National Nutrition Month Spotlight: Meet Our Nutrition Team

March is National Nutrition Month and you already know how much we love talking about nutrition. Our dietitian and nutrition coaches do incredible work in supporting our patients through their diverse health journeys, which is why we’re putting the spotlight on them this month.

Robin Foroutan, RDN, MS, HHC
Hi! I’m Robin, a functional dietitian who partners with my clients to create diet and supplement plans that WORK! While I specialize in a wide range of conditions, including naggy digestive symptoms, IBS, fibromyalgia, migraines, type 2 diabetes, food sensitivities, crazy gut symptoms, heavy metal toxicity, my nutritionist friends say I specialize in “weird” (I mean, they don’t call me the “Parasite Queen” for nothing.) But it’s not weird to me. The body speaks its own language, and it gives you hints and signs that certain things need attention. I speak that language and together we can get you on the path to better health. Not only will you feel amazing, but we’re going to have fun in the process too.

Robin’s Favorite Supplements

• Para 1 – One of my favorite all time supplements for the gut. It’s a gentle yet effective way to tackle parasites and unfriendly microbes.
• Benezyme – Digestive enzymes can make a HUGE difference if you feel heavy after meals or have food sensitivities, gas, or bloating post-meals
• Ashwagandha Complex – I talk about stress with all of my clients, and after the past couple of years, we all need some good adrenal adaptogens to help us feel more resilient to stress. This is one of my go-to’s because it helps with energy and stamina and sleep.
• Glutathione – This one helps our body detoxify and balance inflammation. We all need it!
• Thyroid Px – Sluggish thyroid function is such a bummer and is all too common. I love this blend of herbs and nutrients to gently support the thyroid. The high dose iodine is a big help to those who tend to feel cold despite the temps outdoors.

Robin Go-To Spring Recipe: Herbaceous Beet Salad

Ingredients

• 3-4 small cooked beets (pre-cooked is fine), cut into quarters or cubes
• arugula, about 3 ounces
• hearts of palm, about 2-3 jarred or canned and sliced
• endive, about 2, sliced
• fresh mint, ¾ cup roughly chopped
• fresh cilantro, ¾ cup roughly chopped
• sprinkle of walnuts or pecans
• olive oil, ⅓ cup
• lemon juice, fresh, ¼ cup
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine beets, arugula, hearts of palm, endive, fresh herbs and nuts in a large bowl. 
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper until well incorporated. Pour dressing over the salad, toss and enjoy!

Notes: To make this a main dish, add 6 ounces of cooked chicken or grilled salmon, or ½ cup cooked chickpeas for a plant based main.

Stephanie Mandel, BCHN®, Energetic Health Consultant

Hi, I’m Stephanie! Not only am I a Board-Certified Nutrition Consultant, I also perform a great deal of energy work as a practitioner of the Emotion and Body Code, all while completing my degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I utilize medical and energetic testing to determine the root causes of my patient’s health problems and the appropriate treatment options for long-term results.

• Advanced Tudca – Tudca is an amazing support for your liver and gallbladder, Tudca increases bile production to basically oil-cleanse toxins out of your digestive system! 
• Para 1 – These mimosa pudica seed capsules have been life-changing for so many of my clients in need of gut support. It's both antiparasitic and helps to gently cleanse the intestines.
• 200 mg of Zen – My favorite nervous system support, a blend of GABA and L-theanine that is calming for daytime use and sleep support.
• Phosphatidylserine – "PS" is a seriously underrated fatty substance naturally found in our bodies. It's amazing for the brain and helps bind up excess cortisol - it's a go-to for my stressed out clients who have a hard time winding down before bed. 
• Glysom – This glycine powder is a third favorite for sleep support; it's calming, supports detoxification AND helps protect the body against pesticide damage!

Stephanie’s Go-To Spring Recipe: Pea Mint & Garlic Dip

I love this dip on top of steamed vegetables like carrots and bok choy!

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen organic peas
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp coconut aminos plus more to taste 
• 5-10 mint leaves 
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt to taste

Directions

1. Cook peas according to package instructions (I just boil them for a few minutes then strain in a colander and rinse in cold water).
2. Place peas and the remaining ingredients in a blender or glass container - I like to use a 32 oz mason jar
3. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil to adjust texture as desired
4. Add more salt and coconut aminos to taste

Krystle Ung, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Krystle here! From TMC intern, to Dr. Tao’s patient, and now health coach, I approach wellness with a culmination of different perspectives. I work with a diverse population of patients looking to make long-term health behavior changes by partnering with them to find their optimal method of achieving their health goals while celebrating their cultures and authenticities. I love sharing my love of cooking with anyone who’s looking to explore their capabilities in the kitchen!

• Glutamine Plus – I take glutamine most days of the week and it’s especially helpful anytime I get into a little tummy trouble after eating something that didn’t sit well.
• Benezyme – If you’re like me and travel a bunch, you know that being in control of the food available to you isn’t always possible. That’s why I always keep digestive enzymes on me for those just-in-case moments when I need extra help digesting meals. Seriously, at any given time, there will be a bottle in my backpack, office, home, and car.
• Probiotics – My favorites are Visbiome and Ortho Biotic. I like to switch them up from time to time to shake up the diversity in my gut. I use the Ortho Biotic when I’m having some Candida issues.
• Vitamin D3/K2 – Half of the Asian population experiences vitamin D deficiency, and sadly, I fall into that half.1 We just can’t seem to maintain an adequate level without supplementation! That’s why I take vitamin D everyday–especially when in need of some immune support.
• GPC Liquid – Who doesn’t love an extra boost for neurological health? A squirt of this in my morning tea and I’m ready to tackle my to-do list.

Krystle’s Go-To Spring Recipe: Vegan Roasted Garlic + Avocado Aioli

Alright, it’s not a full-on dish, but this vegan aioli recipe will have you making excuses to add it to just about any dish you make. 

Ingredients

• avocado oil
• 1 bulb of garlic
• 1 avocado
• 1 tbsp coconut milk
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the bottom end of the garlic bulb off, just to expose the inner cloves. Peel off the outermost layers of the bulb. Rub garlic with enough oil to lightly coat both the outside and inside of the bulb. Wrap bulb with parchment paper and place in a small ramekin. Roast for 30 to 45 minutes until insides are very soft. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Peel garlic once cooled to the touch. In a food processor, combine peeled garlic cloves, avocado, coconut milk, lemon juice, and seasoning. Blend until smooth and creamy. Try not to get too addicted!

Looking to make sustainable dietary changes?
Our team of nutrition professionals is happy to help you identify the underlying causes of health imbalances, and the best foods and supplements to rebalance your system. Call our office to find out more: 212-989-9828.