Homeostasis - Nutrition that Fits

Sara Awija BSc, RD received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Food Science and Human Dietetics from McGill University. She has completed her 40 weeks of internship (Professional Practice - Stage) which is sequenced and integrated into each year of study. Sara was exposed to a variety of practice settings including clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management in Montreal and Ottawa. The program is designed according to the Integrated Competencies for Dietetics Education and Practice (ICDEP) and is accredited by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP). Sara holds a Certification in Adult Weight Management. Sara offers nutrition counselling, weight management programs and creates customized meal plans based on food preferences, lifestyle and goals. Sara has a unique approach to her practice and provides advice that is realistic, easy to follow and emphasizes stepwise change, balance and flexibility. She is a firm believer that small, gradual changes to an individual’s eating and exercising regimen coupled with patience, commitment and a positive attitude can lead to permanent lifestyle change and a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. In her spare time, Sara enjoys being active, cooking, travelling and experiencing the newest restaurants and food trends in Ottawa and across the globe. Sara uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Nutrition Education/therapy, and Experimental Techniques to aid her clients in challenging thoughts/behaviours to attain a healthy weight. Below are a few of the nutrition areas in which Sara specializes: Weight Management Sports Nutrition Diabetes Cardiovascular Disease e.g.Cholesterol Management, Blood Pressure Management Gastrointestinal Disorders Prenatal Nutrition Infant Nutrition Eating Disorders e.g. Binge Eating Disorder/ Compulsive Overeating, Night Eating Syndrome Services - Nutrition Counselling Initial Consultation During the initial one-hour consultation, Sara will collect relevant nutrition, behavior, and medical information from you. Together you will determine your nutrition/health goals for treatment and how to implement small, realistic changes into your dietary pattern. Basic nutrition education is provided and a meal plan may be designed, if indicated. *If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian is asked to attend the initial consultation. Their presence is not required at future sessions unless clinically indicated. Follow-Up Sessions During half hour follow-up sessions, Sara will review your eating and behavior patterns since your last visit. The two of you will discuss what went well and where you may have struggled. Strategies along with more extensive nutrition education will be provided to help move you closer to your goals. Grocery Store Tour Walking through a grocery store can be a daunting and challenging task when you are unsure how to make healthy choices. The grocery tours walk you through each aisle and point out healthy options and alternatives; learn how to shop on a budget, and which aisles to avoid. Sara also teaches individuals how to properly read nutrition labels and discuss the differences between servings and portion sizes. The 60 minute tour is fun and educational and permits time for any questions you may have. We will also provide extra resources for you to take home and assist you with grocery shopping on your own. Booking a grocery tour can be an individual or group activity. Your Investment: •Individual Session: $100.00 •Groups of 2-5: $130.00 •Groups of 6-10: $200.00 Restaurant Dining Group Do you find yourself home, alone, because your friends are dining at a restaurant and you are too nervous to join them? Does looking at a menu heighten your anxiety? Do you find yourself picking only safe foods? Join others who feel the same way in Sara’s Restaurant Dining Group! About once a week this group meets at a different restaurant where members support each other while challenging their food choices and practicing normalized eating. After the meal, Sara and the members go to a local coffee shop and process how the meal went and learn new strategies for successful restaurant eating. This is a very popular group! Contact Sara to reserve a spot for the next outing! Your Investment: •Individual Session: $100.00 •Groups of 2-5: $130.00 •Groups of 6-10: $200.00 Fees A non-refundable 50% deposit is required upon booking in order to reserve your booking. Rest of payment is due at time of service, in the form of cash, or cheque. Your health insurance company may or may not cover services provided by a Registered Dietitian. Upon request, Sara can provide you with the necessary reimbursement paperwork to submit to your insurance company.