Name:
Shira Lenchewski, MS, RD
LA-based Registered Dietitian, Shira Lenchewski, MS, RD, author of the upcoming book THE FOOD THERAPIST. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1478918160/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517790384&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=the+food+therapist)
How your clients refer to you:
The Food Therapist. I’m a registered dietitian sans stuffiness with a modern approach.
Company:
shiraRD
Contact info:
Website: shirard.com, Email: info@shiraRD.com, Instagram: @shira_RD
How many years have you been in business in LA?
Three and a half years, before that I was in NY.
You have a book coming out in the new year, can you tell us a bit about it and the inspiration behind it?
Yes! It’s called THE FOOD THERAPIST, it’s available for preorder now, and will be out February 13th, 2018. I wrote this book because I felt like many clients/friends came to me motivated to get healthier and knowing the basics needed to get there (limiting added sugar, eating with more intention, avoiding overeating, etc.), but weren’t actually doing those things on a daily basis. But not for the reasons they feared might be at play: laziness, lack of willpower, ability. Not even close. It’s that it’s complicated… let’s face it: eating is loaded and life often gets in the way and despite our best intentions we often find ourselves making hasty decisions driven by stress or convenience. Or, we treat ourselves to a decadent dessert, but feel so guilty that we don’t actually enjoy it. The first part of the book reads like a food therapy session, helping readers figure out what’s standing in their way of putting their good intentions into action. The second half is all about actionable strategies to help you get there, including a meal plan and recipes.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
When I’m working with clients one-on-one I’m razor focused on supporting and helping them close that intention-action gap. I’m not really thinking about longevity, and that mindset works well for me.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I help clients un-complicate their relationship with food so they can close that gap between their get-healthy intentions and their day to day actions.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Helping clients achieve their goals is such an incredible gig, it’s never lost on me.
What is your favorite secret LA spot?
If there’s a place I love then I can’t really keep it a secret - I tell everyone about the Italian Chop at Sycamore Kitchen on La Brea. It’s all about the dressing.
How do you benefit mamas?
Most of my mom clients would roll out the red carpet for their families, but when it comes to themselves, they often eat scraps from their kids' plates or hurriedly over the sink out of soggy containers. I’m big on helping moms get better at looking out and taking care of themselves, too.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Oh man, any time a client tells me about gaining confidence, that means so much to me.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
A couple of women I’m inspired by right now are Allison Oswald, an LA-based woman’s physical therapist, Erica Chidi Cohen, the founder of Loom (a new space in LA dedicated to reproductive wellness), and Laurel Galluci, an incredible LA-based paleo baker.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
I read this somewhere, and can’t say it’s something I live by, but it is something I strive to live by: “To live is to let go constantly.”
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
When you’re busy and being pulled in a bunch of different directions I always recommend keeping crudités cut and washed with a delicious dip at eye-level in your fridge at all times. Do yourself a favor and cut and wash the veggies right away. When you feel like noshing, washing and slicing will be the last thing on your mind.