A different approach to food
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to diet. Being healthy is fluid. It is constantly evolving as you listen to what your body needs.
My food philosophy focuses on nutrient-dense and intentional foods. I’m here to recommend a nourishing diet for someone struggling with digestive issues, looking to improve their skin health, balance their hormones, or wanting to make more environmentally-responsible food choices.
I focus on an ancestral plant-forward diet to help those who are paleo, vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, or just wanting to incorporate more plants into their lives (and make them taste good!).
Do you eat clean and healthy, but are still experiencing digestive issues or acne?
I can relate.
I had my first experience with the importance of gut health when a diet change and targeted supplements resolved my raging acne I had struggled with for years.
It is a HUGE bummer to be in your 20s or 30s, doing all the “right things” with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a regimented skin care routine, yet still struggling with pain and bloating after meals, embarrassing breakouts, and low energy. Maybe this sounds familiar?
I spent years struggling with problematic skin. My skin finally cleared up when I addressed the root cause, which had nothing to do with my skin, and everything to do with my gut! I was diagnosed with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and later a Yeast Overgrowth. Read my gut-balancing story and see photos of my acne journey below.
Gut imbalances don't stay in the gut.
Now I know that acne is closely tied to what is happening in the gut – if you suffer from acne, it’s crucial to address gut health! This taught me a foundational concept: gut imbalances don’t stay in the gut - there are endless systemic symptoms.
Systemic symptoms can include abnormal bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, painful bloating, PMS, fatigue, low mood, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, bad breath, headaches, heartburn, anxiety, brain fog, bad skin, and so much more!
If you feel like you have tried various protocols and diets, but still can’t seem to get better, I’m here to help! I am a certified Nutrition Therapist Master, specializing in protocols to address gut issues known to cause numerous systemic issues. I work with all dietary restrictions - vegan, vegetarian, paleo, omnivore, flexitarian, whole-food plant-based - with the ultimate goal of making plants the focus of a balanced diet.
I have a deep understanding of traditional preparation methods that maximize the nutrient availability & digestibility of plant foods. I'm here to teach you these traditional methods so you can feel good eating plants, whether you’re fully vegan, a meat-eater, or just want to include more variety!
One of the most important things I've learned is that bio-individualized nutrition is crucial. Each one of us thrives on a different diet. Some of us can handle more plants, some of us need to include more animal-based products. As an engineer by training, certified in Nutrition Therapy, I balance a scientific and holistic approach. I'm here to support you on your wellness journey as we improve your gut ecosystem and build long-term healthy habits!
What is Plant-Based?
Plant-based is not necessarily vegan. Or vegetarian. It can be. It can also be paleo or keto. It focuses on eating mostly plants. A 100% plant-based diet can work for some people, but it requires supplementation, education and dedication!
You may not know that there are special ways to prepare plant-based foods to increase their nutrient content, such as fermenting, soaking and sprouting. Modern day diets have forgotten these traditional preparation methods - I'm here to teach you traditional methods so you can adopt the healthiest plant-focused diet!
Why Table to Crave?
Table to Crave comes from a play on “cradle to grave”. Does this make you think of birth and end of life? That is definitely part of it! But "cradle to grave'" is also a term used to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of the life-cycle of a product or service. Everything we eat has gone through a life-cycle: growing, harvesting, processing, shipping, consumption and disposal. Ideally, the food we eat supports our health as we journey through our own life-cycle.
Education & Credentials
Restorative Wellness Practitioner Level 2 (RWP-2) - Restorative Wellness Solutions
Nutrition Therapist Master (NTM) - Nutrition Therapy Institute
Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering (MS) - Arizona State University
Civil and Environmental Engineering (BS) - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Barre Instructor – Whole Body Studios
