I'm going to admit it - when I sat down to write this article, it was hard for me. It's hard to share about my weight struggles. Even though it's so very obvious that I have them when you look at me. It's hard to feel vulnerable on the Internet where so many people feel brazen and say whatever they want. But I'm going to do my best. The part that is not hard though, is telling you how much I love my nutritionist.
Like many other stories, I have been overweight since I was just a little kid. Some health problems of mine helped encourage that which became a crutch as I got older. Mix in more health problems with my family, and the stress was overwhelming. As I continued to mature, I easily identified as the "overweight friend" in school. I realize now as a woman that I am comfortable in that identity. After all, it is all that I know. And that is incredibly hard to break. I have tried over and over again since being a teen to overcome my physical and mental blocks. The best I had done was I had finally lost 75lbs by the time I got married. But then my grandmother died a week before my wedding and the following summer was the bar exam, and one thing led to the next and I gained it all back.
Like many during quarantine, I gained some weight this past year. A mix of nothing else to do other than eat, and a lack of normal activities is what I like to blame it on. But the truth is, I got complacent. It's so easy to give up. Even as I am writing this, these thoughts creep in.
But what makes 2021 different from 2020? Jackie. Jackie is a Registered Dietitian, but I think of her as my nutritionist counselor and she owns The Rite Bite Nutrition Counseling located in Miller Place. Unlike every other program I have tried (which is countless), she is a breath of fresh air. She is a friend, nutritionist, and feels like a therapist all rolled into one. You cannot get that kind of connection with an app or an impersonal program.
Jackie has helped provide me the freedom to pursue my own path but yet can provide as much structure as I want. I do not feel like she is judging me. When I make a choice that isn't so great, I do not feel like I am punished for it. Rather, she helps me learn from it and think of what tools do I have in my life to help change it next time. She has helped change the way I think about food. The way that I make my plate up at mealtime. The way that I plan our meals. The way that I think I can meet my goals.
My mom also has been seeing Jackie just as long as I have. We live together so we often share and plan dinner time together. Jackie has been so helpful in trying to mix each of our dietary needs and goals. She gives us guidance with our habits and tricks we can use to feel more satisfied. She gives you all the tools you could possibly need, but most importantly she listens to you and values who you are and your journey.
I am so glad that I found Jackie. I often think "WWJD" (what would Jackie do?) but I now realize I should be asking "WWHD" (what would Helen do?). After all, we are in charge of our own life and our own destiny. But I sure am glad to have Jackie to help support me along the way!
 | About Rite Bite NutritionYou can contact Jackie at The Rite Bite Nutrition which accepts most major insurances! The Rite Bite Nutrition Counseling, PLLC strongly believes in an all foods fit approach. What's better is that science backs this up! There is no one-size-fits-all in nutrition, which is why they are verse in tailoring specific nutritional plans for your unique life. Services: Overweight/Obesity, Weight Loss & Management, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Health, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Pediatric Nutrition, Pre & Post Natal Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Meal Planning, General Wellness, Weight & Muscle Gain, Pre/Post Bariatric Nutrition & Clearance, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Geriatrics, Celiac Disease, Allergies/Intolerances, Anti-Inflammatory Diets, Vitamin/Nutrient Deficiencies, Vegetarian/Vegan, Mediterranean Diet, Health Coaching |
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