Good nutrition for the New Year
Nutrition by Pam
(516) 728-2851
As a registered dietitian with a private practice in East Rockaway, Pam Gerstman, RD, CDN, is committed to health and wellness. Since she is a mother of four, she understands the challenges that busy families face, so provides flexible scheduling to accommodate demanding schedules. She counsels both adults and children of all ages.
Gerstman’s strengths lie in medical nutrition therapy and weight loss counseling. She works with individuals to accomplish realistic goals through education. Clients learn that simple changes relative to portion control, label reading, and mindful eating can produce meaningful results. She believes that focusing on portion size and food quality is far more relevant than simply counting calories.
“It’s not really about ‘going on a diet,’” she said. “It is about learning how to institute lifestyle changes that will help you to see a positive outcome. I always suggest that my clients commit to specific goals that they control. And I let them know that I am always here for them to offer guidance, support and advice.”
To keep track and be more mindful, she shows clients how to keep a daily food journal. Planning ahead, stocking the refrigerator and pantry with the right foods, and never skipping a meal are all keys to success in weight loss and maintenance.
Gerstman strongly believes that exercise should be a part of one’s daily routine. When it isn’t convenient to ‘officially’ exercise, she suggests finding ways to be more active — climb stairs, park the car farther away, and walk whenever possible.
“As we move forward through 2012, my suggestions are to eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Drink water, listen to your hunger cues, and exercise daily,” she said. “Visiting a registered dietitian is a great way to begin a new journey with professional guidance. You will be in control of the rest. From there, you will be inspired to lose weight, live healthily, and continue to feel great about your accomplishments.”
While attending the University of Buffalo, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1984, Gerstman became extremely interested in nutrition, thanks to an elective course. She took courses towards a didactic degree in nutrition at Buffalo State College and then at Queens College, but decided on a hiatus to get married and raise a family. In 2006, when her children were older, she returned to Queens College, where she earned a degree in dietetics. She continued on to C.W. Post to complete a dietetic internship program. After passing the registered dietician exam, she worked as a clinical dietitian at Winthrop Hospital for six months, and subsequently launched her private practice.
