I wouldn’t want to tell you what I eat because you’d judge me…

It’s a common phrase that many RD’s hear.

And the sad truth is that many RD’s are, in fact, the food police.

When I was a teenager, I saw an RD who taught me “proper” portions and how to count calories. 

And while that kind of knowledge can be helpful to a certain degree, it doesn’t paint the whole picture of how to eat healthy and how to be healthy.

In honor of National Nutrition Month, I want to share with you my approach to nutrition and nutrition coaching.

Disclaimer #1: I never judge what you eat.

Disclaimer #2: I never judge what I eat.

I can sum up my specific approach to nutrition with 6 key words:

1.      Non-dogmatic

2.      Science-based

3.      Open-minded

4.      Experimental

5.      Balanced

6.      Healthy

Let’s take them one at a time 😊

Non-dogmatic:

There’s simply no one-size-fits-all diet. 

And how could there be?

Each of us has a unique:

·        Lifestyle

·        Food likes and dislikes

·        Goals

·        Health history

·        Activity level

·        Career

·        Genetics

·        Intolerances and sensitivities

So I approach each client as the unique person that she is. 

And while there are key nutrition strategies that are healthful for people in general (greens and grains can’t hurt), each of us is a special snowflake when it comes to what, when, where, how, and why we eat.

The takeaway- I never push a specific nutrition dogma on you. 

I’ve run the gamut of eating certain ways myself, and each have their benefits, from veganism to Whole 30.  It’s all an experiment (see below).

Seriously, no dogmas here.  And no judgement.

Science-Based:

Ya’ll, I’m a complete science nerd!

Between my Master’s in nutrition, becoming an RD through a second bachelor’s degree, and doing biological research most of my adult life, it’s safe to say I’m into the science.

Even all my recipes have a “why” behind them.

So when it comes to nutrition tips and strategies, I don’t hop on the latest craze and diet trend.

I have a very discerning eye when fads pop up, and after years of practice, I know how to read those complicated science articles with all the overwhelming jargon.

All this to say, are you in good hands?? (cue the Allstate deep voice)

Trust me when I say, you are 😊

Open-minded:

No one knows your body better than you do.

So, when you say you’re intolerant to a food, I trust you.

When you tell me you’re sensitive to something, I trust you.

I’m here to help guide you to feel your best, to give you the tools you need to reach your goals.

I’m not here to tell you it’s my way or the highway.

We work together to make your diet and lifestyle habits work for you.

Experimental:

I view the way we decide to eat as a bunch of small experiments.

Feeling bloated and gassy?

Well, let’s experiment with why that would be?  What could be causing your symptoms? What’s working? What’s not?

Because I’m a science nerd (see above), I take a systematic approach to helping you find the best way to eat, that works for you.

Every meal is an experiment.  How did it make you feel?  Amazing? Awesome, keep experimenting.

Balanced:

Balance means two things to me.

You can have a balanced meal, where you’re eating nutrient-dense fruits, veggies, lean protein, starches, and healthy fats.

But you can also eat a huge piece of a triple layer carrot cake after that nutrient packed meal.

It’s called balance.

It’s also called sanity.

Healthy:

Healthy is not just about the food you eat.

It’s about enjoying the food you eat. 

It’s about having a double scoop of ice cream in -25 degree weather because you’re having a fun evening with your husband.

It’s about food memories with the ones you love.

It’s about mental health, joy, contentment, satisfaction, meaningful work, meaningful relationships.

Healthy encapsulates body, mind, and spirit.

And if you’re eating “super clean” but are miserable on the inside, well my friend, that’s just not healthy.

Take good care of yourself.

And if you need a little support doing so, I’m here for you.