Sitira Pope
My passion for health and wellness started from a seed planted many years ago. In fact, I remember trips to the store with my grandmother and eventually learning how to pick out quality produce on my own. I enjoyed sitting in the kitchen watching her make these amazing meals out of simple ingredients. Of course, I wasn't constantly exposed to healthy foods. I witnessed the health challenges my community and grandmother faced. However, I knew eating healthy was not unattainable. Ultimately, I was led down a path to heal and nurture myself from the inside out. I'm grateful for my experiences, as they set my mind on the direction and purpose I now pursue today.
I earned my degree in dietetics and nutrition from Metropolitan State University and received my Health Coach certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. During my education, I studied over 100 dietary theories, clinical nutrition, the importance of healing foods, and bio-individuality.
I honed some of my skills working in long-term care, hospital settings, and worked as a nutritional health coach for a geriatric clinic with a panel of over 100 patients. I have witnessed the unique health challenges older adults face and individuals from all walks of life. Along the way, I discovered the therapeutic sounds of singing bowls and acquired certification as a sound energy practitioner.
Drawing from these experiences, I work with clients to make healthier choices that produce sustainable results. You will develop a deeper understanding of how to make nutrition work best for you.
Learn more about my unique approach to health coaching
Here are some of the concepts that we will explore during our work together:
Integrative Nutrition Plate
The Integrative Nutrition Plate emphasizes the importance of local and organic produce, whole grains, high-quality proteins, plant-based fats, and water. It shows you how a plate should appear at mealtime and emphasizes the importance of proportions and portion size. To complete the picture, the plate is surrounded by lifestyle factors that create optimal health: relationship, career, physical activity and spirituality. I’ll introduce you to some of the healthiest foods on the planet and teach you how to find what’s healthiest for your unique body!
Primary Food
It’s easy to overlook all of the things that contribute to our sense of nourishment and fulfillment. It’s not just the food we eat that affects our health, but all of the other factors present in our daily lives. Healthy relationships, a fulfilling career, regular physical activity, and spiritual awareness are essential forms of nourishment. When these primary foods are balanced, what you eat becomes secondary. I will support you in achieving your goals, from eating the right foods for your body to living an inspired, fulfilling life.
Bio-IINdividuality
The concept of Bio-IINndividuality is the idea that each of us has unique food and lifestyle needs. One person’s food is another person’s poison, and that’s why fad diets tend to fail in the long run. Working on the principle of bio-individuality, I’ll support you to make positive changes that are based on your unique needs, lifestyle, preferences, and ancestral background.
Crowding Out
My approach is, by eating and drinking foods that are good for you, you will naturally have less room and desire for “unhealthy” foods. Simply put, you will crowd out the unhealthy food in your diet. This takes a little practice to make happen, but I will support you along the way.
Deconstructing Cravings
Cravings play a critical role in understanding what your body needs and shouldn’t be ignored. When you learn how to deconstruct your cravings and understand what they’re really telling you, you will be able to reclaim a sense of balance and harmony.