I received my training to practice Health Counseling at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which is the only nutrition school that teaches one how to use each of the wide variety of different dietary theories in an individualized manner that considers your personal needs and goals. I am also a student of homeopathy and firm believer in the importance of a holistic approach to health and health. My approach is individualized to your child's and family's specific needs and lifestyle.
I have extensive hands-on experience working with children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders, ADD and ADHD and learning disabilities as a guide to using a wide variety of dietary intervention and alternative approaches to health to help children reach their full potential. Too often children's brain are starving for nutrients. My approach is geared to maximizing nutrient density in your child's diet, overcoming the obstacles to healthy lifestyle, and improving mood and capacity through optimal well-being.
I guide families through the sometimes puzzling and confusing maze of:
-- How to determine the best choices for nutritional therapy for your unique child
-- How to eliminate toxins from your home that may be poisoning your child or your family
-- How to identify and avoid the hidden neurotoxins in your child's diet and environment
-- How and where to shop for healthy foods at the best prices
-- How to cook nutritious meals within the timeframes and budget you have available
-- How to be a detective to find what foods negatively impact your child
-- How to overcome "picky eating" and self-restrictive, unhealthy dietary habits
-- How to avoid dietary mishaps in school and other locations
-- What to do if your child has a dietary mishap that causes a reaction
-- Tricks and tips for success with new foods and overcoming negative habits
-- A natural approach to boosting the immune system
-- Natural remedies for day to day health problems: from cuts and scrapes to colds and flu
-- Alternatives to medication for ADHD and other issues
-- Natural strategies for detoxification
-- Natural strategies for overcoming stress and anxiety
-- How to encourage and nurture a supportive extended family and school environment
I am familiar with the wide variety of bio-medical interventions, including the various protocols used by the DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) movement and use of classical homeopathy and am happy to coordinate and collaborate with specialists and practitioners in these and traditional areas to enhance the well-being and capacity of your child. I have studied use of homeopathy for acute health concerns as well as applied kinesiology and integrate that knowledge into my work with clients. I can provide letters to therapists and teachers as needed to encourage their support of dietary changes and lifestyle recommendations.
I also work with mothers-to-be and would-be mothers-to-be who are concerned, because of family history or already having a child on the spectrum, with taking positive steps to prevent potential problems and have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
I believe that happiness and harmony in our relationships are as important to our health as the foods we eat. Stress and the overwhelming demands of work, family and other obligations can leave our spirits starving for inner strength. I also work with families to define how to bring balance into their lives and their child(ren) progress on their healing journey.
I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that I look at how all areas of your life are connected. Does stress at your job or in your relationship cause you to overeat? Does lack of sleep or low energy prevent you from exercising? As we work together, we will look at how all parts of your life affect your health as a whole.
My approach is not to dwell on calories, carbs, fats, and proteins. It is not to create lists of restrictions or good and bad foods. Instead, I work with my clients to create a happy, healthy life in a way that is flexible, fun and rewarding.
Together we’ll work to reach your health goals in areas such as achieving optimal weight, reducing food cravings, increasing sleep, and maximizing energy. As we work together, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the food and lifestyle choices that work best for you and implement lasting changes that will improve your energy, balance and health.
Here are some concepts that we will explore during our work together:
Bio-individuality™: The concept of bio-individuality is that each person has unique food and lifestyle needs. One person’s food is another person’s poison, and that’s why fad diets tend to fail in the long run. Working on the principle of bio-individuality, I’ll support you to make positive changes that are based on your unique needs, lifestyle, preferences, and ancestral background. I use a personalized, holistic approach to ensure that you will have great success!
Primary Food™: It’s easy to overlook all of the things that contribute to our sense of nourishment and fulfillment. It’s not just the food we eat, but all of the other factors present in our daily lives. Healthy relationships, a fulfilling career, regular physical activity and a spiritual awareness are essential forms of nourishment. When these “primary foods” are balanced, what you eat becomes secondary. I will support you in achieving all of your goals, from eating the right foods for your body to living an inspired, fulfilling life.
Integrative Nutrition Pyramid™: The Integrative Nutrition food pyramid includes a balance of high quality vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, healthy fats and water. To complete the picture, the pyramid is surrounded with lifestyle factors that create optimal health: relationship, career, physical activity and spirituality. I’ll introduce you to some of the healthiest foods on the planet and teach you how to find what’s healthiest for your unique body!
You can learn more about my training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Are you ready to start feeling better than ever? Schedule an initial consultation with me today!