History

  For years I kept a framed prescription in my office. This prescription was written for my husband, David, shortly after he had been diagnosed with diabetes. On it was scribbled three words - South Beach Diet.

As a Registered Dietitian I was humbled - - was that really how we were to approach David’s health? My expectation that a referral for nutrition counseling and diabetes education was dashed! Fortunately I had knowledge of where to start, but if this was happening to my husband, how many others were in a similar situation? How many others were told to follow popular, trendy, or possibly unhealthful, diets?

Through David I learned what it means to have diabetes – not just how to treat it. I individualized his meal plan to match both his medications and busy work schedule. Soon his energy level was up and he had better control over his blood sugars. He started feeling better, like he used to before diabetes joined our family. We still have occasional challenges, but now David is in better control, and continues to improve his A1C! 

As I met others with diabetes I discovered they, too, were having the same challenges, struggling with daily control. Overwhelmed by something they didn’t expect or understand, most were feeling lousy, lacking strategies for self-care. Most importantly, they didn’t know what to eat and were trying to set up their diets on their own. It was difficult, if not impossible for them to find Registered Dietitians to work with, let alone any that would accept their insurance benefits. 

  So I began working with more patients with diabetes, individualizing their meal plans, and starting them on their journey to health. With just a few simple, easy changes their diabetes lessened, their condition improved! Many lost weight; some reduced their reliance on drugs, and all were feeling better about taking control of their health. As they gained better control of their blood sugars, energy and vitality returned. I learned that better nutrition leads to positive changes; that renewal of wellbeing was achievable! 

I wanted to help more people start their journey. I spent the better part of my nutrition career in Public Health. For me, promoting health and preventing disease is not just an objective—it is my life blood. Over the years I had the opportunity to work as a Registered Dietitian in a number of specialized areas – Prenatal and Early Childhood through the WIC Program; Adolescent Health; HIV and AIDS Prevention; Childhood Obesity; Diabetes Self-Management; Elderly Nutrition. It was time to put that training and experience to work in a different way.

  I created a solution that allows easier access for people with diabetes or other chronic conditions to work with Registered Dietitians.  The Dietitians Group of West Florida, Inc. was created to become the area’s leading medical nutrition therapy provider. We connect with local doctors and healthcare teams, to become a trusted partner for the specialized nutritional care they want for their patients. While we have a special emphasis on diabetes, our highly trained providers personalize meal plans for heart health, kidney disease, weight issues and more. We provide both individual and group training, and provide the motivation and guidance needed. We support the changes our patients are ready to make on their journey, to renew wellbeing and contribute to optimal health. We believe . . .