-          Food is Medicine. I truly believe that whole, unprocessed foods can play a key role in disease prevention as well as in chronic disease management. I have worked with patients who have even reversed some conditions (high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, etc) by making dietary changes.

​

-         Eat “Real Food.” Pre-made foods that come in packages, bags, and cans with long lists of ingredients are not doing your body any favors. Even pre-packaged “diet” foods contain harmful preservatives and a laundry list of ingredients. As a general rule: If you can’t pronounce it—don’t eat it! Foods that are closest to their natural state (nuts/seeds, lean meat, poultry and fish, fruits, vegetables, avocados, etc) should make up a bulk of your diet. They provide key vitamins and minerals as well as flavor! Unlike processed foods, real foods actually satisfy your appetite.

 

-          Balance. I believe that a well-rounded diet should consist of a variety of foods. The only time that a specific (whole, natural) food or food group should be excluded is in the presence of a food allergy, intolerance, or medical necessity. Other than that no “real food” should be deemed “bad” or “off-limits.”

​

-          Food Freedom. We live in the world of counting calories, going on diets and feeling guilty about enjoying food. Where’s the fun in that? It’s not maintainable. If the majority of your diet is composed of real food, the occasional treat is perfectly fine!  I believe that you should enjoy the food that you eat with your eyes, your nose and of course, your taste buds. I believe in using spices such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, cilantro to add a nutritional bonus while also exciting your taste buds.

If you have a medical condition or food allergies/intolerance that cause dietary restrictions, food can sometimes be scary. When you feel sick from certain foods, the last thing you want is another food reaction. Having lived through this, I understand the importance of finding joy in the foods that you can tolerate. I will work with you to discover creative ways to prepare foods that will nourish your body.

 

-          Mind-body connection. I believe that stress greatly impacts digestion and overall health. Therefore, I encourage my clients to take time to relax and enjoy things that they love. I believe in fellowship with friends and family and partaking in food together. I believe that prioritizing sleep, exercise and fun greatly impact stress levels and, by default, help improve digestive health. 

​

-         Realistic/Manageable. I believe that when you make a commitment to eat well, you're in it for life! Healthy eating shouldn't be a burden and meal prep shouldn't feel like a second job. We all have jobs, families, social lives, other interests and responsibilities. Let me help you learn how to make healthy choices that fit your lifestyle and break the yo-yo dieting cycle.