About me
As a Registered Dietitian, I have had the opportunity to work with food in all different aspects. Whether it is through my work in developing food and environmental policies within healthcare; or through the essential need for medical nutrition therapy; or simply, providing general food and nutrition education and cooking up a nutritiously delicious meal; I work passionately to help individuals improve their food choices using evidenced-based practices.
Food truly impacts how our body functions. With so much conflicting information on food and nutrition out there, knowing what to eat can sometimes get confusing. Over 18 years ago, I started my career determined to help individuals sort through the misguided information surrounding food and nutrition.
Through my clinical experience in the intensive care unit, I quickly learned the vital role that nutrition support plays in aiding the body to recover and heal from illness or trauma.
I believe in using food as medicine. ​I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac Disease in 2001. I also have Sjogren's and Hidradenitis Suppurativa, which are autoimmune conditions. I have experienced the benefits of using food as medicine through my own medical conditions and I can relate with the struggles that my patients undergo. In my family, we have also battled cancer and won liver disease, diabetes and food allergies.
I work closely with each one of my patients to help them discover the food connections needed to improve their symptoms and reach their health goals specifically for their body's unique needs.
A plant forward or plant-based diet is a style of eating that focuses on adding a greater amount of nutrient-rich plant foods, such as vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains to your daily meals and snacks, while reducing or eliminates animal foods, such as meats, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese and dairy foods. Plant foods contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and fiber. Plant foods are linked to reducing inflammation markers in the body. Animal foods, on the other hand, are associated as having pro-inflammatory properties. When treating chronic medical conditions, reducing inflammation is key.