Nutritiously You!

My Specialties

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Allergies & Intolerance

Autoimmunity

Digestive Disorders

(Celiac Disease, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS) 

Family Nutrition 

Food Policy

Plant-Based Meal Plans

Weight Management 

Welcome to My Kitchen  

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I invite you to get to know who I am and learn more about my practice.

 

As a Registered Dietitian, I have had the opportunity to work with food in all different aspects.  Whether it is through my work in developing food and environmental policies within healthcare; or through the essential need for medical nutrition therapy; or simply, providing general food and nutrition education and cooking up a nutritiously delicious meal; I work passionately to help individuals improve their food choices using evidenced-based practices.

 

Food truly impacts how our body functions. With so much conflicting information on food and nutrition out there, knowing what to eat can sometime get confusing. Over 18 years ago, I started my career determined to help individuals sort through the misguided information surrounding food and nutrition.  

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Through my clinical experience in the intensive care unit, I quickly learned the vital role that nutrition support plays in aiding the body to recover and heal from illness or trauma. 

 

I believe in using food as medicine. ​I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac Disease in 2001. I also have Sjogren's and Hidradenitis Suppurativa, which are autoimmune conditions. I have experienced the benefits of using food as medicine through my own medical conditions and I can relate with the struggles that my patients undergo. In my family, we have also battled cancer and won, liver disease, diabetes and food allergies. 

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I work closely with each one of my patients to help them discover the food connections needed to improve their symptoms and reach their health goals specifically for  their body's unique needs.

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A plant forward or plant-based diet is a style of eating that focuses on adding a greater amount of nutrient-rich plant foods, such as vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains to your daily meals and snacks,  while reducing or eliminates animal foods, such as meats, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese and dairy foods. Plant foods contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and fiber. Plant foods are linked to reducing inflammation markers in the body. Animal foods, on the other hand are associated as having pro-inflammatory properties.  When treating chronic medical conditions, reducing inflammation is key.

 

We have the opportunity to reduce additional inflammation that could be effecting the body's response system, simply by improving the food choice made throughout the day.  

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Therefore, I welcome you into my kitchen to learn how you too can incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and create delicious filling meals to help heal your body. No matter where you are in your journey to better health, together, we can find a healthy solution. 

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To your health,

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Natalie D. Castro, RDN