mix it up between yoga, Orange Theory, Flywheel, cardio and weight classes at my YMCA, pilates, or just going for a walk or run outside.
Name one health tip you think every woman should know.
The number one tip is we have to listen to our bodies. It sounds simplistic but so many of fail to do it! I’ll have clients say “I don’t eat at night. I’m starved but I won’t eat that late because you’re not suppose to.” Ok, but why are you hungry? Did you not get enough fat and protein, and too many refined carbs? There is a reason. Or, I will hear things like “I love cheese dip but I get a stomach ache and stuffy every time.” Yes, but why? Or “I eat a great breakfast but I’m hungry an hour later.” Our bodies are constantly giving us cues, they are talking to us…it’s up to us to listen.
What’s the one health food trend you wish would just go away?
Low fat. Even though by now, most of us know that low fat is just filled with junk to replace the fat, and most of us know that fats like avocado, coconut and olive oil, etc are good for us, we still limit. It is so strongly ingrained in our brains that it’s hard for many to get enough fat or add it to their diets without fear of weight gain or heart disease. In actuality, it can help to reduce both of those, plus a whole lot more. Fat is our friend, fats can heal our guts, fill and satiate us, help with our hormones, help us to absorb nutrients like vitamin D, help with brain growth and development. I think you get my point…fat is good!
How do you spend your time when you’re not at the Centre?
I am so fortunate to have two jobs that I love, so if I am not doing nutritional consulting, I may be shooting pictures since I’m also a photographer. But outside of those two jobs, I love to play tennis, mountain bike with my 9-year-old son, play tennis and watch gilmore girls (we are obsessed) with my 12-year-old daughter, and watch them play lacrosse. I also love to spend time with my husband. Our date nights typically involve bikes, rackets, rocks (we used to rock climb together) or just something active. Oh, and I cook, but that’s certainly not my favorite thing to do. I do it because I love food though!
What is your favorite guilty ‘cheat’ treat and how do you balance this in your diet?
One of my very favorite paleo treats is a cookie cake from my book Super Paleo Snacks, that you can purchase at the Centre! I try to balance it by storing it in the freezer in individual bites. But, when it’s cold out, it’s even harder to resist because after 30 seconds in the microwave, it’s a warm melty chocolate mash.
