My Educational Journey
At the time I reached my goal weight, I also completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Chemistry and enjoyed a fruitful career as an environmental organic chemist for 19 years. But during the year that I was releasing weight, I discovered a passion for nutrition and set about to learn as much as I could. After seven years of maintaining my weight I returned to school to become a certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Nutrition Educator. I kept one foot in the lab while building my nutrition career, then eventually left my chemistry career altogether to open a private nutrition practice. Some years after that, I earned a Master of Science in Human Clinical Nutrition and Integrative Health, followed by a doctorate in clinical functional nutrition.
Publications and Nutrition Counseling
Over the years I have published several books and am now an internationally acclaimed author of The Science of Skinny: Start Understanding Your Body’s Chemistry and Stop Dieting Forever (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2012) and The Science of Skinny Cookbook (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2014).
In my private practice as an integrative nutritionist, I work one-on-one with individuals and also provide community education teaching group classes in nutrition and whole foods cooking. In 2007 my husband and I founded a non-profit called Processed-Free America. Through the non-profit, I get to wear many hats (nutritionist, consultant, teacher, author, podcaster) and travel short and long distances carrying out our mission.
Dee in the News
My story has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, TV and radio shows throughout the U.S. including Women’s World Magazine, First for Women Magazine, Quick and Simple Magazine, Obesity Help Magazine, National Public Radio (WNPR), The Doctors, Better TV, The List, and The Dr. Steve Show.
Touring and Teaching
I have also been a featured speaker at the annual American Diabetes Association Expo, the Arizona Children’s Obesity Conference, the National Library of Traditional Medicine Conference, Mogollon Health Foundation Women’s Wellness Forum, and AIDS Connecticut.
I am the lead instructor for Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Holistic Nutrition Specialist program, and also teach Human Nutrition to nursing students at Arizona College of Nursing.
To keep myself credentialed and relevant through continuing education, I am a professional member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), the American Nutrition Association (ANA), the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC).
As you have probably surmised, nutrition is my life—I live it every second of every day. Whether I am coaching a client, writing an article, recording a podcast or creating a new recipe, my passion for healthful eating is the underlying energy that fuels everything I do.
