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My expertise is in a wide range of areas that match the dietary needs of those with health related conditions, as well as healthy individuals who seek to optimize their health through exercise and a proper diet. I can assist with everything from executing medical nutrition therapy programs to family meal planning, vegetarian diets, prenatal nutrition, and eating healthy when on the go.
Some of my patients may only visit once a year, but others visit more frequently to get the most out of our customized approach to meet your needs. Whatever the case, scheduling a consultation with me is a crucial step to set the foundation for eating right to look and feel your best. You may contact me directly at: Roberta@mynewdiet.com or call my office in Ossining, NY. 914.762.6024 |
Unique Health Needs
Men's Unique Health Needs
Men are more susceptible to gout, prostate and testicular cancer and early coronary artery disease. Maintaining a healthy body is paramount to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and other health conditions. A well-planned diet in addition to regular medical check-ups can go a long way in preventing serious health conditions later in life.
Here are some basic steps that will start you on your path to looking and feeling better. These are easy to adopt, and can go a long way in ensuring that your proper dietary guidelines are being met.
Here are some basic steps that will start you on your path to looking and feeling better. These are easy to adopt, and can go a long way in ensuring that your proper dietary guidelines are being met.
- Eat moderate amounts of a variety of foods recommended by your dietitian
- Eat foods that are low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol
- Consume the recommended daily amount of fiber
- Substitute low-fat or nonfat milk for your dairy products
- Limit margarine, butter, oils, shortenings, salad dressings,
regular cheese, fried foods and rich desserts - Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits
- Reduce your sodium/salt intake
- Exercise, exercise, exercise
Women's Unique Health Needs
Women account for approximately half of the population in the United States and Canada and their health is influenced by several factors, such as culture and traditions, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, working conditions, and coping skills. Women have unique life cycles, and it is important to eat healthily throughout child-bearing years to perimenopause to menopause and beyond.
As a dietetic professional, I will create a personal wellness program specifically designed for you, which will include healthy eating habits and exercise programs.
I also serve as an advocate for public policy, legislation, and financial allocation to optimize the nutritional status of women, and I continually push for gender-specific research in this area.
Women on the Go
Women today typically lead much more active lives and wear many more hats than their mothers did. With many women employed outside of the home, time for food preparation at home has decreased and meals outside the home have become the norm. As we all know, frequent dining at fast food restaurants is not conducive to a healthy diet.
Even if your life is beyond busy, I can help you choose healthy foods that are readily available, and portion sizes that are satisfying. Exercise is also important and it’s vital that you make time for it. Whether you work outside of the home or work from home, a well-planned exercise regime is necessary to look and feel your best. Many women say they have little time or energy for exercise – I can help you fit physical activity into your life and implement it into your individualized wellness program.
Menopause
Nearly 24 million North American women are in their menopausal years, with the majority experiencing weight gain during this period. Studies have shown that a lifestyle intervention using a low-fat, low-calorie, high fiber diet plus regular exercise during primenopause may decrease this weight gain. What you eat can go a long way in enhancing your overall health during menopause and post-menopausal years!
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and low bone mass (osteopenia) currently affect over 45 million North American adults aged 50 years and older. The disease is a complex condition characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration. The most common bone disease in humans, it affects all ethnicities – but mostly women. One in two women will suffer an osteoporotic-related fracture once in her lifetime. These can be particularly devastating to older women and men, frequently confining them to long-term care.
The good news is that for most people, osteoporosis is largely preventable. And, since there is no cure for the disease, prevention is crucial. This is best accomplished by maximizing peak bone mass during early adulthood and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life to keep bones strong. Instilling the proper dietary guidelines and exercise at an early age is the key!
Nutrition is a very important factor in the development and maintenance of bone structure, as well as the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Of all the nutrients or food components that affect bones, calcium and vitamin D are the most important. If you cannot eat enough calcium rich foods, you should add a calcium supplement to your diet.
As a dietetic professional, I will create a personal wellness program specifically designed for you, which will include healthy eating habits and exercise programs.
I also serve as an advocate for public policy, legislation, and financial allocation to optimize the nutritional status of women, and I continually push for gender-specific research in this area.
Women on the Go
Women today typically lead much more active lives and wear many more hats than their mothers did. With many women employed outside of the home, time for food preparation at home has decreased and meals outside the home have become the norm. As we all know, frequent dining at fast food restaurants is not conducive to a healthy diet.
Even if your life is beyond busy, I can help you choose healthy foods that are readily available, and portion sizes that are satisfying. Exercise is also important and it’s vital that you make time for it. Whether you work outside of the home or work from home, a well-planned exercise regime is necessary to look and feel your best. Many women say they have little time or energy for exercise – I can help you fit physical activity into your life and implement it into your individualized wellness program.
Menopause
Nearly 24 million North American women are in their menopausal years, with the majority experiencing weight gain during this period. Studies have shown that a lifestyle intervention using a low-fat, low-calorie, high fiber diet plus regular exercise during primenopause may decrease this weight gain. What you eat can go a long way in enhancing your overall health during menopause and post-menopausal years!
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and low bone mass (osteopenia) currently affect over 45 million North American adults aged 50 years and older. The disease is a complex condition characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration. The most common bone disease in humans, it affects all ethnicities – but mostly women. One in two women will suffer an osteoporotic-related fracture once in her lifetime. These can be particularly devastating to older women and men, frequently confining them to long-term care.
The good news is that for most people, osteoporosis is largely preventable. And, since there is no cure for the disease, prevention is crucial. This is best accomplished by maximizing peak bone mass during early adulthood and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life to keep bones strong. Instilling the proper dietary guidelines and exercise at an early age is the key!
Nutrition is a very important factor in the development and maintenance of bone structure, as well as the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Of all the nutrients or food components that affect bones, calcium and vitamin D are the most important. If you cannot eat enough calcium rich foods, you should add a calcium supplement to your diet.
Children and Adolescents Unique Health Needs
Growth and development of a lifetime of good eating habits is my goal when working with parents, children and teenagers. Nutrition is the foundation for good health and it makes sense to start at the beginning. Children and adolescents must not be allowed to become complacent, as healthy dietary and exercise habits learned early on tend to translate into more healthy outcomes in the future.
In June 2002, the President's Health and Fitness Initiative was issued and it challenged all children to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. We know this is all too often not the case. Although U.S. children are more active than adults, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey showed that 48% of girls and 26% of boys do not exercise vigorously on a regular basis. In addition, 25% of all U.S. children watch 4 or more hours of television each day – and this does not even take into account the time spent playing video games or surfing the Web.
I work closely with all athletes to increase and maximize their sports performance through nutrition. This requires us to find the right dietary solution that compliments the athletic passion. Whether it is basketball, gymnastics, field hockey, wrestling or volleyball, I understand the importance of growing body mass and muscle, while managing weight in a healthy way that supports the athlete’s needs.
Eating Right and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex illnesses characterized by atypical eating patterns, a distorted body image and a preoccupation with body weight and shape. 85% of eating disorders occur when girls are still growing, particularly at the onset of adolescence. While usually associated with teenage girls, teenage boys are also at risk for eating disorders. These unhealthy dietary habits practiced at a young age, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, usually occur when the teen feels like he/she has lost control of his/her life. Visits with me can help you achieve your optimal weight through eating responsibly and regular exercise.
Primary prevention through education and awareness is the best approach to reduce the prevalence of eating disorders. This includes educating preadolescent girls and boys on the importance of accepting their body and promoting healthy self-esteem, and partnering with young women and men to include goals in their weight counseling strategies that support body size acceptance and the attainment of a healthful weight.
In June 2002, the President's Health and Fitness Initiative was issued and it challenged all children to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. We know this is all too often not the case. Although U.S. children are more active than adults, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey showed that 48% of girls and 26% of boys do not exercise vigorously on a regular basis. In addition, 25% of all U.S. children watch 4 or more hours of television each day – and this does not even take into account the time spent playing video games or surfing the Web.
I work closely with all athletes to increase and maximize their sports performance through nutrition. This requires us to find the right dietary solution that compliments the athletic passion. Whether it is basketball, gymnastics, field hockey, wrestling or volleyball, I understand the importance of growing body mass and muscle, while managing weight in a healthy way that supports the athlete’s needs.
Eating Right and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex illnesses characterized by atypical eating patterns, a distorted body image and a preoccupation with body weight and shape. 85% of eating disorders occur when girls are still growing, particularly at the onset of adolescence. While usually associated with teenage girls, teenage boys are also at risk for eating disorders. These unhealthy dietary habits practiced at a young age, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, usually occur when the teen feels like he/she has lost control of his/her life. Visits with me can help you achieve your optimal weight through eating responsibly and regular exercise.
Primary prevention through education and awareness is the best approach to reduce the prevalence of eating disorders. This includes educating preadolescent girls and boys on the importance of accepting their body and promoting healthy self-esteem, and partnering with young women and men to include goals in their weight counseling strategies that support body size acceptance and the attainment of a healthful weight.
Seniors Unique Health Needs
Many older people have trouble eating well. Some seniors may have trouble chewing or have special digestive conditions such as too much gas. If so, you may have some difficulty eating the foods recommended, such as certain meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. I can help you find the right diet that includes acceptable substitutes such as fruit juices, soft canned fruits, ground meat, yogurts and cheese and softer vegetables.
Cooking for Yourself
Many senior citizens may have problems standing or sometimes even holding cooking utensils. With many of our later generations choosing to live on their own, these easy to follow tips can help our loved ones maintain their independence and lead their own lives.
As many senior citizens find themselves on a fixed income, eating healthy does not have to cost a fortune. I suggest following these simple tips to ensure a proper diet that doesn’t break the bank:
Cooking for Yourself
Many senior citizens may have problems standing or sometimes even holding cooking utensils. With many of our later generations choosing to live on their own, these easy to follow tips can help our loved ones maintain their independence and lead their own lives.
- Use a microwave oven to cook frozen foods, and prepared foods from grocery stores as well as heating leftovers
- Take part in group meal programs offered through senior citizen programs or have meals brought to your home
- Ask your church or synagogue for volunteer help or sign up for help with a local volunteer center
- Ask a family member or neighbor to shop for you or hire a home health worker for a few hours a week that can shop for you, among other things. Look for these companies in the Yellow Pages of the phone book under "Home Health Services."
- Ask the local food store to bring groceries to your home. Some stores deliver free while others may charge a nominal fee
- To find out about senior citizen group meals and home-delivered meals, call 1-(800) 677-1116. These meals cost little or no money.
As many senior citizens find themselves on a fixed income, eating healthy does not have to cost a fortune. I suggest following these simple tips to ensure a proper diet that doesn’t break the bank:
- Buy low-cost foods, like dried beans and peas, rice and pasta, or buy foods that contain these items, like split pea soup and canned beans and rice
- Use coupons for money off on foods you like
- Buy foods on sale or buy store-brand foods. They often cost less and taste the same
- Find out if your local church or synagogue offers free or low-cost meals
- Take part in-group meal programs offered through local senior citizen programs. Or, have meals brought to your home
Prenatal Care and New Moms Unique Health Needs
The importance of prenatal care cannot be over emphasized, especially for mothers that may have a challenging pregnancy. If you are thinking of having children, I can help you tailor your diet to increase the chance of having a healthier baby.
My approach supports the needs of women during this crucial period in which good maternal nutrition is one of the influential factors for the health of the child and the mother. My goal is to reach women with sound nutritional advice before they become pregnant, as well as during prenatal and postpartum care.
I also work with young mothers who have eating problems or concerns as they face an increased likelihood of complications during pregnancy. These complications include a higher frequency of Cesarean section deliveries, greater risk of postpartum depression, higher rates of miscarriage, obstetric complications, and lower infant birth weight.
Exercise During Pregnancy
Women thinking of becoming pregnant should remain physically active to maintain their optimal health. The current recommendation is to clock-in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, preferably daily. This doesn’t necessarily have to be all in one session; space it out throughout the day if you like. Regular physical activity offers many health benefits during pregnancy, such as weight management, feeling good about yourself, and a reduced risk of chronic disease. Additional benefits can even be achieved by exceeding the daily exercise limit – although it is recommended to consult your physician if you decide to do so.
My approach supports the needs of women during this crucial period in which good maternal nutrition is one of the influential factors for the health of the child and the mother. My goal is to reach women with sound nutritional advice before they become pregnant, as well as during prenatal and postpartum care.
I also work with young mothers who have eating problems or concerns as they face an increased likelihood of complications during pregnancy. These complications include a higher frequency of Cesarean section deliveries, greater risk of postpartum depression, higher rates of miscarriage, obstetric complications, and lower infant birth weight.
Exercise During Pregnancy
Women thinking of becoming pregnant should remain physically active to maintain their optimal health. The current recommendation is to clock-in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, preferably daily. This doesn’t necessarily have to be all in one session; space it out throughout the day if you like. Regular physical activity offers many health benefits during pregnancy, such as weight management, feeling good about yourself, and a reduced risk of chronic disease. Additional benefits can even be achieved by exceeding the daily exercise limit – although it is recommended to consult your physician if you decide to do so.
Diseases treated
Is your condition health related?
My experience goes beyond that of just a nutritionist. As a registered dietitian, I have extensive experience treating medical disorders that benefit from medical nutrition therapy and exercise. Typically, my patients find me through their physicians, but it isn’t always appropriate to wait for a problem before scheduling a consultation. If given the choice, wouldn’t you choose prevention over treatment?
As your doctor may have already advised, consider a consultation with me if you have been diagnosed with such conditions as:
As your doctor may have already advised, consider a consultation with me if you have been diagnosed with such conditions as:
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Anemia
Celiac Disease Colitis Chronic Renal Failure Constipation Coronary Vascular Disease (CVD) Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diverticulosis Eating Disorders Food allergies/ Food Sensitivities |
Gastric Reflux
Gestational Diabetes Heart Disease High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol High LDL Cholesterol Irritable Bowel Syndrome Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s Disease and Ulseritive Colitis Obesity Polycystic Ovary Syndrome |
Gastrointestinal
In my practice, I regularly see many patients who have been diagnosed with Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease), Gallbladder Disease, Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and many other diagnoses. I am considered an expert in these issues - regularly lecturing to both my professional colleagues and interested groups on these related conditions. Much of my extensive knowledge comes from the fact that I have been a patient myself with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and can speak with first-hand knowledge on the effects of GI disorders and the best way to treat them.
Obesity
The leading nutritional concern in the United States and Canada is obesity. More prevalent among women than men, obesity is seen most often in non-Hispanic black women, with more than half African American women being obese.
Being overweight and/or being obese are associated with heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and cancers of the gallbladder, breast (postmenopausal), and colon. In addition, gallstones or gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, gout, sleep apnea, hypertension, pregnancy complications, and irregular menstrual cycles are more common in overweight individuals.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex illnesses characterized by atypical eating patterns, distorted body image and preoccupation with body weight and shape. 85% of eating disorders occur when girls are still growing, particularly at the onset of adolescence. While typically associated with teenage girls, teenage boys are also at risk for eating disorders. Unhealthy dietary habits, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, usually occur when one feels they have lost control of their life. Visits with a registered dietitian can help achieve optimal weight through responsible eating and regular exercise.
Prevention through education and awareness is the best approach to help reduce the possibility of eating disorders. This includes educating women and men on the importance of accepting their bodies and promoting healthy self-esteem. I work with women and men to create goals in their weight counseling strategies that support body size acceptance and attainment of a healthy weight.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and low bone mass (osteopenia) currently affect over 45 million North American adults aged 50 years and older. The disease is a complex condition characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of the body’s frame. It is the most common bone disease in humans, affecting all ethnicities but mostly women. One in two women will suffer an osteoporotic-related fracture once in her lifetime.These can be particularly devastating to older women and men, frequently confining them to long-term care.
The good news is that for most people, osteoporosis is largely preventable. Moreover, since there is no cure for the disease, prevention is crucial. Osteoporosis prevention is best accomplished by maximizing peak bone mass during early adulthood and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life to keep bones strong.
Nutrition is an important adjustable factor in the maintenance of bone structure, as well as the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Of all the nutrients or food components that affect bones, calcium and vitamin D are the most important. Individuals who do not consume enough calcium-rich foods should include calcium supplements in their diet.
Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among men and women over age 70, representing 42.5% of all deaths in females in the United States.
Based on a large body of evidence, the optimal diet to reduce the risk of CVD/CAD contains less saturated fat and minimal amounts of trans-fatty acids from processed foods. The revised Dietary Guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA) represent a major shift from limiting total dietary fats to a greater emphasis on protective foods. Prevention is key and I can decipher the fine print on the foods you eat as we tailor a diet that works best for you.
Cancer
Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe over 100 different conditions characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. There are some commonalities; namely, that cancer tends to be slightly more common among males than females and that it is a disease associated with aging.
Although single gene mutations in familial cancers are responsible for up to 15% of all cases, a recent study suggests that the other causes of cancer are due to external factors, such as diet, tobacco, environmental and occupational exposures, and alcohol use. It is estimated that roughly one-third of cancer-related deaths are attributed to dietary or nutritional factors. Finding the right diet for your particular condition is paramount to optimizing your health.
In my practice, I regularly see many patients who have been diagnosed with Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease), Gallbladder Disease, Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and many other diagnoses. I am considered an expert in these issues - regularly lecturing to both my professional colleagues and interested groups on these related conditions. Much of my extensive knowledge comes from the fact that I have been a patient myself with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and can speak with first-hand knowledge on the effects of GI disorders and the best way to treat them.
Obesity
The leading nutritional concern in the United States and Canada is obesity. More prevalent among women than men, obesity is seen most often in non-Hispanic black women, with more than half African American women being obese.
Being overweight and/or being obese are associated with heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and cancers of the gallbladder, breast (postmenopausal), and colon. In addition, gallstones or gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, gout, sleep apnea, hypertension, pregnancy complications, and irregular menstrual cycles are more common in overweight individuals.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex illnesses characterized by atypical eating patterns, distorted body image and preoccupation with body weight and shape. 85% of eating disorders occur when girls are still growing, particularly at the onset of adolescence. While typically associated with teenage girls, teenage boys are also at risk for eating disorders. Unhealthy dietary habits, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, usually occur when one feels they have lost control of their life. Visits with a registered dietitian can help achieve optimal weight through responsible eating and regular exercise.
Prevention through education and awareness is the best approach to help reduce the possibility of eating disorders. This includes educating women and men on the importance of accepting their bodies and promoting healthy self-esteem. I work with women and men to create goals in their weight counseling strategies that support body size acceptance and attainment of a healthy weight.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and low bone mass (osteopenia) currently affect over 45 million North American adults aged 50 years and older. The disease is a complex condition characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of the body’s frame. It is the most common bone disease in humans, affecting all ethnicities but mostly women. One in two women will suffer an osteoporotic-related fracture once in her lifetime.These can be particularly devastating to older women and men, frequently confining them to long-term care.
The good news is that for most people, osteoporosis is largely preventable. Moreover, since there is no cure for the disease, prevention is crucial. Osteoporosis prevention is best accomplished by maximizing peak bone mass during early adulthood and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life to keep bones strong.
Nutrition is an important adjustable factor in the maintenance of bone structure, as well as the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Of all the nutrients or food components that affect bones, calcium and vitamin D are the most important. Individuals who do not consume enough calcium-rich foods should include calcium supplements in their diet.
Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among men and women over age 70, representing 42.5% of all deaths in females in the United States.
Based on a large body of evidence, the optimal diet to reduce the risk of CVD/CAD contains less saturated fat and minimal amounts of trans-fatty acids from processed foods. The revised Dietary Guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA) represent a major shift from limiting total dietary fats to a greater emphasis on protective foods. Prevention is key and I can decipher the fine print on the foods you eat as we tailor a diet that works best for you.
Cancer
Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe over 100 different conditions characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. There are some commonalities; namely, that cancer tends to be slightly more common among males than females and that it is a disease associated with aging.
Although single gene mutations in familial cancers are responsible for up to 15% of all cases, a recent study suggests that the other causes of cancer are due to external factors, such as diet, tobacco, environmental and occupational exposures, and alcohol use. It is estimated that roughly one-third of cancer-related deaths are attributed to dietary or nutritional factors. Finding the right diet for your particular condition is paramount to optimizing your health.