I work with people to who want to lead healthy, vibrant lives.
I’m a certified health and nutrition counselor who is passionate about supporting you on your journey to health. Why? Read about my own story here and here.
I work with clients who have been managing a range of chronic illnesses including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic pain and other autoimmune and digestive disorders. I also work with clients who simply want to lead healthier lives.
My work with you is always long-term. The minimum time I work with people is three months and more typically, six months. Why? Because change takes time. And I want to be with you through a significant time to see how the changes are adapting with your real life. You may be a stay at home mom of 2, a consultant who travels, a retiree. Everyone has different challenges and I want to be able to support change that considers your life. There is no one size fits all.
This is personalized and functional nutrition that considers your real life. Isn’t that how its supposed to be?
Here are what some wonderful people I’ve worked with have to say:
“Thank you again so much for giving me a life. I wish i could find a way to describe how different i feel!” -L.B.
“I came out of Leah’s 6-month program with a better knowledge about health and wellness, I cook more, I make better food choices. My anemia is in check, my son’s ADHD is has also improved significantly – no more medications! – all with dietary changes that I know I can keep for life.”-C.C.
“You are amazing…I have walked away both times thinking, “I can do this.” That is a true testament to your ability to teach.” – K.M.
Meeting with Leah was one of the best gifts I could have given myself. Her wisdom and encouragement guided me to some very significant dietary changes that have put me on a path to recovery. Since implementing these changes, my energy has been the best it has been in years! I was also greatly encouraged by Leah’s willingness to share her own healing journey. She is living proof of the impact proper nutrition has on our health and well-being. I cannot recommend Leah highly enough! – K.W.
What does working with me mean? Its different for everyone. We will meet at least twice a month, we will design a program together that will focus on learning and healing. We will cook together. We will go to the grocery store together. We may even do yoga together. I will lecture you sometimes (sorry!) and sometimes you may hate me because you feel like I’m a drill sargeant. But you will push yourself because you are seeing, feeling changes that you never thought possible. It will be fun, it will be fulfilling and surprising. But like love, it will take work. And like love, it will be delicious.
Contact me here and let’s work together.
I teach Food for Life Classes:
I. Food for Life – Cancer
III. For for Life – Diabetes & Heart Disease
Many teams of researchers have been investigating how food choices can help prevent cancer and survival once it has been diagnosed. Numerous studies have shown that a diet built from plant foods offers the most cancer-fighting protection of any diet plan. This four class series will include a discussion on maintaining a healthy weight and will also cover a variety of cancer-related nutrition topics demonstrating how to prepare delicious, yet simple and healthy meals that can easily be recreated at home.
Choose to host a four-class series:
Class 1: Introduction to How Foods Fight Cancer
Class 2: Fueling up on Low-Fat, High-Fiber Foods
Class 3: Discovering Dairy and Meat Alternatives
Class 4: Cancer-Fighting Compounds and Healthy Weight Control
…or select a single class offering!
INTRODUCTION TO HOW FOODS FIGHT CANCER
Certain diet patterns seem to have a major effect in helping people diagnosed with cancer to live longer, healthier lives. The National Cancer Institute research shows that as much as 50% of cancer risk may be related to diet. In this class, you will learn about the right food choices that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer as well as overcome the disease after it
has been diagnosed.
FUELING UP ON LOW-FAT, HIGH-FIBER FOODS
Dietary fat not only hinders the immune system, it also drives hormone production which can mean higher rates of hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. Fiber helps your body rid itself of toxins, waste hormones, excess cholesterol, chemicals, and other undesirables. It is especially important in helping the immune system function properly as well as facilitating the removal of waste from the body. Without fiber in the diet, these excess compounds are often reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a possible increased risk of cancer. Steering clear of meat, dairy products, fried foods, and other fatty
fare is an important first step in preventing and surviving cancer. The easiest way to be healthy is to build your meals from foods that are naturally low in fat and to use cooking methods that do not require added fats or oils. In this class you will learn how to prepare delicious, low-fat dishes made from whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
DISCOVERING DAIRY AND MEAT ALTERNATIVES
When cancer researchers started to search for links between diet and cancer, one of the most noticeable findings was that people who avoided meat and dairy products were much less likely to develop the disease. Consuming dairy causes worrisome biological changes in the body, including an increase in the amount of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the bloodstream. Scientific studies have shown elevated IGF-1 levels to be a catalyst for the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells. Meat is another food that may be linked to cancer and other illnesses. This link is in part due to the high fat and fiber-free characteristics of meat compared to plant foods, as well as the formation of carcinogens when meats are cooked. These cancer-causing chemicals, called heterocyclic amines, tend to form within the meat tissue when exposed to high temperatures. In this class, you will explore a variety of vegetarian sources of protein, all of which are low in fat, high in fiber and loaded with
cancer-fighting nutrients.
CANCER-FIGHTING COMPOUNDS AND HEALTHY WEIGHT CONTROL
Both antioxidants and the body’s immune-system are critically important in fighting cancer. Cancer-fighting compounds, such as antioxidants, mainly found in fruits and vegetables assist in halting free radical damage, which can otherwise lead to cancer development. Healthy weight control is also essential for warding off a variety of chronic diseases. Studies have shown that slimmer people are less likely to develop cancer compared to their heavier counterparts. Trimming excess weight may also improve survival after cancer has been diagnosed. In this class, the instructor will discuss and demonstrate healthy dishes loaded with immune-boosting nutrients such as beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin C, and zinc—helping you learn how to easily and naturally maintain a healthy weight and a cancer-fighting nutritional regime.
The Food for Life Diabetes Nutrition and Cooking Class was launched in 2009 to help people with diabetes avoid preventable complications and reduce the need for medication(s) through a new approach to nutrition. Designed by physicians, diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and professional chefs, the class offers new research on how food choices promote, prevent, and treat type 2 diabetes. A highlight of the class is a cooking demonstration of simple, tasty, and healthy recipes that are easy to prepare.
Population studies and clinical research show that a low-fat, plant-based diet can be very effective in improving blood glucose, promoting weight loss, lowering cholesterol, and reducing the risk of common chronic diseases, such as many types of cancer. Furthermore, a well-planned plant-based diet has many nutritional benefits and has been demonstrated to be as acceptable as a portion-controlled diet. Its use has been endorsed by the American Dietetic Association and described as an effective choice in the 2010 American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care for Diabetes.
Based on these findings, the goal of this class is to empower people who have diabetes, or concerns about developing diabetes, along with their friends and family members with practical cooking skills and tips that make meals healthy and delicious.
Class begins with a 30-minute DVD on the role and potential of plant-based meal planning featuring Neal Barnard, M.D. Our instructor shows attendees how to prepare four quick and delicious dishes. Each attendee has the opportunity to taste all the food prepared during class. Participants receive recipes, a summary on how to get started with a plant-based nutrition approach, and information on additional resources—such as recipes and webcasts—most of which are free. Participants are strongly encouraged to work with their health care team to safely make changes in diet.