Hello, I’m Ali and I am Certified Health Coach and self-proclaimed Nutrition Nerd. I help my clients live life to the fullest by providing Holistic Nutrition and creating Healthy Relationships. Before we get more into the juicy bits of what I do, let me tell you my story on how I came to be passionate about food and love.
My Story
I grew up in a house where no food was off limits. This meant I got to eat my favorites such as sugary cereals, snack bars, potato chips, ice cream, cookies, sliced turkey, cheese, bread, pizza and whatever else my taste buds craved. I was addicted to sugar and carbs and loved every minute of it.
Fast forward to into my late 20s and I started to experience the effects of my lifestyle choices.
I began to have adult acne, (which I somehow escaped as a teenager), bloating, digestive issues, hypoglycemia, body aches, mood swings, stress from my corporate job and worst of all—a troubled love life. I didn’t know how to take care of myself and was way too young for negative effects. Something had to change.
I began to study nutrition and relationships and fell in love with what I was reading! I had to teach this amazing information and I decided to go back to school. The day after I enrolled a man who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with ended our relationship. I was devastated and didn’t know how I was going to get through it. I didn’t know it then, but this was part of my transformation as I would soon learn it was no coincidence that these two events coincided with each other.
While I was at this all-time-low in my life a wise friend said me, “I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but your life is going to change for the better! ” Those were the exact words I needs to hear. During my nutrition training I began to truly to take care of my whole body inside and out. My ‘recovery’ was tough, but I was determined. I took it one day at a time and make it through to see the light. I didn’t change overnight, it took many months of applying my newly acquired knowledge to my life. Now it is an honor to share this knowledge with you.
My Training
I received my training to practice at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which is the only nutrition school integrating all the different dietary theories—combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA My Plate, the Glycemic Index, the Zone, Macrobiotics, Ayurveda and Raw Living Foods. My certification is board certified by the AADP. Before going to nutrition school I received a Bachelors of Arts degree from CCSU.
I intend on receiving my yoga teacher training as well and becoming a certified personal trainer. I also love being outdoors and enjoy many activities such as hiking, swimming, kayaking, running, paddle boarding, snowboarding and ice-skating.
My Holistic Approach
I practice a holistic approach to nutrition, 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? Are your food choices affecting your love life? As we work together, we look at how all parts of your life affect the whole.
No one diet works for everyone
The concept of bio-individuality is that each person has their own nutritional needs. So, when the experts say, “dairy is good for you” or “fat is unhealthy,” it’s too much of a generalization. One person’s food is another person’s poison, and that’s why fad diets don’t work in the long run. I look at your age, health, activity level, blood type, metabolic rate and personal preferences to determine your dietary needs.
Everything is Food
Healthy relationships, a fulfilling career, regular physical activity and a spiritual practice are essential forms of nourishment. When these “primary foods” are balanced, what you eat becomes secondary.
Healthy Eating Plate
My plate depicts a balanced approach to nutrition: more high-quality, organic vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, protein and water; less meat, milk, sugar and artificial food. The plate contains primary foods; the parts of life that satisfy our hunger for living and create a balanced life.
Read more about it here.
Mission
My mission is to play a crucial role in improving the health of women and couples through a holistic approach to nutrition so they can experience great love and joy.