What factors from your childhood influences your career as a nutritionist?
I grew up an overweight child and I was always dieting as a teenager. I was always reading about diets, proper eating habits, and pretty much everything nutrition. In my senior year of high school, I had to do a senior project. I decided to job shadow a Registered Dietitian at a local hospital and present what she did everyday on the job. I loved it and combined with my own personal experiences, I decided to become a Registered Dietitian. I attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences.
What books do you remember reading during your childhood?
I loved reading growing up and I still do. My father’s nickname for me was “bookworm” because I was always reading. I liked reading Stephen King books, nutrition books and magazines, and mystery/suspense books.
Being a nutritionist, what do you think of the ketogenic diet?
I personally do not endorse the ketogenic diet because it is restrictive and hard to follow in the long run. In addition, other people I have talked to who have tried it say that when they come off of it they suffer symptoms such as, headaches and tiredness. I believe all foods can be eaten in moderation with an emphasis on fruits, veggies, lean meats, and nuts.
Who was the first person you shared your first ever story with?
When I was maybe 9 or 10 I wrote a book of poems for my mother. That was the first book I ever wrote.
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
When I was a teenager I was obsessed with eating healthy and exercising. I also worked very hard to get excellent grades for college because I knew I wanted to be a dietitian and help others achieve good health with nutrition.
When did you begin coaching?
I began nutrition coaching on my own almost two years ago when I started my own business Golden Years Health and Wellness Nutrition. However, 15 years prior to that I was a nursing home dietitian. I am also Board Certified in Gerontological Nutrition and I have a Master of Arts in Gerontology.
Do you prefer writing on a notepad first or you directly start writing on your computer?
When I wrote my cookbooks, I start right on my computer because I think it is more time efficient.
What sparked the idea for your book, No More Kidney Stones! The Anti-Kidney Stone Cookbook?
My book “No More Kidney Stones! The Anti-Kidney Stone Diet” was written in response to the many clients I had with kidney stone problems. My mother also suffered with kidney stone issues.
How much did you research while writing your book, Unique Book of Breakfasts?
When researching for the book “Unique Book of Breakfasts” as well as all of my other cookbooks, I research many recipe databases online, my mother and I both have many, many cookbooks, and I also use family recipes that I “tweak” to make healthier.
Which is your favorite recipe from the book, BOOK OF UNIQUE SMOOTHIES?
My favorite smoothie recipe from the book “Book of Unique Smoothies” is the Berry Coconut Smoothie. I love this one not only because it tastes so good but it also contains powdered collagen which is wonderful for skin and hair. It also contains berries and avocado which are rich in nutrients, are powerful antioxidants, and great for immunity.
In what ways do you think readers will benefit from your books?
I think readers will benefit from my cookbooks by enjoying improved energy and vitality. They can expect improved skin tone and texture, shinier hair, improved energy, improved immunity, improved hydration, and overall excellent nutritional status. If desired, all recipes can be used in a weight loss program by eating smaller portion sizes.
What has been the most rewarding experience of being a writer?
The most rewarding experience of being a writer is when people who have bought my books and used the recipes and tell me how great they taste and how much healthier they feel. I had one reader tell me that my kidney stone book had significantly reduced her symptoms. To me, that is what being a dietitian and a writer is all about-making a positive difference in people’s lives.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
My work schedule when I write a new cookbook is first I think of a topic that most people in the community could benefit from. I then research recipe databases, gather my own personal collection of recipes, and even create some of my own recipes. When I create my own I have to test it until I get all of the ingredients right. Once that is done, I will “tweak” the recipes to make them healthier and customized towards what I am writing the book about. For example, the recipes in my “Autoimmune Disease Cookbook” were customized to include ingredients that help lower inflammation in the body.
What are you currently working on? May we know when we can expect a new book?
Currently I am thinking of writing a celiac disease cookbook. This project may take me until summer because I plan to go a bit more in-depth with this book meaning I am going to include information on celiac disease plus gluten-free recipes.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
I think AllAuthor is an incredible website for independent authors such as myself. I honestly cannot say enough great things about it. Being part of the Pro program gives my books such excellent exposure. I do not think I would sell any books without being part of AllAuthor. The mockup banners, the GIF banners, and the tweet scheduler are of great use to me to market my books. Not only that but it makes marketing my books creative and fun! I also love the book cover contests every month because they are fun. It is also a great place to make contacts with other writers, which I have. Making contacts with other fellow writers is a great way to spread the word about your books. In my opinion, it is the best website for authors such as myself on the internet.
