Honoring our bodies, our hunger, and our intuition through food
The relationship we have with food and how we fuel ourselves has a trickle down effect on many aspects of our lives. With tons of conflicting information at the tips of our fingers, it’s often overwhelming trying to figure out how we can best take care of ourselves. When you work with me, we will focus on you as an individual, and attempt to silence the nutrition noise around you. My goal is to meet you where you are at to help find the root of your concerns, then empower, educate, and guide you on your journey to have a positive relationship with food. I practice from a Health at Every Size, compassionate lens, and aim to help you incorporate balanced evidence-based nutrition information into your day-to-day practices.
Supporting Your Mental Health Through Food
We have a bidirectional relationship between nutrition and our mental health: our mental health can be impacted by the foods we consume, but the foods we choose are often influenced by our mental health. I help people use food as a protective factor to lessen the intensity or the frequency of our depressed moods. Moreover, when people are feeling down, I aim to help take the stress out of feeding yourself by taking the thinking out of it, and providing nonjudgmental and realistic recommendations. I’ve worked with mental health and addiction for over two years, and utilize trauma informed care to help you feel safe and supported. When we work together, I show up fully to support you as you are.
Disordered Eating Care: Your Body is Wise, Let’s Listen to It Together
Many of us have grown up with messages about what is “good food” and what is “bad food”, or how we should be taking care of ourselves. Sometimes, what this results in is not knowing what feels good in our bodies and a disordered relationship with food. I work with people to get rid of some of the misinformed beliefs they hold about food, and to figure out what feels good in their body. I strongly believe that all foods fit, and with education and intuitive eating principles (when it feels right), I encourage you in building trust and confidence in yourself. It can truly be a transformative experience!
Blood Sugar Regulation from a Non-Diet Approach
I work with people with PCOS, diabetes, and pre-diabetes to implement sustainable and long lasting change through an all foods fit, weight inclusive approach. We will pursue what health means to you through defining a self-care practice rooted in compassion. I aim to have your health journey be one that brings you joy. Through a moderation based practice, I’ll help you set realistic goals, and walk side by side with you to help overcome any challenges that may present themselves. It’s important to me that you feel listened to and empowered in your food making decisions. Each and every time you show up for yourself is an achievement, and I am honored when I am able to join you on your journey.
Ask about working in the kitchen with me!
If you are feeling overwhelmed and like you do not know what you are doing in the kitchen, no fret! This is a shared experience with many people I see. Since one of my main goals is to take the stress out of eating, I love having one-on-one sessions in the kitchen where we can make your favorite meal together, and I can gently guide you through the steps! There is no shame about whatever stage of cooking you may be at, we all have to start somewhere. I also offer a variety of group classes to support various needs (Cooking for PCOS, Eating Disorder Recovery Support).
Education and Background:
I earned my Master’s of Nutrition from NUNM, and am a board certified CNS. I discovered my love for nutrition as I was wrapping up my undergraduate degree and taking an Urban Farming class. I had never had the opportunity to grow my own food until that point in my life. As I watched others around me with healthy and happy relationships with food, I realized that I wanted that. I started learning about how food can make me feel good, instead of being afraid of it. I noticed my mental health took a turn for the better when I started properly fueling my body, and I didn’t ever want to go back! I decided from then on that I wanted others to have the same realization: food isn’t scary, and we all have the ability to experience the joy and fulfillment food can bring. When I’m not working you can find me hiking, drinking coffee, cooking food and then eating it, or at one of Portland’s historic movie theaters with popcorn in hand.
Contact and Scheduling
To learn more about holistic nutrition services, or to schedule an appointment, please call (503) 956-9396 or email [email protected]. Online scheduling is available for return patients only and not all available appointments may be shown online.
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