My Journey to Holistic Nutrition
For most of my life, I followed what is known as the Standard American Diet (SAD),
consisting of highly processed packaged foods. Although I included some vegetables
and fruits, I mistakenly believed I was maintaining a “healthy” or “balanced” diet.
However, this approach to eating began to negatively impact my health. This became
clear when I developed acid reflux, IBS, endometriosis, depression, anxiety, and SIBO
(small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) all before I turned 16 years old. My symptoms stumped my
doctors, who merely offered temporary solutions like antacids, hormonal birth control,
and antidepressants—none of which addressed the underlying problems, essentially
silencing my body’s warnings that something was wrong.
Unbeknownst to me, my diet, the medications I was taking, and the high stress I was
under were damaging my gut barrier, leading to more health issues.
At Age 21 My Health Deteriorated Significantly.
During my final semester in a demanding biology program at the University of New Mexico, the
cumulative stress became overwhelming. Suddenly, I struggled with daily tasks such as
eating, sleeping, walking, and even getting out of bed. I received multiple diagnoses,
including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and severe TMJ disorders, but very few effective
solutions.
A New Approach to Food
Eventually, I discovered the idea of using food as medicine—that consuming inflammatory foods (especially SAD foods and those to which you are intolerant) can damage the gut, allowing food particles to enter the bloodstream. This triggers the immune system to attack these particles, resulting in more food intolerances, autoimmunity, and increased inflammation.
This realization prompted me to experiment on myself. I eliminated SAD foods and identified my food intolerances. To my surprise, my symptoms improved significantly as I modified my diet. My joint pain subsided, I regained energy, I could sleep again, and my digestive issues eased. I rediscovered the joy of eating, exercising, laughing, studying, and having fun.
I felt like I had my life back.
Finding my Passion
.png)
This transformative experience motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition (MScN) to
help others experience the healing benefits of food I had discovered. I enrolled in one of the top naturopathic schools in the country, the National University of Natural Medicine,
where I studied nutrition from a holistic viewpoint.
I learned to regard clients as whole
individuals, understanding how various aspects of their lives are interconnected with health. Factors such as work environment, food relationships, gut health, diet, stress, chemical exposures, medications, community support, access to healthy foods, and
financial challenges contribute to well-being.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution since everyone is so unique.
I further advanced my education to better serve my clients by exploring the scientific research surrounding the gut-brain axis. This led me to begin writing a cookbook, Feed Your Gut, Feed Your Brain; which focuses on enhancing digestion and mental health through cooking. Additionally, I have passed the RD (CDR exam) and hold licensure as a nutritionist (LN) in the State of New Mexico.
Providing Compassionate Care
Now, here’s where you come into my journey. If you feel exhausted by temporary solutions to your chronic health issues, you’re in the right place. I collaborate with my
clients to address the underlying causes of health problems through personalized meal planning, nutrition education, food relationship coaching, functional lab testing, and targeted supplementation. I understand the feelings of defeat, dismissal, and invisibility often felt in the healthcare system, so I adopt a compassion-centered approach to nutrition.
While I am a nutrition expert, you are the expert in your body. Let’s work
together to help you feel better.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation below to get started.
.jpg)
.jpg)
