Mission and values
To inspire healthy lifestyles, both mentally and physically
LEAFE Nutrition strives to
help individuals of all ages develop healthy food relationships
promote a balanced eating and food freedom perspective
teach communities the foundations of food, nutrition, health
make cooking a fun, enjoyable experience
Meet Erika Barrera, MPH, RDN
First off, welcome to LEAF-E Nutrition PLLC!
I’m Erika, the dietitian that helps individuals become more confident in the kitchen to ditch the dieting mindset!
I’ve been a registered dietitian for five years now, working in many nutrition sectors such as outpatient and inpatient settings, nutrition policy, and wellness education. I also have my master’s in public health, which has led me into the wonders of preventive healthcare. Since becoming a dietitian, I’ve always strived to be a part of my community to get to know new people and cultures. It has greatly made me passionate about how nutrition, food, culture, and health intertwine.
I come from an Italian family, raised by two wonderful cooks, which has both made me love to cook and become passionate in teaching others the wonders of food just like my parents taught me!
I have a mixed poodle named Harlow who is my baby. In my spare time I enjoy watching TV, strength training, and spending time with family and friends.
Approach
There is not a black and white nutrition plan for everyone. Nutrition should be individualized, not generalized. People deserve to have a positive food relationship that contains food freedom while also learning about their bodies in order to achieve their personal goals.
love yourself.
Diet culture and the media have a huge impact on how we view ourselves. In order to succeed in personal growth, you need to love yourself, appreciate your body, and understand what is best for you rather than what the media tells you.
love your food.
Food is vital. We need to eat in order to live. So, how can you expect to live a healthful life if your food relationship is poor? Remember, you’re a human being that deserves to eat what you and your body wish to at any given time.
Why should you work with a registered dietitian (RD)?
RDs are the only health professional qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy
RDs follow evidence-based nutrition research to provide our clients with the upmost ethical and scientific recommendations
RDs understand that everyone is different and that there is no such thing as a “black and white” answer to your nutritional problems
RDs provide a whole health perspective that includes nutrition, stress, sleep, medical diagnoses, medications, mental health, social environments, etc. in order to provide individualized care plans