You are what you eat!

Dr. Montserrat Rodriguez is a holistic nutritionist determined to educate people on the importance of a healthy nutrition and how it can affect many aspects of our lives. Leading a healthy lifestyle is not so complicated after all, if you follow some simple tips from Dr. Rodriguez.

So tell us…

How did you become interested in nutrition?
My approach to nutrition happened through a change that I had in my life when I came to the United States. I was a gastroenterologist and when I came here, I decided to start working as an assistant to a nutritionist while I studied to validate my degree. I started seeing positive changes in other people through nutrition, and I decided to try it myself. I was thirty pounds heavier, I suffered from many things that I had to take medications for and then deal with the side effects, and when I started eating healthier, not only my body changed, but my health did too, and I’ve noticed that even my attitude has bettered. I’m absolutely positive that I achieved that through the change in nutrition, so after that, I became very interested in the subject and I went to New York and Washington to study and train for two years.

What would you say is the secret to a healthier lifestyle?
I would say the secret is to go back to basics and start eating real food. People need to learn and teach kids that if they want mashed potatoes, they don’t have to buy it in a bag, they can make it themselves with a real potato. Anything that is processed and comes in a bag, or a bar, or powder is not food. Another thing we need to do is go back to normal portions, and only eat what our body needs and what our body can handle. The last tip is to combine a good nutrition with exercise.

What is the difference between a traditional nutritionist and a holistic nutritionist?
A traditional nutritionist is a person trained to know the chemical composition and calories of every type of food, their function in our body, and depending on our body type, know the calorie intake that is appropriate. Holistic nutrition is basically a new science and we incorporate not only the calories, carbohydrates and proteins, but we also adapt to each individual and their personal need because we are all different.

What kind of people normally come to your consultations?
80% of the people that come to my consultations are overweight and have difficulty losing weight, they try everything but nothing works. The other 20% come because they want to learn, they are conscious that they are raising a family and want to teach their kids what to do, so they come to expand their knowledge. There’s another type of people that I work with, and they are the emotional eaters.

What do you think of the saying “You are what you eat”?
I completely agree with it and I have another one I agree with as well, “you are what they eat”. Nowadays, animals are being fed stuff that are not healthy and that is what we are eating. It’s important we know where the food is coming from and what we are putting in our bodies. So definitely, you are what you eat, you are what they eat, and you are the same size as the plate you eat.

There seems to be a food revolution and people seem to be more interested in the subject, from the First Lady, leading the “Let’s Move” initiative, to reality shows that talk about eating healthier. Why do you think this is all happening now and not before?
When these type of things happen I usually say “better late than never”. It doesn’t really matter why it didn’t happen before, the important thing is that it is happening now. I think people now are more informed and it is harder to believe in those commercials that say that canned foods are better than homemade, real food. Obesity has become the second cause of preventable deaths in America, so it has become a very scandalous subject and it’s hard not to pay attention to it.

Is it difficult leading a healthier lifestyle?
No, I think it is very easy. I always say this in all my consultations, in this country there are a lot of things that can make you gain weight, but there are more things to help you lose weight and be healthy. There are many healthy and organic foods in every supermarket, farmers’ markets, and most people have access to a pool or a gymnasium to exercise. All we need to do is make the commitment, and make leading a healthy lifestyle not just an option, but the option.

What comes to your mind when you hear that 1/3 of American children are obese?
It upsets me terribly to hear that. I feel impotent because I have dealt with people that have kids suffering from this, and they don’t understand that this is a life threatening situation. To see how kids are being nourished, and see how they are getting sick with diseases that normally adults get, gets me very frustrated. It’s not their fault, they don’t know what they are eating and schools are not very helpful when they serve lunch.

And finally, what’s your IN place in Miami?
I love North Miami Beach, the beach specifically. I love to eat at Abokado in Mary Brickell Village because they serve small portions, and it’s Asian food but it has a Caribbean touch. The food is very fresh, and delicious, and the tea selection is amazing.

For consultations please contact Gea Nutrition Spa 954-251-2003
213 N. Federal Hwy.
Hallandale, Fl 33009
www.geanutritionspa.com