Preventive Nutrition Services
FAQ
- cravings for sugary foods/snacks
- obstacles eating healthy on-the-go
- weight management
- high cholesterol or triglycerides
- poor circulation
- high blood pressure
- diabetes and high blood sugar
- osteopenia and osteoporosis
- rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
-
constipation, gas, poor digestion
- eating to prevent cancer or cancer recurrence
- male performance problems
- prostate enlargement
- which supplements to use & when
- understanding food labels
- deciding high-carb vs. low-carb vs. low-fat
- eating healthy on a budget
- eating to avoid colds and flu
- tasty vegetable ideas
- healthy snack ideas
- improving vegetarian/vegan nutrition
- how to use tofu and beans in delicious recipes
- reducing your food’s ecological impacts
- reducing your exposure to food toxins/contaminants
- reducing your medication use and dose
What is a plant-based eating pattern, and why is this your focus?
A plant-based eating pattern is one in which plant foods dominate, but it does not have to leave out healthier animal foods, such as fatty fish or eggs, as well as some poultry. The plant-based idea emphasizes the foods most of us need to eat more of—fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, and even nuts and seeds. Plant-based eating patterns show the most benefits for preventing and treating most chronic diseases, such as excess weight, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, bone and joint problems, etc.
I often hear how much my genes affect whether I get sick. Is nutrition really that important?
Yes, absolutely! While we all have heard about the great-grandfather who lived to 104 and ate a huge steak and drank a fifth of vodka every day, these stories are rare. For most diseases (heart disease, most cancers, diabetes, etc.), our genes influence, at most, about 10% of our risk. Even better, our lifestyle can literally turn genes “on” or “off”. Your genes are important, but they do not dictate your destiny.
I understand you are a vegetarian. Can you counsel someone who still wants to eat meat?
Yes, I'm a vegetarian. While vegetarian/vegan nutrition is one of my specialties, my primary goal is helping you find your healthy eating pattern—without judgment---and there are many ways to accomplish this. Vegetarian is one way, vegan is another, and plant-based is another. I can also help you shift from a more conventional eating pattern to a vegetarian or vegan eating pattern, if you choose.
Can I still have cake, pie, cookies, and,
most importantly, chocolate?
Yes, absolutely. While some believe all sugar is unhealthy, sugar is only a problem in large quantities. I’m not worried about people eating one or three cookies, as long as the cookies are smaller than your dinner table!
Are there any patients you would refer to another licensed nutrition professional?
Yes. I refer out patients who have eating disorders, who are currently receiving cancer therapy, who have had bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, who are competitive athletes, or who need to resolve suspected food allergy/sensitivity issues.
How much do you agree with the policies of the
American Dietetic Association (ADA)?
Just as with any profession, there are different opinions and practices within the organization. Being a dietitian does not mean I agree 100% with ADA policy. In fact, I am working for change so that ADA policy better reflects the core values of prevention, public integrity without the appearance of impropriety, and proper regard for scientific, social, consumer, and environmental values. And I don’t follow the model “all foods can fit.”
What do the letters after your name mean?
Where did you go to school?
MS means I have a Masters Degree in Health Education
RD means I’m a Registered Dietitian
LDN means I’m licensed to provide nutrition counseling
My original Bachelors degree is from UMBC in Environmental Studies. I earned my Masters degree from Towson University. I completed my dietetics requirements at Morgan State University in Baltimore and the University of Delaware.
How are you (and your nutrition advice) different from a nutritionist, holistic health counselor, natural health practitioner, acupuncturist, herbalist or health coach?
In most states, any person who provides nutrition advice to treat a disease or condition (except overweight) is required to have a state-issued license. Most of the practitioners described above providing nutrition services are not operating within the law. The "certification" they claim to have is nearly always from an alternative "school" not recognized by any reliable authority.
In addition, their advice is sometimes based on dogma, opinion, internet rumors, or inaccurate reading of the research. Just as I don’t provide massage or counseling on herbs, acupuncture, or homeopathic remedies, these practitioners should not be providing counseling on nutrition.
In some states, nutritionists are also required to be licensed, and there are properly credentialed nutritionists. But 90% of "nutritionists" are in violation because they have no license and no training beyond a few weekend seminars. Look for reliable credentials when you select your nutrition resource.
In 2007, an unlicensed, holistic practitioner in Maryland was convicted (in a civil action) of causing the death of a patient, and fined several hundred thousand dollars.
I represent a blending of different traditions:
research-based practice with recognized credentials PLUS
many non-traditional approaches:
- whole foods and plant-based
- excellent flavors can come from many different sources
- a little sugar, salt or fat can be a good thing
- self-reliance and DIY
- healthy skepticism of food labels and manufacturers
- prudent use of certain supplements (but not all)
- sustainable, earth-friendly food habits
- organic where possible
- freedom from genetically-modified foods
- consumer's right to know
- consumer's responsibility for themselves/their children
