What were your favorite foods growing up?
Pizza!!!!! I even loved the English muffin pizzas my mom with make with American cheese. Also peanut butter and jelly, without a doubt.

When did you decide you wanted to write a book? Well, it was my clients who kept bugging me to write a book. I'm a talker not a writer!! But finally a few years ago, I said ok, if you help me write it Ill do it. Essentially, it was because all of the "diet" books at there don't teach people a realistic approach to weight management that will work for any lifestyle.

Where and when did your career in nutrition begin? It began in 1996, at the New York Health and Racquet Club here in NYC. Soon after, in 1997 I came to work at the Reebok Sports Club/NY.

If you didn't become an author/nutritionist, what would you be?
I most likely would have went into the restaurant business. I'm one of those weird people that loved the business despite the hours.

Who/what has shaped your cooking/lifestyle the most over the years?
Funny, I always liked baking and catering, setting a nice table, etc. But recently, Ive been watching Hell's Kitchen so when I make a snack I think would Gordon Ramsey approve. High quality, gourmet but also healthy. I know they are only snacks and not a fancy meal at a gourmet restaurant, but I take such pride into how each snack tastes and looks.

How would you describe your cuisine?
Healthy, but delicious and fun. People think diet food has to taste like...well, diet food. I've always taught my clients that they can eat yummy food and still lose weight and be healthy. The fact that I have a peanut butter, banana and chocolate snack that can be part of a healthy diet, simply blows their mind.

What influences what you eat?
I tend to like pretty simple food, including peanut butter, pizza, bananas that is "normal" and fun. Plus everything that I used to not eat when I was dieting years ago. I listen to what my bodies tells me to eat and then I figure out how to work it into my day as to be satisfied, but still maintain a healthy weight.


Where are your favorite places to eat?
Without a doubt Italian!!!!

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
Lately, I think it is ground flax seed. I use it in a lot of my dips, my fruit compotes and toss it on my glazed nuts. We all need to consume more Omega 3 oils and this is a fun way to eat it!

What was is your best advice to clients?
Be consistent, not perfect! Nobody can try to be on a diet every day, only eat steamed foods and 86 your favorite foods all in the effort of weight loss, nor do you really need to. I strategize with my clients to incorporate their favorite foods while still living their life but tweak it a bit, so that they accomplish their weight loss goals.

What is your least favorite food?
Lamb!!! Ugh, makes me gag!!!

What is your beverage of choice?
During the day or night?! Wine during the day and a nice glass of red wine at dinner.

What are some recent dining and culinary trends you have been observing?
In restaurants, I see they are offering healthier options/smaller portions and many gluten free dishes. Some are even listing the calorie contents.

Which foreign country inspires your style most?
I'd have to say France because I teach clients that all foods can be included into a healthy diet as long as the portion sizes are appropriate. The French eat real cheese, drink real wine and have foi gras for goodness sake, but their portions are small. I always tell clients, "SMALLER PORTIONS, MAKE SMALLER PEOPLE."

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
OMG, it was at Raos!!! Not because the cuisine is all that amazing but the history behind the restaurant and simply for the fact that over the years I've had a select number of clients that were regulars there. I had never heard of it before and then of course all I wanted to do was go there because I couldn't. I even mentioned them in my book, to say that if you finally get your reservation to eat at Rao's go ahead and indulge. We went there and it was like I was in an old Mafia movie, singing, eating and just have fun with friends.

What do you eat when you are home?
On the weekends I go up to my house in the country. I'll actually veer away from my standard peanut butter on whole wheat raisin toast with banana for breakfast (since im not running down the street to the office) and go for French toast for breakfast (I can make really well). Lunch is catch as catch can since I'm running all around the house after my 16 month old son and then my husband and I will cook (since we never do when we are here in the city). For dinner we tend to cook a lot of blackened fish with veggies and sweet potatoes or I'll make a pot of "Raos's" Sunday gravy (which I now claim as my recipe to family and friends) with some home made pasta!