Where it all Started
When I went on my first diet at age 12, I had no idea that this would be the beginning of a very complicated relationship with food, an array of health issues, and a profound disconnect from my body.
I still remember that day as if it was yesterday, only it was over 3 decades ago. I was spending my holidays at my grandparent’s apartment in the Argentinean seaside, loving every moment of it, laughing and hanging out with my family and sisters when a family friend who was staying with us called me chubby and commented I should watch my portions.
While I barely knew this guy and didn't have a close relationship with him, his words hit hard. Little did I know, I would still remember every single one of them. I felt so embarrassed I just couldn't brush it off. Instead, I made a promise to myself to never ever be shamed again for being “fat”.
The next morning, I woke up determined and started my first diet.
I tried to be as secretive as possible, after all, I didn’t want to draw ANY attention to me. The embarrassment I felt the day before made me want to become invisible. From that morning on, I started having a breakfast that consisted of 3 tbsp. of corn flakes with 2 tbsp. of skimmed milk (yes, you read that right). I have no idea how I decided this was the way to get thin and I don’t really remember what else I was eating throughout the day but I’m pretty sure it was very little.
I wish I could tell you I lost the "extra weight" and went on with my life, but that is far from the truth. As you probably imagine, this was only the beginning of what turned out to be more than 2 decades of food and fitness obsession that took over my life. Being skinny and fit was all I thought about all. of. the. time.
My food and body obsession was absolutely exhausting and debilitating and yes, I'm not going to sugar coat it, it took work and determination to overcome. But I kept having this feeling that there was more to life than this obsession.
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In my mid-30s, I found myself having achieved pretty much every goal I had set my mind to.
But I still had 2 problems:
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1. I was severely burnt out (skinny, but burnt out nonetheless), and
2. Still, so much of my life revolved around the pursuit of the perfect body.
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As one does when in need of a change, I took a break from work to ask myself the really important questions and among many other places, my search lead me back to school to become a Nutritionist.
Fast forward to 2017, I graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, earning the designation of Registered Holistic Nutritionist. I knew from my first conversation with my first client that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
While working in practice at a local clinic, I realized that so many of the things I've been through in my journey with food, diets, and body image were similar to those other women were facing. This lead me to continue studying and training in the areas of eating psychology, mindful eating, evidence based nutrition and disordered eating recovery.
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Over the past 8 years, I've had the privilege of helping women overcome their own food, health and body image struggles.
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When women come work with me, we start by talking about your goals and aspirations and we review your health and personal history. Once we’re both clear on where we are heading, I begin to guide you in the process of implementing food, supplement and lifestyle suggestions and helping you better understand the obstacles that may have hold you back so far. I will share with you techniques to overcome them and coach you throughout your journey.
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Clients who have worked with me have learnt how to reconnect to their bodies' natural hunger cues and eat in a way that is nourishing and honors their hunger; they have gained a deep understanding of their eating patterns and overcame: chronic dieting, restricting, emotional eating, mindless eating, over-eating and binge eating and started practicing techniques to rebuild their relationship with food. My clients also enjoy more energy, better focus, improved moods and reached their natural healthy weight. Some of the benefits my clients experience are more confidence, ease and peace with food and their bodies.
It will be my honor to support YOU as well!
The Formal Stuff
I graduated with Honours from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in Ottawa and hold the designation of Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N).
I have furthered my training by completing an Advanced Nutrition Certificate in Mindfulness and the NeuroPsychoEndocrinology of Regulating Eating from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I also hold a Masters Degree in Sociology from Carleton University.
I consider myself a lifelong student, and continue to update my knowledge through workshops, trainings and personal experience.
Before we go on:
If you have been diagnosed with a clinical eating disorder (you may find more information and support here) I encourage you to seek psychological and medical help. Although my work focuses on finding balance with food and giving up diets for life, if you are currently experiencing an eating disorder, you will be in the right hands with a different practitioner at this time.
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I wish you all the best on your journey ♡