When did you decide you wanted to be a nutritionist?
I did not decide I wanted to be a nutritionist until after working for several years after college. Despite being premed in college, I decided to work in finance. After a few years in finance, I realized I missed helping people and being in the health field.

What defines your personal style as a nutritionist? Why do people come to see you instead of others?
I do not believe in diets or a one-size fits all plan for everyone. I customize my programs to the individual. Because food is about so much more than nourishment, I really try to understand someone's personality, lifestyle and habits. I think I end up having a better understanding about what works for that individual which in the end means more success in achieving their goals. Anyone can hand you a diet that will make you lose weight. The trick is to enjoy the plan and to continue with it for life.

What are the latest trends in the field of nutrition and dietetics?
Superfruits (like acai) promising to make you live longer, be healthier and everything else under the sun. Organic and local foods.

What does your daily diet consist of? Do you practice what you preach?
My diet differs every day, but I always eat 3 meals and several snacks. It's always full of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and of course something sweet--usually chocolate. I always tell my clients that I would never tell them to do something that I would not do myself.

What are your beverages of choice?
Water, seltzer and sparkling water; I often add lime to them to add some flavor (it almost tastes like a gin and tonic--almost). I also love coffee like most people, but I usually make it half coffee and half milk.

How do you feel about genetically modified foods?
I'm not sure I have a very strong feeling on this. It's hard to tell with so little information known about the long term effects. My feeling is that the more natural food is, the closer to its natural state and the less humans were involved, the better.

If there was one food you could ban from our diets, what would it be?
Frappuccino-type drinks; they are loaded with calories, many more than most people could ever imagine and often more than a meal. They rarely contain anything healthy enough to justify the calories and they don't fill you up. That means you could consume several hundred calories, but feel as if you've had nothing to eat!

When you are dining out, what meal choices do you gravitate towards?
I honestly usually have whatever I'm in the mood for, but that's usually some kind of seafood; except if I'm in an Italian restaurant. I also opt for vegetables with my meal, either a salad to start or a dish that includes lots of veggies.

Have you noticed a trend in the culinary field towards better nutrition? How are restaurant menus evolving?
Many restaurants are focusing on more local ingredients, which can mean wonderful nutrition benefits for the customers. Many restaurants are also emphasizing exotic fruits and vegetables as well as herbs/spices from other cuisines. All of these have wonderful nutritional benefits. However, while restaurants may offer more nutritious food, for most restaurants, taste remains the priority. This means food with lots of calories and fat.

What are the most dangerous eating habits common among
Americans?
There are many; not eating enough fruits and vegetables; loading up on high-calorie, high-fat processed food; eating past the point of being full; and not paying attention to hunger cues.

You teach a lot to your clients about nutrition, what have you learned from them?
What you learn from your parents has a lasting effect on what and how you eat. It is easier to teach good habits from childhood, than to try to undo bad ones as an adult. I have also learned that what may work for one person may not work for another. I have learned that if you are motivated to achieve your goal, you can do it, no matter how difficult it may seem.

I want to lose weight, should I take diet pills?
If by diet pills you mean an herbal remedy sold in the local health food store, then no. If you are talking about a medication prescribed by your doctor, then there are instances that that may be the right option. Generally, there are no quick fixes for weight loss. Any product that promises to zap off pounds or fat is full of it. If there were a product like that that worked, we'd all look like supermodels. Just as it takes work to put weight on, it takes work to take it off.

I am on a diet, what should I eat? What should I avoid?
I don't believe in diets, so I can't answer that question.

Can vitamins replace the nutrients we are supposed to get from food?
Not usually (although there are certain circumstances where extra vitamins are necessary such as pregnancy or certain illnesses). Generally the best way to get vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is through food. Although health benefits are often attributed to one vitamin, often the benefit comes from a combination of what is in the food. It is often found out after a certain vitamin is touted as the next miracle, that only people who ate foods with that vitamin benefited--not the ones who took a pill.

What should I eat to boost my energy level?
A combination of food groups, including some source of protein. Avoid having snacks of pure sugar or refined carbohydrates like chips, which completely zap your energy levels.

If you were to teach us all one good rule about healthy eating what would it be?
Diets do not work. Healthy eating should be enjoyable. No one eats perfectly every day.