About Me
My goal is to help my clients achieve positive changes by strengthening self-motivation and self-regulation, leveraging strengths, and navigating a transformation journey.
My Story:
My journey from emotional eating to developing a healthy relationship with food has been a transformative one, filled with self-discovery, resilience, and growth. For a significant portion of my life, food served as my emotional crutch, providing comfort and temporary relief from stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
During times of distress, I would turn to unhealthy foods high in sugar, fat, and processed ingredients, seeking solace in their temporary pleasure. This pattern of emotional eating not only affected my physical health but also took a toll on my emotional well-being, as I would often feel guilty and ashamed after consuming large quantities of food.
Recognizing that my relationship with food needed to change, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection and self-care. It began with understanding the underlying triggers that led me to use food as a coping mechanism. Through therapy and self-reflection, I learned to identify my emotional triggers and develop alternative strategies to deal with stress and negative emotions.
One crucial step was finding healthier ways to manage my emotions. I explored different techniques such as meditation, journaling, and engaging in physical activities that brought me joy and helped me release tension. These practices gradually replaced my reliance on food as a source of comfort.
Educating myself about nutrition and the impact of food on my body and mind was another essential aspect of my transformation. I sought guidance from nutrition professionals who helped me understand the importance of balanced eating, the value of nourishing my body with whole foods, and the impact of mindful eating on my overall well-being.
Practicing mindful eating became a cornerstone of my journey towards a healthier relationship with food. I learned to pay attention to my body's hunger and fullness cues, savor the flavors and textures of my meals, and appreciate the nourishment that each bite provided. This shift in mindset allowed me to develop a more intuitive and attuned approach to eating.
Incorporating regular physical activity into my routine was also vital in reshaping my relationship with food. Exercise not only helped me manage stress and boost my mood but also reinforced the connection between food and fuel for my body's performance. I began to view food as a source of energy and nutrients, rather than solely a source of emotional gratification.
Throughout my journey, I embraced self-compassion and celebrated small victories along the way. I learned to forgive myself for slip-ups and understand that creating a healthy relationship with food is a gradual process. I surrounded myself with a supportive network of friends and family who encouraged and uplifted me during challenging times.
Today, I am proud to say that I have developed a healthy and balanced relationship with food. I no longer use food as a crutch to mask my emotions but instead nourish my body with wholesome, nutritious foods that support my overall well-being. I have gained a sense of empowerment and self-control that extends beyond the realm of food, positively impacting various aspects of my life.
My personal journey has inspired me to become a nutritionist and help others who may be struggling with similar challenges. I am passionate about supporting individuals in their own paths toward a healthier relationship with food, guiding them with compassion, knowledge, and the belief that change is possible for everyone.
My Food Philosophy
Eating is a vital act of self-care. Yes, it’s the way we provide our body with the energy and nutrients it needs to function, but eating is so much more than that. It brings people together as a way to stay connected, learn about a family member through cooking together, celebrate and learn about cultures, and provide comfort. Food, in a way, tells a story, a story of connection.
My practice is rooted in intuitive eating principles, meaning an all-foods-can-fit model. No elimination diets! I believe that all food is morally neutral and that health encompasses the physical, mental, and social realms, as well as others important to our clients. My approach is based on a weight-neutral and all-inclusive standpoint. The primary goal is to help you nourish a healthier relationship with food and learn to take care of your body, rather than punish it through rigid diets and deprivation. I want to help you clear your mind of the confusing clutter of diet rules and misinformation, and fill it with skills and knowledge that will allow you to implement a flexible approach to food and nutrition.
I take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach when working with clients. communicating with clients' outside treatment professionals, including doctors, therapists, and other specialists, on a regular basis enables me to provide our clients with comprehensive and holistic care.
Motivational Interviewing
The "Spirit of Motivational Interviewing" is a phrase I use to characterize my approach. MI's spirit refers to the goal of developing a collaborative partnership while demonstrating empathy, sympathy, and regard for clients and their challenges. MI's spirit consists of four basic counseling characteristics: collaboration, acceptance, compassion, and evocation. Rather of relying the counselor to tell you what to do, allow yourself to articulate your own interests and motivations for altering a behavior, as well as any recommendations for how you may go about doing so.
My Education & Certifications
2020-2024
Bachelors of Science - Nutrition
Arizona State University
Coursework and research span across various disciplines such as microbiology, physiology, and medical nutrition. Member of Health Education & Health Promotion Student Organization, and Pre-Health Integrative Holistic & Quantum Club.
2022-2023
Certification
ISSA Master Trainer
NCCPT accredited
Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist core courses. Specialty courses consist of Strength & Conditioning, Corrective Exercise, Tactical Conditioning, and Bodybuilding.
2021
Certification
Precision Nutrition L1 & L2
NBHWC accredited
Science-based concepts and practical, real-life application of the coaching process. Developed a deep understanding of the art of behavior change in regard to eating habits, dietary patterns, and meal plans.
My Specialties
Weight Loss
Intuitive Eating
Meal Planning
Mind Body Balance
Family Nutrition