NUTRITION COACHING
At the YMCA, we care about your health. Many of our health care problems such as, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity are related to poor nutrition. Nutrition coaching can provide education, support and accountability to help YMCA members improve their bodies, minds and spirit. The coaching is tailored to meet the needs of your personal lifestyle goals; whether that is losing body fat, improving athletic performance, building muscle, or learning healthy substitutions we have qualified and committed coaches to accompany you on your fitness journey!
HOW IT WORKS
The process begins with a one-hour assessment that will assess usual dietary intake, activity level, nutritional beliefs and preferences. The coach may begin to identify areas where change is needed. Each individual's situation and background are carefully considered.
During coaching sessions, the nutritionist provides information, educational materials, challenges, support, and follow-up care for client, to make and maintain the needed dietary and/or behavior adjustments. A large part of the coaching process includes discussions about real or perceived barriers, setting realistic and trackable goals, establishing support systems and determining the follow-up or long-term compliance to learned changes.
After your free nutrition assessment with a nutrition coach, you may choose from several options of coaching packages to guide your nutrition journey. Sessions are 30 minutes and can be done in person or virtually.
PURCHASE NUTRITION COACHING HERE
Nutrition Coaches of Dallas Metropolitan YMCA
What is your nutrition philosophy?
I believe in moral neutrality when it comes to food - that there are no good nor bad foods in a healthy, balanced diet. Food is not just fuel and it is not just pleasure - it can serve both purposes at the same time!
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
I have always wanted to help people for as long as I can remember. When I discovered nutrition, I was fascinated with how it combines multiple disciplines - anatomy & physiology, biochemistry, psychology, and more! Now, I am passionate about helping people to better understand nutrition and their bodies to create lasting lifestyle habits that support their goals.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
BS Nutrition Honors - Texas A&M 2021 1200+ hours supervised practice in all areas of nutrition ranging from outpatient counseling and inpatient (low and high acuity), to food service and community nutrition. Set to graduate in December 2024 with a Masters in Clinical Nutrition from UTSW
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
Creating and sustaining healthy lifestyle changes, general nutrition, and healthy aging.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
1. Reading - whether physical books or audiobooks! Lately, I love going on long walks while listening to a good book.
2. Crafting delicious coffee drinks
3. Putting together puzzles with friends
What is your favorite food?
Queso Blanco or pico de gallo
What is your nutrition philosophy?
My nutrition philosophy incorporates health at every size (HAES) and how to utilize nutrition as a means of adding into your life, not subtracting or restricting.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
I became interested in nutrition due to a family history of diabetes and growing up seeing disordered eating lifestyles glamorized by magazines/media. Watching my parents change their lifestyles and equip us with tools to live healthier, fuller lives has inspired me to have the same impact for others. I think it's important to teach people how they can use nutrition as fuel to become mentally and physically stronger.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
I have a Bachelor's in Nutritional Sciences and a Master's in Dietetics. I also passed the National board exam to be a registered dietitian which requires 1200 clinical hours before taking. My clinical hours included hospital setting dealing with chronic and acute patients, eating disorder clinics, community work, and adolescents.
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
I focus on intuitive eating and diabetes management.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
I enjoy tennis (or more recently, pickleball), singing, and reading.
What is your favorite food?
Lasagna!
What is your nutrition philosophy?
I believe there is no such thing as junk food. There is junk.... and there's food. From the dawn of time, food has been medicine to our bodies and minds. When we eat real, nutrient dense food, our bodies thank us by feeling good. When we eat junk, the opposite will happen.
When trying to change dietary habits, consistency works over trying to be perfect. However, what we put on the end of our fork each day is one of the most important choices we can make for our health. The good news is, when we listen to our bodies, we can make better choices. And a little goes a long way!
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
Growing up I didn't have the best diet. If I had a choice, I went for the junk and I never felt very good. It wasn't until I was older and had my own family that I noticed our diet was affecting our health. I began to add more lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetables to our diets. We also substituted sugary drinks with water. We immediately noticed that we felt better, performed better at work and sports, and were sick less often. It was then I realized that diet is very important to overall health. I became a coach so I could share that experience with others.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
I have a BA in Psychology and a board certification in health and wellness coaching. I have also completed the Precision Level 1 Nutrition Coach Certification.
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
I enjoy coaching women between the ages of 35-65. I have a focus on women's health pre, during and post menopause. Sleep, stress, behavior change, weight management, strength training, boxing, and kickboxing.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
Tennis, Kickboxing, Mahjongg
What is your favorite food?
Cedar planked salmon, broccoli and mashed potatoes:)
What is your nutrition philosophy?
I believe that you need to fuel your body. I want to help you find the most amount of food you can eat while still losing weight so you don't feel deprived or restricted. I believe you do not have to be perfect all the time, but it's what you do consistently over time that matters most. I want to help you not fear food and restore a healthy relationship with eating.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
I have always been in sports ever since I was very little. I played all through high school and college and didn't have to think about my eating habits very much. After college, I decided to become a Group Fitness Instructor because I missed the group dynamic and needed to find a fun way to stay active. As I got more into the fitness world, I realized how important a role nutrition plays in how you feel and can perform. I now have a big passion for nutrition and fitness and want to help people find that in themselves too!
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
NASM Nutrition Coach
NASM Weight Loss Specialist
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
Weight Loss & Healthy Lifestyle
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
Working out and playing soccer
Going to concerts
Spending time with family and friends
What is your favorite food?
All of the breakfast foods!
What is your nutrition philosophy?
I believe all about balance when it comes to nutrition. If you are dedicated to cook 95% of your meals, then you can have whatever you want and still achieve your goals. I'll show you ways to decrease the calories in meals and make it actually taste good. Nothing is off limit. Cakes, pasta, pizza and many more delicious foods are all options when trying to lose fat and build muscle.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
I used to struggle with food and weight gain. I used to believe only bland salads and plain chicken were the healthiest options. I now understand that all foods can fit into your nutrition plan if you have it in moderation and are willing to cook for yourself.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
NASM Nutrition Coach
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
Fat loss, muscle gain, and body recompositing.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
I love playing basketball, fishing and playing with my niece and nephew.
What is your favorite food?
I like chicken sandwiches with sweet potato fries.
What is your nutrition philosophy?
I believe that health is bio-individual; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each person has unique needs that will change over the course of our lifetime. By taking a holistic, multidimensional approach, nutrition can help to nourish and heal not only the body, but the mind and soul. I consider the importance of personalized nutrition and the interplay between food, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
Personally, I have been on a lifelong journey with health, nutrition and weight loss. I have weighed 100 pounds and I have weighed 200 pounds. Over the last 18 months I have applied my education in nutrition towards myself and am currently maintaining a healthy (and happy!) weight.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
Certified Holistic Nutritionist from The Institute of Natural Health Sciences.
Currently enrolled at The Institute of Integrative Nutrition for Health Coaching and Nutrition For Life, and have completed the advanced education Gut Health course.
I also have a BA in Psychology.
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
I specialize in Gut Health and nutrition's imperative role in the health of a person's body, mind and spirit.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
Three hobbies that I enjoy include spending time with my family, reading, and taking photographs.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is popcorn. Or pizza...
What is your nutrition philosophy?
My nutrition philosophy centers around clean eating and thinking of food as both fuel and medicine. I like to learn about cultures around the world that have a great longevity rate while enjoying delicious food. These cultures tend to lean toward anti-inflammatory foods and this observation along with my nutrition education informs my food choices and shapes my nutrition philosophy. I also love helping clients to develop a healthy relationship with food, learning that food can be as delicious as it is healthy and making positive food choices can become second nature.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
I lived overseas during high school and experienced life with fast food being a rarity and a colorful plate a commonality. I was also fortunate to grow up with a mom who insisted on there being a least two veggies on our plates at dinner and preferably lunch as well. It was after returning to the states for college that I realized that I had far more headaches, joint pain, and other issues eating the common American college student diet. Once I decided to go back to the basics of a colorful plate and less processed food I began to enjoy better overall health. It was at that time that I became determined to help others to see the same benefits of healthy nutrition.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
Along with continuously reading and listening to the latest nutrition information out of The Harvard School of Medicine, Stanford, John Hopkins and other reputable sources, I am an NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist.
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
In addition to the NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist, there are nutrition components explored in our other NASM Certifications that are focused on Sports Performance and Nutrition for Youth as well as for the general population. I personally love to help families and individuals find meal prep strategies that work for them and make meal prep healthy, convenient and fun.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
I love dance, writing, and reading non-fiction (mostly faith based and healthy living).
What is your favorite food?
I love to make and eat PIZZA!
What is your nutrition philosophy?
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
Having battled cancer as a young woman and inspired by motherhood, she embarked on a transformative journey towards understanding the vital role of nutrition in overall well-being. Sheri combines her firsthand experience with academic insight and recognizes the significance of an integrated approach to achieve fitness and weight management goals. With an empathetic approach and commitment to continuous learning, she aims to empower her clients to reach their personal goals.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
NASM Nutrition Coaching
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
Sheri combines her firsthand experience with academic insight and recognizes the significance of an integrated approach to achieve fitness and weight management goals. With an empathetic approach and commitment to continuous learning, she aims to empower her clients to reach their personal goals.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
What is your favorite food?
What is your nutrition philosophy?
The health you seek isn’t in a PILL, procedure, product or quick fix DIET of restriction. Food is information for our bodies. What we choose to eat can heal or harm us. Real whole food is medicine not just simply fuel for energy. Adding more "healthy whole food” is not about self-denial and restriction, but rather about the promise of enjoying good health that lasts a lifetime.
I work with you to create simple ways find joyful ways to move more, sit less, EAT well to Be well, Get Well and Stay Well.
My mantra: Keep it simple, Make it FUN. Focus on ONE Small change at a time.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
My Health today is my Wealth. I have lived with an autoimmune disease for over 40 years. Due to my condition, I was more motivated than most to make “health a hobby” in order to manage my condition and halt progression. My passion today is empowering others with chronic health conditions and those at risk to take control of HEALTH to LIVE better lives. I help people of all ages prevent and reverse using simple lifestyle and nutrition strategies custom made for your real life. Warning: Side effects include sustainable weight loss, more energy, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improved sleep, focus and energy.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
Health Coach Certification| Nutrition Training | Dr. Sears Wellness Institute.
Masters Health Coach Certification| Behavior Change Specialization| Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
Hill College- Holistic Wellness Pathway- Holistic Nutrition, Herbalism
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
NBC-HWC Provider Credential A-3240959
Credentialed non-physician Health and Wellness Coach Provider NPI 1053962761
Additional Certifications: Chronic Disease Prevention Specialist | Lifestyle Nutrition | Healthy Aging | Healthy Weight Loss | Cancer Nutrition |
Certified American College of Lifestyle Medicine Coach
CDC Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach and Provider
Certified Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach | CDC Recognized Provider
Certified in Nutrition for Families of Young Children
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
Other Coaching areas of focus:
Stress Managment Mindfulness Practices, Improving Sleep and Resilience: Facing Challenges with Strength, Life Transitions
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
I love any and all FIT fun outdoors. I love to read research and science about nutrition and biology.
I did my first sprint triathlon at age 30 and fell in love with it. It was my main hobby for over 20 years. I completed the Ironman in 2015 at the age of 45. So naturally I love running, biking and swimming. As life slows down, I have discovered I really love hiking, yoga, meditation and simply being in nature.
My secret super-powers: Crafting healthy meals in minutes and entertaining family and friends on a budget. If I am short on time I skip cardio, DO weights and eat well.
What is your favorite food?
That's too hard. I love all good FOOD. Last meal on earth: A really good quality cheeseburger. Not a fast food one. Premium chocolate chip cookie the size of my hand.
What is your nutrition philosophy?
Nutrition is key to our health goals whether it's to lose fat or to gain muscle. Food is going to be a big factor towards achieving the goal and by having structure ensures success.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
Since I was a teenager and while growing up, I have struggled with putting on muscle mass; which in comparison made me smaller to other players in the sports I player. This was because I had no prior knowledge about the importance of nutrition with regards to resistance training. To reach my goal of putting on muscle mass, improve my performance and my health on and off the field; I've experienced how following a structured training and nutrition plan will support my health and fitness journey.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
Bachelor's of Kinesiology Health & Exercise Science
NASM-Certified Personal Trainer
NASM-Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
Specialization in sports nutrition, focused on the periodization of food intake to fuel sports performance.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
I enjoy weightlifting, running outdoors, and surfing (as I'm from Hawai'i)
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is a fresh ahi poke bowl with white rice, and poi on the side.
What is your nutrition philosophy?
My nutrition philosophy centers on integrating functional medicine with traditional dietary practices to create holistic, sustainable health solutions. I emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms. My approach is personalized, taking into account individual dietary needs, cultural backgrounds, and lifestyle factors to ensure that nutritional recommendations are practical, enjoyable, and beneficial.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
My journey in nutrition began over ten years ago in Istanbul, where I managed a private practice focused on dietetics. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of tailored nutritional plans on individual health outcomes. This experience has deeply informed my approach as a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, where I’ve continued to apply these principles to help individuals manage chronic conditions, achieve weight loss goals, and improve their overall health through targeted, science-based nutritional strategies.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
I hold a Bachelor’s and master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and have completed coursework for a PhD program, which I plan to continue. My academic journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of nutritional science and its practical applications in dietary management.
I am a certified Integrative Nutrition and Health Coach, which allows me to blend modern nutritional science with holistic health practices. Additionally, I am certified in Food Service Management and Mental Health First Aid, which enrich my approach to health coaching by integrating dietary management with mental wellness.
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
I specialize in integrative approaches to diet and lifestyle, focusing on diabetes prevention and weight management. As a certified Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach, I am dedicated to helping clients understand and manage their risk through targeted lifestyle changes. My coaching is tailored to foster sustainable health changes by incorporating nutritional education, weight management, mental wellness, and customized diet education and plans that respect individual health conditions and cultural dietary preferences.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
Exploring nature trails,
Relaxing by the beach or pool – There’s something incredibly peaceful about being near water.
Singing Karaoke
What is your favorite food?
Grilled gilthead bream accompanied by a fresh Mediterranean salad is my favorite.
What is your nutrition philosophy?
I believe that good nutrition is the foundation for life. Your style of eating should be sustainable and enjoyable!
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
I began to get interested in health and nutrition at a young age. My grandfather died of a massive heart attack at the age of 40, so I grew up in a house where my parents worked hard to instill healthy eating habits.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
B.S. in Education
NASM Certified Nutrition Coach
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
Helping people change their behavior and habits a little bit at a time in order to sustain their choices for the long term.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
Hiking
Snorkeling
Traveling
Reading
What is your favorite food?
Pizza, steak, cake with buttercream frosting, red wine
What is your nutrition philosophy?
Nutrition means different things to different people. With that in mind, I approach each client’s needs specifically for them, and not in a cookie cutter way. I have found over the last almost 20 years of coaching, that this approach is the most successful for my clients.
Briefly describe your personal journey with health, nutrition, and/or weight loss:
I began my nutrition journey in 2005, when I was training with my IFBB coach. I fell in love with the process, received my own certification in nutrition and began coaching others.
My oldest son is a Type 1 diabetic and after he was diagnosed in 2009, I gained a greater understanding of how blood sugar impacts health and fitness.
I focus on solid blood sugar control, so my clients feel better and become healthier.
What is your educational qualification(s) and/or certification for nutrition coaching?
I am a Fitness Nutrition Specialist, certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Do you have any specializations/focus areas that you are confident in coaching?
I specialize in weight loss, weight gain, diabetes blood sugar control and body composition changes.
What are your hobbies that you enjoy doing?
I love hanging out with and coaching my teenage boys in running endurance and power lifting.
I love making soap and creating beautiful images with my photography.
I love gardening and making my yard look beautiful.
What is your favorite food?
Pasta!