Letters of Intent

Credentials…where do I start about credentials? 

I was recently referred to someone who was dealing with some unfortunate but not life threatening health news. She was in need of some basic diet and exercise advice and maybe a couple of lifestyle tweaks to get her back on track. nothing revolutionary, just a break from her routine. Before going to my website or even speaking to me she asked about my credentials. Now mind you I have nothing against a long string of letters following your name (some of them actually have meaning) but if you’re overhauling your diet based on the USDA MyPlate Plan and being coached by an overweight, out-of-shape “nutritional consultant” you might want to consider qualifications over credentials.

So let’s look at qualifications. In my 50+ years I have used my own body (and mind) to test many theories on diet and exercise. First and foremost, I read — A LOT! In fact, I try to cram my head full of as much contradictory information as possible and then sort it out in practice. I have tried Paleo, Vegan, Raw, High Carb/Low Carb, Juicing, Intermittent Fasting, Cleansing, lots of supplements/no supplements, even SAD. I have been Rolfed, Acupunctured, Massaged, Analyzed, Meditated, Motivated, Coloniced and Adjusted. I have lifted weights (with some of the best coaches in the country), cycled (road and mountain), done CrossFit, Yoga (Bikram too), and I actually ran a few times but that was mostly trying to catch a cab. The list goes on but you get the idea; life’s lessons are best learned first hand, not in the classroom. You are an individual and different things work for different people. The reliance on overly broad populations can yield valuable information but if you’re trying to make changes in your life, it may not be the best path to follow. The USDA probably has your best interests at heart (especially if you’re in the commercial agriculture or pharmaceutical business) but I ask you, if that pyramid turned into a plate is so healthy, why is everyone getting so fat and so sick? Does your dietician look healthy? Does your trainer look like they workout? Does either appear to understand you, your goals and your challenges?

Get out of your box and start making real measurable progress today!