When did you decide you wanted to be a doctor for nutrition?
While competing for USA Swimming, I experienced bouts of anemia (genetically inherited) that affected my performance in the pool. I became fascinated with nutrition and digestion at an early age, after seeing a nutritionist for my condition.

What defines your personal style as a specialist? Why do people come to see you instead of others?
I've taken my expertise to the 'genetic' level. I'm currently pursuing my education in the field of Nutrigenomics--the study of nutrient interactions within our DNA. I offer patients diagnostic screenings (e.g., gastrointestinal, micronutrient blood essay, hormone) which provide an in depth look into their metabolic & digestive health. I think my trademarked slogan "Individual. Specific. Nutrition." says it all!

What are the latest trends in the field of nutrition and dietetics?
The future of personalized dietary-prescriptions will be found in the study of Nutrigenomics and Metabolomics. I recently attended the annual Nutrigenomics conference in Montecatini, Italy in August 2009 and belong to the Metabolomics Society of America.

What does your daily diet consist of?
Almost 100% whole, unprocessed foods. I begin my day with alternating breakfasts of my 'Super, Antioxidant-Rich Smoothie', sprouted bread with raw almond butter, or veggies with brown rice and fish (yes, for breakfast!). Lunch will consist of 3 -- 5 servings of seasonal-veggies, with beans or fish. Dinner varies according to my activity for the day. I try and consume at least one fresh squeezed vegetable juice per day (I could provide more detail on my complete regiment if needed).

If there was one food you could all ban from our diets, what would it be?
Most people are so misinformed when it comes to the ingredients found in our foods versus the actual food product. There's so much more to food than proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. I won't get into an elaborate response here, so if I had to pick one food, I guess it would be "fast food".

When you are dining out, what meal choices do you gravitate towards?
I don't dine out that often, although when I do, it must be at a restaurant known for their quality of ingredients. If the ingredients pass my quality of inspection, I have no definition as to what I would order. I recently dined at Mario Batali's & Nancy Silverton's restaurant Mozza in Los Angeles, and ordered a fresh arugula salad with a goat cheese pizza. Pizza is one of those foods I've loved since childhood--I'll have a pizza (made with quality ingredients) every couple months!

Have you noticed a trend in the culinary field towards better nutrition? How are restaurant menus evolving?
Yes, I do see changes in how restaurants are incorporating local fruits and vegetables into their menus. I believe the quality of local produce is much more 'bio-available' than produce shipped from afar (the produce is picked far too early).

What are the most dangerous eating habits common among Americans?
Fast food!

You teach a lot to your clients about nutrition, what have you learned from them?
I enjoy learning day-to-day from all my clients. I've compiled data over the past 8 years while serving my clientele, which helped form the manuscript to my first book.

I want to lose weight, should I take diet pills?
Trick question? No!!

I am on a diet, what should I eat? What should I avoid?
I'd advise you not to go on a diet. Don't look at the calories; rather, look at the source of where your calories are coming from. I also recommend viewing the Oscar-nominated documentary, Food INC

Can vitamins replace the nutrients we are supposed to get from food?
Vitamins can never replace nutrients found in foods. They should always be viewed as an 'in addition to' approach--never a replacement.

What should I eat to boost my energy level?
Are you suffering from daily fatigue? If so, does this occur throughout the day, or during set times? The study of ones' sleeping behavior is a current hot-topic of research in metabolism/digestion. I recommend identifying any abnormalities within your sleeping patterns and correct them (e.g., are you on the computer or watching TV right before bedtime).

If you were to teach us all one good rule about healthy eating what would it be?
My quote and motto: "Only consume food if it's from the ground or makes a sound"!--Stella Metsovas