Health & Nutrition Philosophy
My own experiences in using the Paleo lifestyle and ancestral health techniques to put my autoimmune disease into remission have led me to recognize the healing power of real food. Human genetics simply have not fully adapted to the processed, chemically-laden diet of modern times and the result has been an epidemic of chronic disease and suffering. Conventional medicine does not seek to identify the root cause of disease, but rather, it focuses on treating the symptoms with toxic medications or invasive procedures. By eating real food, similar to the diets of our ancestors, you can nourish your body with the fuel that it needs to heal and achieve optimal health and wellness.
My Health & Nutrition Beliefs
1.) I believe that the Paleo lifestyle provides a wonderful framework for good nutrition because it is a whole food, nutrient dense diet that eliminates foods that can damage the body, are difficult to digest, or are common sensitivities. However, I also believe in the concept of bioindividuality, or the idea that everyone is unique and will not necessarily thrive on the same exact diet. The Paleo template often needs to be customized to fit the needs of a particular individual by adjusting macronutrient ratios (the amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), further eliminating foods that can’t be tolerated, or adding extra nutrients to correct specific deficiencies.
2.) I believe that the body has an innate ability to heal itself if given the proper tools to do so. If the body expresses a particular symptom or a craving, it is trying to communicate a need that it has. It is my job to help you figure out what that need is and how to create balance in the body.
3.) While eating a nutrient dense, whole food diet is critically important, the body must be able to digest and absorb the food appropriately in order to make good use of the nutrients. I believe that health begins with digestion. You can eat a perfect diet, but if you aren’t able to digest the food, it is not going to help you much.
4.) I believe that the quality of food has a profound effect on health and wellness. When possible, food that is organic, local, grassfed, wild-caught, and sustainably grown, raised, or caught should be chosen. Food should also be prepared in a way that preserves and enhances the nutrient content.
5.) I do not believe in counting calories, grams, blocks, points, or other ways that food is measured. Most people do not respond well to measuring their food in such a strict way and it is difficult to maintain long-term. I think it is much more effective to learn to listen to your body and recognize the signs that indicate you are getting enough food and the proper macronutrient ratios.
6.) I believe that health encompasses many different aspects of life. Although nutrition obviously plays a large role, health is not just about food! Stress, sleep, environmental exposures, social support, activity level, and many other factors can affect your health. I believe it is important to consider all the facets of health when trying to bring the body back into balance.
I am a certified nutritional therapist, primal movement educator, and a registered nurse licensed in California, Florida, and Ohio. I healed my own gastrointestinal and autoimmune disease by following a whole food, nutrient-dense, traditional diet. It is my mission to help others to make healing changes in their own lives through the power of real food and other ancestral health techniques. 
