Meet Charlotte LaGuardia, a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) based in Water Mill, NY with a passion for helping others. In this interview Charlotte transparently speaks about her journey with nutrition, the nutritional benefits of NUTSÓLA products, and provides some helpful tips for anyone trying to make healthier lifestyle choices.
What was your path to becoming a nutritionist?
I was motivated to become a nutritionist for personal reasons. When I entered the workforce, I found working a 9-5 to be rather challenging physically and mentally. I experienced crazy fatigue and often couldn’t get through the day. I needed to get to the bottom of why my body wasn’t “working” which led me to enrolling at Maryland University of Integrative Health. I entered a 2 year Master’s program and came out with a degree in Clinical Nutrition.
Why are you passionate about being a nutritionist?
Personally, I have found my education to be very effective in my own health. I also love helping people and the longer I have been in the field the more people I have seen heal and thrive through changing lifestyle and dietary habits. The reality is nobody teaches us how to eat! It is my main goal to educate people and I’m proud to help people turn their lives around in that regard.
What is the best piece of nutritional or lifestyle advice you can provide?
It really depends on the person. I recommend different things tailored to the specific needs of each of my clients. I would say eat as few processed foods as possible. Listen to your body; it will send you signals. You can learn a lot about yourself and your needs that way.
What do you feel the benefits are of putting a concerted effort into your nutrition?
Putting effort into your nutrition is putting effort into your energy levels, hormone regulation, sleep ability, and mental health, among other things. Food really is everything. If you don’t supply your body with what it needs through the food you eat then nothing will work at the end of the day.
Are there any “superfoods” that you swear by?
Dark chocolate and cacao. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t have dark chocolate. It has to be high-quality dark chocolate though. They are both high in antioxidants, boost dopamine levels, and overall reduce cravings.
Why eat date-based foods over those loaded with additives such as cane and coconut sugars?
Dates are loaded with fiber. Fiber is incredibly important in regulating blood sugar levels. If you consume products containing large concentrations of sugar you will inevitably experience a crash later. Fiber slows down that process. Dates also are high in antioxidants as opposed to the added sugars which lose their original benefits when they are processed.
How important is eating the “right” foods in achieving or maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. Without fueling your body with what it needs through food you’ll never achieve your fitness gains or goals. You can’t really do one without the other.
What about NUTSÓLA separates itself from other products in regards to nutrition?
The ingredients of NUTSÓLA! It’s great for kids. There are no added preservatives or dye. It’s real simple and convenient! You can use like granola, snack out of the bag, blend in shakes, and more! I even use your products to teach my clients how to read nutrition labels. (7 Healthy Ways to Use NUTSÓLA)
Why do you love NUTSÓLA?
The ease of the product. It’s really simple and convenient!
Would you recommend NUTSÓLA to your colleagues and clients?
Absolutely!
Make sure to keep up with Charlotte by following her @ThriveEastNutrition on Instagram or by visiting her website https://www.thriveeast.com.
