Why do people come to see you instead of others?
I exude a love for food and deep enthusiasm for how good it feels, and tastes, to eat well. Since I work with athletes mostly, the proof is often "in the pudding" -- once they discover how influential their nutrition strategies are to their performance, they are hooked on learning and achieving more. I think people trust me due to my rigorous scientific background in biochemistry and athletics, and since I explain the biology behind my advice, they realize none of it is random or unfounded. It works, and that keeps people coming and referring others to me.

What are the latest trends in the field of nutrition and dietetics? The interaction of genetics and nutrition, called nutrigenomics, is a fascinating field. Each of us has unique traits in our DNA, and those traits may explain differences in disease susceptibility, and potentially differences in nutrient needs. It's still a very young field, though, and a lot of research will have to be done before practitioners like me can use it reliably to prescribe dietary advice. But it's a fascinating prospect!

What does your daily diet consist of? Do you practice what you preach?
I wouldn't dream of any other way! I eat exactly what I recommend: an unprocessed, plant-based diet. I eat lots (some would say a dizzying array) of vegetables, with high quality protein at each meal and an emphasis on healthy fats over artery-clogging ones. My diet could be described as low-glycemic; I choose grain foods only occasionally, and then it's whole grains.

What are your beverages of choice?
Good coffee, lots of water, unsweetened tea or low-calorie flavored drinks like Crystal light. In the winter, sugar-free hot chocolate is a favorite.

If there was one food you could all ban from our diets, what would it be?
Wow, that's a hard one! I have to say soda makes me cringe -- there's nothing nutritious in it and it contributes a significant amount of sugar and calories to people's intake, particularly children and teens, in whom I find obesity especially troubling.

Have you noticed a trend in the culinary field towards better dieting? How are restaurant menus evolving?
I do see trends toward better eating, though I wouldn't call it dieting. When chef's try to take advantage of local, seasonal ingredients, that results in improved nutrition and more vegetable and fruit intake. I think diners are also trending to order more items described as local, organic, or humanely treated (such as beef and pork products).

What are the most dangerous eating habits common among Americans?
I think the association of eating with needs other than hunger is most dangerous, such as eating out of boredom, loneliness, or just for entertainment. It leads us to eat too much overall, and often not the best choices. I try to help people relearn their ingrained habits to self-medicate or seek happiness in food. Food can be fun, cooking can be a stress relieving activity, and I love a good meal as much as anyone -- but I remember the underlying is for food, and that helps me stick to appropriate portions and frequency.

I want to lose weight, should I take diet pills? Absolutely not! Diet pills can have dangerous side effects, are haven't been shown to help people lose weight and maintain losses. I encourage finding a healthier eating style that you can live with long-term.

I am on a diet, what should I eat? What should I avoid? Food that are helpful for losing weight are low-caloric density foods, like fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean proteins, which help maintain muscle, keep your blood sugar steady, and satisfy your appetite. Complete avoidance of any food is unnecessary- you simply have to determine the portion and frequency that will work for you. Some foods are "triggers" for certain people, commonly ice cream, peanut butter, chocolate, or salty snacks like chips. These aren't off-limits, but you do have to learn strategies to prevent them from getting you off track.

What is your favorite meal?
A spicy seafood fra diavolo or fresh bouillabaisse, with an abundant salad of fresh greens and vegetables to go with it. Some dark chocolate item for dessert...a decadent brownie or flourless chocolate cake hits my weak spot!

What should I eat to boost my energy level?
Since stable glucose levels in the blood promote stable energy, eating small, frequent meals is key. Those meals should ideally be low in sugar and have substantial protein and some healthy fat, all of which make for steady, lasting energy and no crash!

If you were to teach us all one good rule about healthy eating what would it be?
You don't have to count calories if you choose an unprocessed, plant-based diet and get in touch with your body's signals about how much food it needs. Your body is a beautifully designed machine, which will tell you how to care for it, if you learn the signals to pay attention to.