I eat out a lot. Can that continue?
I had a client who ate out twice daily on most days of the week. She was apprehensive in learning to cook meals, let alone anything elaborate, but acknowledged she needed to change some patterns. We worked to incorporate limited ingredient meals, outlined spices to complement her food favorites, designed meal preparation around her work and family schedule, got real with her portion control and honed in on the menus at some of her favorite restaurants. She took an active role in her plan and we were soon able to improve her lab values.
Other practitioners are involved in my care. How will this integrate when I work with you?
Many of my clients work with other providers. I don’t seek for you to leave our sessions with another opinion. Always with your permission, I communicate and work with your providers to coordinate, not confuse, your care.
I’m uncomfortable revealing amounts and types of foods I generally eat.
Relax. You are likely your own worst judge! From where I sit (and with over 25 years of experience), the more information you provide the more choices you’ll have along the way. At some point, during your work with me or anyone else, you’ll need to meet yourself at least halfway in bringing to the forefront current lifestyle patterns to make the changes you seek.
I want to get off all my medications. Can you help me?
It depends. The less medication a person has on board is always the preferred route and nutrition can better the situation no matter where the starting point. That being said, I view necessary medications much like a down, active, electrical wire – you need to put out the spark first (keeping the medication), seek to better your lifestyle with appropriate changes and then reevaluate with the prescribing provider.
I’m on a host of different medications and supplements; do any of them dangerously interact with each other?
Virtually all medications and supplements have side effects which range from posing a nuisance to causing harm. Sometimes changing whether they’re taken with or without food, which types of foods, which forms and the order in which you take them can make all the difference.
What are your credentials?
Alisa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from Michigan State University. She completed her dietetic internship at The University of Cincinnati Hospital and has been registered as a Licensed Dietitian since 1992. After beginning her career in teaching hospitals and medical centers she sought prevention as a primary focus and obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health Nutrition from The University of Michigan in 1997. From there she has expanded her nutrition education audience to include a variety of community settings. She then advanced her education by becoming a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is an active member of her field’s professional associations and of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, where she was the founder of its Registered Dietitian Member Interest Group.
