More Than Food: Finding Your Why in Nutrition

Nutrition is more than just what’s on your plate. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that supports your full wellbeing, physically, mentally, and emotionally. At Protea Medical Center in Tempe, I help people reconnect with their health by looking beyond the food and into the deeper reasons we eat and live the way we do.

Many of the patients I work with come to me because they’re feeling low energy, experiencing GI discomfort, or just feeling out of balance. Together, we dig into the root cause of why they’re feeling that way and build practical, sustainable habits to help them feel better long term.

When it comes to making health changes, motivation is often the spark. Maybe you’re inspired by a friend, a podcast, or just ready for something different. But motivation isn’t always reliable. Life happens. That’s why I encourage everyone to go deeper and ask: Why do I want to make this change? That’s where your devotion comes in, the thing that will keep you consistent even when motivation fades.

For me personally,

I’ve been anemic for as long as I can remember. I know taking iron supplements helps, but real change came when I began making consistent nutrition choices. Whether it’s adding spinach to my breakfast sandwich or throwing lentils into a pot of soup, I feel a noticeable difference when I nourish my body with iron-rich foods. That’s what helps me show up with energy, for myself and for my patients.

A quick tip that stuck with me came from Dr. Carlblom: “Just shove spinach in your mouth before breakfast.” It’s packed with iron, fiber, and folate. And don’t forget the importance of pairing iron with vitamin C, it helps your body absorb it more efficiently. So go ahead and add some citrus or bell peppers to your meal.

A balanced meal matters. That means including your macronutrients, protein, carbs, and healthy fats, as well as key micronutrients to support whatever your body needs most. For anemia, that might mean spinach, lentils, beans, and even beets.

Nutrition is always evolving.

New research comes out weekly, and I stay committed to learning so I can continue to support others with the most relevant, evidence-based care. And while I’m not a therapist, I know how important it is to be a safe, steady support system for the people who walk through our doors.

If you’re ready to reconnect with your health and feel more energized, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to walk with you every step of the way.