Hi — I’m Nathalie
Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I’ve lived on three continents, and I believe deeply in the joy, laughter, and sharing that happen around food.
I have lived on three continents so far, and I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and ways of life. I equally enjoy the joys, laughter and sharing at gatherings with family and friends. I take pleasure in cooking from scratch, exploring farmer markets, looking at colorful food item displays, and smelling freshly baked bread — hello somebody!
Disruptive Food Environments
There is a lot of joy and satisfaction surrounding food — through sharing meals, feeding others, nurturing, cooking, being healthy, maintaining good health parameters. But it is not always easy! I know the challenge of adjusting to different cultural eating habits, tastes, smells and textures. I equally understand the challenge of navigating new food environments, with an abundance of food items offered in appetizing food courts, bakery displays, vending machines, and fast food restaurants — consistently appealing to one’s senses, smells and eyes.
They are an invitation to consume and indulge at any hour of the day, most of the time at a cheap cost. In many parts of the world, eating is only a pin code, a wireless transaction, or a ring bell away. Yet the easiness of access to food comes with a high cost: disrupting physiological processes and leading to metabolic dysfunctions and the onset of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high bad cholesterol, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, food intolerances, and some cancers.
Food abundance, as much as food insecurity, are both public health issues of the 21st century. Proper nutrition and lifestyle modifications can positively influence how we respond to these disruptive food environments.
I am here to help you navigate these disruptive food environments. I am here to help you make educated food choices that will benefit you and your loved ones in the long run. I am here to partner with you on this health and wellness journey to realign your health and nutrition’s priorities towards prevention, wellness, and longevity.
Background & Credentials
Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Disorders
My areas of focus are clinical nutrition, obesity management, and metabolic disorders (diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol disorders, fatty liver, and more). I have designed and implemented personalized nutrition programs for individuals with type 2 diabetes and weight-loss goals.
- Conducted body composition analyses and guided diet & physical activity regimens
- Led group coaching sessions emphasizing prevention, healthy weight loss, and holistic health
- Used digital tools to enhance client engagement and motivation
I am a strong advocate of research-based therapeutic provisions — both fundamental and new developments in clinical nutrition are essential to provide accurate, up-to-date nutrition care.
Two Research Internships
During my studies, I completed two research internships under the supervision of highly skilled faculty members, on the topics of ginger roots’ antioxidant properties, and vitamin A metabolism & skin cancer. I was trained to write and read research papers, notably authoring a literature review on « the underlying causes of insulin resistance. »
Continuous Learning
I regularly attend online webinars and read research papers on clinical nutrition, diabetes, obesity and other related metabolic disorders — always seeking ways to stay current with new developments in the field, to support my clients and continuously enhance my personal growth and knowledge.
Specialized training: Medical Management of Obesity
Academic Background
- BSc in Nutrition — Texas Woman’s University
- Diplôme Inter Universitaire Médecine de l’Obésité — University of Grenoble
- Diplôme Inter Universitaire Européen Nutrition Clinique et Métabolisme — University of Grenoble
- MSc in Computer Science — University of Namur
« It’s never too late, all you need is to just start where you are. »