09 Dec Ten Nutritionist Tips to Keep Flavor High, Sodium Low in Your Holiday Feasts
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Personality:
Annette is known to be empathetic, calming, caring and warm. She is a great listener and will provide feedback in a non-judgmental, supportive manner. Her priority is her patient’s comfort and feeling safe.
Background:
Annette Sasaki, LCSW attended Adelphi University in Garden City, NY where she received her MSW degree. She also earned her BA degree in Health & Human Services and has 19 years of clinical experience working with medical issues/chronic health conditions, community mental health centers, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma and crime victims.
Counseling Philosophy:
Annette has an eclectic approach to psychotherapy: she does not believe in one-size-fits-all. Instead, she combines various modalities and techniques for a truly customized treatment plan. These can include CBT, DBT, and a trauma-informed lens to meet the client where they are.
Specialties:
Anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, spiritual, disordered eating/eating disorders, life transitions, grief and relationship issues.
Interests:
Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family, friends and pets, traveling, yoga and
meditation.
MS, RDN
When she was a professional model, Paula was a chronic dieter, feeling pressure to control her weight, and falling into the diet fad trap. Because of her experiences, she decided she wanted to study nutrition and nutrition science to support her patients to restore their relationships with food and body. With a Master’s Degree in Public Health, she’s also passionate about food insecurity, cardiovascular health, obesity management, and diabetes prevention.
Specialties
Paula specializes in weight management, emotional eating, women’s health, and gestational diabetes as well as digestive health.
Affiliations
The American Society for Nutrition
The American Public Health Association
Samantha Vallejo, MS, RD, CDN
Samantha is known for being a good listener, empathetic, and providing non-judgemental nutrition guidance. She graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a double degree in Culinary Nutrition and Food Science, then received her master’s in Clinical Nutrition with a Functional Medicine Focus through the NY Chiropractic College. She completed her dietetic internship at Stony Brook University with a specialization in Sports Nutrition. She had a complicated relationship with food growing up, including struggling with various eating disorders and a complex health history. She also noticed her friends who wrestled struggle with disordered eating patterns and body dysmorphia to “make weight.” This ignited her interest in food as medicine.
Specialties:
Athletic Performance, GI tract disorders [food intolerances/sensitivities, IBS], Autoimmune Conditions [arthritis, psoriasis], Weight Loss and Body Re-composition, Chronic Health Conditions [Diabetes, Fatty Liver, High Cholesterol], Meal Planning/Recipe Modification
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Blue Belt under Danny Stolfi at Breathe Jiu Jitsu Academy
Kayleen provides a friendly, calm, and empathetic presence that allows clients to feel comfortable while discussing their health and wellness goals. Her sessions feel like conversations with a trusted confidante ready to listen to, understand, educate, and motivate you on your nutrition journey. A registered dietitian, with an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Hunter College and a BS in Health Science Studies, Kayleen also has an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University. She has years of experience working in outpatient and private practice settings, working with patients struggling with chronic illness and wellness.
Specialties:
Weight Management (weight loss, weight gain, body composition), Chronic Illness Prevention, Blood Sugar Management/Diabetes, Cardiovascular Health, Hormone Health (PCOS, Thyroid Conditions), Mindful Eating and Promoting A Healthy Relationship with Food, Gastrointestinal Health (IBS, Food Sensitivities, Low FODMAP Diets)
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Jamie Lopez, MS, RDN, CND
With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Nutrition from New York University, Jamie has nine years of experience as a registered dietitian. Her diverse background includes providing nutrition counseling to individuals with serious medical conditions in nonprofit community settings, educating middle school and college students about nutrition, and working with local farmers’ markets through GrowNYC. She has a compassionate, weight-inclusive nutrition therapy approach, helping her clients restore their relationship with food and body, living lives of wellness.
Specialties:
Binge eating disorder, body image disorders, disordered eating, eating disorders, emotional eating depression, anxiety, weight concerns, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, heart disease, digestive problems, and prenatal nutrition.
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Languages: English
MS, RD, CDN
Drew herself developed a deep passion for nutrition after facing several health issues such as IBS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Autoimmunity, and eating disorders during her teenage and college years, significantly impacting her athletic career as D1 diver and her overall quality of life.
Drew graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Bridgeport with a Master of Science in Human Nutrition in 2018 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2012. She is currently certified by the state of Connecticut as a Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist as well as a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Leap Therapist, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Integrative Sports Nutritionist and has extensive experience in private practice and one-on-one counseling.
Drew has gained her nutrition experience working in several arenas including weight loss clinics, personal training, interning under a naturopathic doctor, through her personal practice, and a competitive residency program under a functional medicine nutritionist. She prides herself in helping athletes and active women improve immune function, energy, performance, stamina, and recovery; decrease gastrointestinal distress, balance hormones, create healthy mindsets around food, and empower individuals to use nutrition as their superpower for achieving their health, life, and athletic goals. She has worked with an array of endurance athletes, those with autoimmune diseases.
Specialties:
Sports nutrition, weight loss, functional nutrition, GI issues, autoimmune conditions, eating disorders
Media Work:
She has authored a cookbook titled “The No Title Cookbook” which catered to those with food sensitivities or those looking to transition to a healthier way of eating without sacrificing the taste. She has been on multiple podcasts including The Lifelong Athlete, Addict II Athlete, and The Multifaceted Athlete; has made TV appearances sharing her recipes and has written numerous articles for Natural Awakening, a local magazine. She has her own YouTube channel Redeeming Life Nutrition.
Samantha Vallejo, MS, RD, CDN
Samantha is known for being a good listener, empathetic, and providing non-judgemental nutrition guidance. She graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a double degree in Culinary Nutrition and Food Science, then received her master’s in Clinical Nutrition with a Functional Medicine Focus through the NY Chiropractic College. She completed her dietetic internship at Stony Brook University with a specialization in Sports Nutrition. She had a complicated relationship with food growing up, including struggling with various eating disorders and a complex health history. She also noticed her friends who wrestled struggle with disordered eating patterns and body dysmorphia to “make weight.” This ignited her interest in food as medicine.
Specialties:
Athletic Performance, GI tract disorders [food intolerances/sensitivities, IBS], Autoimmune Conditions [arthritis, psoriasis], Weight Loss and Body Re-composition, Chronic Health Conditions [Diabetes, Fatty Liver, High Cholesterol], Meal Planning/Recipe Modification
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Blue Belt under Danny Stolfi at Breathe Jiu Jitsu Academy
Margot Whitney, MS, RD
Personality:
Margot’s style allows her patients to feel at ease and heard. She is warm, empathetic, kind, patient, and welcoming. Patients leave her sessions with actional steps to make realistic improvements towards their health goals. A graduate of Fairfield University and Framingham State University, she completed her clinical, food service, and community nutrition internships with the Department of Veteran Affairs and the YMCA. With experience working for a Weight and Wellness clinic, she provides patients with the tools they need to make sustainable changes to achieve their wellness goals. She also has personal experience struggling with infertility and needing IVF. She is passionate about fertility nutrition a providing nutrition support for women who want to get pregnant.
Specialties:
Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating, Intuitive Eating/HAES, Fertility/Infertility Nutrition, Hormonal Conditions (PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, hypo/hyperthyroidism, peri/post menopause), Pregnancy & Postnatal Nutrition, Weight Management
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Languages: English
Follow her on Instagram @margotwhitneynutrition where she shares recipes and nutrition tips.
Markay takes a supportive, encouraging approach to nutritional counseling. Empathetic and respectful, her patients feel at ease and heard. She has degrees in Nutrition and Food Science from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. She’s in the process of completing her CEDS (Certified Eating Disorder Specialist) Certification. She has spent the past 15 years studying the connection between the body and mind, ensuring clients have a safe, courageous, and honest space to better understand and explore the body and mind’s potential for healing.
Specialty Areas:
Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID – Avoidant, Restrictive Food Intake Disorders), Disordered and Emotional Eating, Orthorexia, Compulsive/Excessive Exercise, Body/Gender Dysmorphia, Intuitive Eating, Healthy Relationship with Food, LGBTQIA+ Concerns, Weight/Body Neutrality, General Healthful Eating Counseling
Professional Affiliations:
NY Chapter of The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Behavioral Health Dietetic Practice Group
Eat Breathe Thrive (a nonprofit organization that helps in the prevention/recovery of eating disorders and mental health challenges)
The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT),
The Yoga Alliance (YA)
The Forte Foundation (a non-profit that is working to change the balance of power in the workplace for women)
Alexandra Sherrard, MS, RDN
Energetic and passionate about helping others, Alex prioritizes connecting with her patients to provide valuable, thoughtful dietary recommendations. With degrees from North Dakota State University and the University of Tulsa, Alex has diverse experience from working with sport/performance nutrition for college athletes to medical nutrition therapy including chronic illness, acute illness and more.
Specialties:
Healthy weight loss, sport and performance nutrition, GI disorders, disordered eating & relationships with food, intuitive eating, diabetes management, and muscle building.
Associations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Languages: English
Attentive and calm, Sam has the gift of providing his clients with a space where they feel comfortable. He helps them find balance and provides the tools they need to reach their wellness and weight loss goals. A graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz and Hunter College, Sam has diverse experience. He’s worked as a pig farmer in Pennsylvania, led after-school programs and Farmer’s Market cooking classes, and has years of experience working with patients with medical nutrition therapy and counseling.
Specialties:
Weight management, body dysmorphia, pre-diabetes/diabetes, cardiovascular disease, plant-based nutrition, general healthy nutrition, mindful eating, and GI disorders (gut health, IBS, IBD, GERD, Crohns/Colitis).
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Sam has completed 200-hour Meditation Teacher Training and a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training.
Soft-spoken, collected, and respectful, Harriet’s patients always feel heard and valued during their nutrition counseling sessions. She has degrees in Clinical Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Long Island University, and completed her dietetic internship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and NYPBeHealthy. Because of her unique background and extensive experience, she provides her patients with holistic approaches to improving their fitness, optimizing sports performance, as well as promoting overall health and well-being through movement and nutrition counseling. She also is passionate about gut health nutrition and chronic illness.
Specialties:
Adolescent and Adult Healthy Weight Management (Weight Loss, Weight Gain), Obesity, Sports Nutrition, Vegetarian Diet, Gastrointestinal Issues (Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Food Intolerances, Food Allergies, Constipation, Diarrhea, Bloating, Celiac Disease, GERD), Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes, Heart Health (Cholesterol, Blood Pressure)
Affiliations:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Greater New York Dietetic Association (GNYDA)
Jeanne brings light, positivity, and confidence to her nutrition counseling sessions, where her patients feel supported and empowered. She has degrees from Towson University and West Chester University. Her passion for nutrition began as an athlete, where she learned, firsthand, the impact of nutrition on sports performance. Her experience includes formal training with ARAMARK Healthcare in Philadelphia where she’s worked with acute inpatient care, critical care, long-term acute care, and outpatient settings. She’s currently pursuing her master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion.
Specialities:
mindful eating, general healthy eating, healthy weight management, sports performance nutrition, vegan and vegetarian eating patterns, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, heart disease
Compassionate, meticulous, and attentive, Danielle’s patients feel at ease with her, appreciating her individualized approach to their unique needs and wellness goals. Because of her personal history with weight and body image, she became interested in the science of nutrition and developing a healthy relationship with food and body. Danielle is a graduate of New York university (both undergrad and her master’s program). She has diverse experience working in hospitals (NYU Langone Health Hospital), cancer centers, and BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center. She’s exceptional at creating sustainable and realistic nutrition plans for her patients.
Specialties:
Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating, Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Weight Management, Hormonal Disorders (PCOS, irregular periods, hypo/hyperthyroidism, peri/post menopause), Fertility Nutrition, Gastrointestinal (IBS, IBD, GERD, gastritis, etc.), Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes, Heart Health (High Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, etc), Liver Disease (Fatty liver, Cirrhosis, etc.) and Pediatric Nutrition.
Katrina’s enthusiasm is key to motivating her patients to reach their wellness goals. She has degrees from Boston University and Columbia University, with 1200 hours of ACEND-accredited supervised practice in clinical nutrition. She loves helping patients develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies, providing them with the tools to implement and sustain meaningful dietary changes that impact their wellness. This is all without her patients losing out on their favorite foods, flavors, and food traditions.
Specialties:
Healthy Weight Loss, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Sports Nutrition, Muscle Building, Healthy Relationship With Food, Prenatal Nutrition
Candid and compassionate, Amy provides her patients with the space they need to grow and heal. She began working as a mental health attorney, and after years of experience, decided she was more interested in a clinical, healthcare setting. A graduate of Columbia University, she is a key team member of the NYC Nutritionist team to provide mental health support for our patients.
Specialties :
Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Grief Therapy, Relationship Issues, Substance Use, Eating Disorders
Affiliations:
New York State Bar Association
National Assoction of Social Work
Isabel is a midlevel associate with our nutrition group. Calm and professional, Isabel provides a space where patients feel immediately heard. She has degrees from New York University, completing her dietetic internship at New York Presbyterian. She has worked with community, academic, behavioral health, and pediatric nutrition patients, with experience in medical nutrition therapy as well.
Specialties:
Gastrointestinal Health, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, Weight Management, Chronic Illness Prevention, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Health.
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
The Greater New York Dietetic Association (GNYDA)
Cristina is a midlevel associate with our nutrition group. She is detail-oriented, calm, and believes in developing strong relationships with her patients to be able to provide them with dietary interventions unique to their needs. She studied pre-med at Johns Hopkins University, then earned her Master’s Degree at New York University, believing that food, nourishment, and healthy eating behaviors are powerful medicines. Aside from providing nutrition counseling with NYC Nutritionist Group, she supports Teladoc Diabetic Members as a Diabetes Response Specialist.
Specialties
Diabetes/Pre-diabetes/Gestational Diabetes, Hormonal Disorders (PCOS, Thyroid issues), Gut health, Gastrointestinal Issues, Fertility Nutrition, Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating, Heart Health (Cholesterol, Blood Pressure management)
Affiliations
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND),
Women’s Health Dietetics Practice Group
Pediatric Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group
Bayla is a midlevel associate with our nutrition practice. She’s a master at simplifying nutrition therapy. So many feel overwhelmed with what are the best foods to eat, and Bayla can break it down and help you implement sustainable dietary changes. A graduate of Brooklyn College and Queens College, Bayla has extensive experience working with prestigious associations and hospitals like New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. A competitive Olympic weightlifter and cyclist, Bayla is passionate about sports nutrition. She has served as a college sports performance dietitian, working with Stony Brook University athletes, as well as CrossFit, weightlifters, powerlifters, distance runners, and dancers.
Specialties:
Sports Performance Nutrition, Mindful Eating, General Healthy Eating, Weight Management, Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Management, Cardiovascular Health, PCOS, Gastrointestinal Health, Food Allergies/Sensitivities/Intolerances, Renal Disease, Geriatric Nutrition
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Ayla is a midlevel associate with the practice. She has that special gift of making her patients feel taken care of from the moment they walk in the door. A graduate of Montclair State University, where she was awarded the Nutrition and Food Science Leadership Award, Ayla spent time working as a full-time personal trainer before completing her dietetic internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She has worked with medical nutrition therapy, as a clinical dietitian, and as a consultant for health startup companies.
Specialties:
Weight management (weight loss and weight gain), obesity, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease/hypertension/heart health, GI disorders (gut health, IBS, Crohn’s disease/ulcerative colitis, GERD), renal disease, dysphagia, oncology nutrition, vegan/vegetarian diets, tube feeding, general healthy eating, mindful eating, and improving patient’s relationship with food.
Affiliations:
President-Elect of the Greater New York Dietetic Association (GNYDA)
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Patient and forthright, Paige is a midlevel associate at the practice and is known for her straightforward approach to nutrition counseling. Her patients feel supported and motivated to reach their wellness goals with her practical dietary recommendations. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Hunter College, she has invaluable clinical and counseling experience through her internship with NY Harbor VA Hospital and private practices. She loves helping patients transform their relationship with food and their body and, in turn, empower them to implement and sustain their nutrition plans.
Specialties:
Eating Disorders, Disordered and Emotional Eating, Body Dysmorphia, General Healthy Eating, Picky Eating, Food Allergies/Intolerances, Child & Adolescent Nutrition, Weight Management, Gastrointestinal Issues (IBS, IBD, Celiac, Crohn’s, GERD, Constipation, Diarrhea, Bloating), Prenatal Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health.
Affiliations:
She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
A senior associate with the practice, Stephany provides her patients with a place to feel at ease and supported during each and every session. A graduate of Montclair State University and Rutger’s University, she also completed 1200 hours of ACENT-accredited supervised practice in clinical, community, and food service nutrition from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietietics. With over ten years of experience, she has worked with patients from almost every setting and currently is a nutrition science professor at Monmouth University as well.
Specialties:
Weight Management, Disordered Eating, Gastrointestinal Health Conditions (IBS, FODMAP, GERD, Celiac), Food Sensitivities & Intolerances, Hormonal Imbalances (PMDD, PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids), Elevated Cholesterol, Hypertension, Pre-diabetes and Corporate Wellness.
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (since 2013.)
Ambassador for multiple nutrition & wellness brands including Shape Magazine.
A senior associate with the practice, Cassie’s warm, empathetic nature helps her patients feel cared for and heard, almost like they’re working with a friend. She works to understand the whole person before making dietary recommendations. With both undergraduate and master’s degrees from New York University, she was busy not only studying but also serving as the team captain and goalkeeper of the women’s soccer team. She is passionate about understanding the intersectionality of sports, eating behaviors, body image, and identity and has worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor as well. Her experience is diverse, working with private practice, corporate wellness, bariatric surgery patients, and mental health and nutrition.
Specialties:
Eating Disorders (binge eating disorders, compulsive overeating), Disordered and Emotional Eating, Healing relationship with food and body, Weight Management (weight loss and weight gain), Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery Care, Sports and Exercise Nutrition, Digestion Issues (celiac, IBS, constipation, bloating, reflux), Diabetes, Heart Disease
Affiliations:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND),
Dietetic Practice Group for Sports and Cardiovascular Wellness
NASM Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
Discussing nutrition, eating habits and behaviors can make many patients feel vulnerable. Kylie, a senior associate here, has a unique way about her that gives patients the calm and confidence they need to open up. A graduate of East Carolina University (undergrad and master’s), her academics earned her Summa Cum Laude and Outstanding Graduate Awards. She is published in scientific journals and has experience working as a Clinical Dietitian in many hospitals and outpatient clinics. She’s currently the Assistant Clinical Nutrition manager at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, involved in corporate wellness, and works at NYC Nutritionist providing one-on-one nutritional counseling services to patients.
Specialties:
weight management, obesity, pre-diabetes/diabetes (type 1 & 2), diabetes insipidus, hormonal disorders (PCOS, hypothyroidism), cardiovascular disease/hypertension/heart health, GI disorders (gut health, FODMAPS, SIBO, IBS, IBD, GERD, Crohns/colitis), renal disease, dysphagia, oncology nutrition, eating disorders, food allergies/intolerances/sensitivities, vegan/vegetarian diets, tube feeding, and general healthy eating.
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
The Greater New York Dietetic Association (GNYDA)
As a senior associate with NYC Nutritionist group, Julia is known for being personable, professional, and relateable, creating a space for patients to feel at ease and heard. She is a graduate of New York University with extensive experience in medical nutrition therapy and individual nutrition counseling in both hospitals and private practices. Because of her struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal imbalances, she is passionate about helping women manage symptoms through meaningful dietary interventions.
Specialties:
Eating Disorders (AN, BED, BN, OSFED)/ Disordered Eating, Body Dysmorphia, Weight Management, Weight Loss, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease (High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol), Gastrointestinal Disease (IBD, IBS, Celiac Disease, GERD, Constipation and Diarrhea), Celiac Disease
Affiliations:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
The Greater New York Dietetic Association.
The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Foundation
Lisa is the founder and lead RD at the practice. Her goal is to bring together a diverse, experienced, and qualified group of nutrition and medical specialists to provide the best possible care for patients not only in New York but around the country. Founder of The NY Nutrition Group in 2013, and recently published author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan, Lisa has over a decade of experience in medical nutrition therapy. She’s passionate about functional nutrition and fertility. Because of her experience struggling with fertility, she understands what that rollercoaster of starting, adding to, or completing a family is like. She loves helping patients reach their wellness goals through meaningful nutrition counseling.
Specialties:
Fertility/Infertility Nutrition, Pre & Post-Natal Nutrition, Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating, Hormonal Disorders (PCOS, irregular periods, hypo/hyperthyroidism, peri/post-menopause), Functional Nutrition, Intuitive Eating/Healthy Relationship with Food, Healthy Weight Loss/Management, Sports Nutrition, Gastrointestinal Issues, (SIBO, IBS, reflux, Colitis, Etc), Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes, Heart Health (Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, etc),
Follow her on instagram @lisamnutrition where she shares tips and tricks to form healthier habits.