Brittany Ferri, MS, OTR/L, CCTP
Simplicity of Health, Founder
Registered Occupational Therapist with the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy
NY Licensed Occupational Therapist; Certified Trauma Practitioner
Certified Level 1 Cellular Regeneration and Detoxification Specialist
Rochester, New York
Introduction:
I chose the field of occupational therapy because it would allow me to help a range of people, including those who are considered healthy by traditional standards. These people are those without active health conditions or concerns who can benefit from education and continuous learning about their bodies and how to best care for them. This type of work gives me ongoing passion for helping others live their best lives.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in nutrition?
When I became an occupational therapist, I knew I wanted to help people in non-traditional ways. After beginning my work as a mental health therapist on an inpatient unit, I took my passion for mental health and wellness to a community setting where I focused on all aspects of a person's mental health, including nutrition, exercise, emotional processing, social functioning, and more.
How did you become passionate about healthy eating?
I have always loved eating healthy in my personal life. Fruits and vegetables have always been staples in my diet. However, I always wanted to combine this lifestyle with my therapy career and help others to enjoy eating healthy the way that I do.
What kind of training did you undergo/certification you received?
Aside from my training as an occupational therapist, I am also a certified level 1 cellular regeneration and detoxification specialist. This allows me to guide people in forming diets for healthy living in conjunction with herbal remedies to alleviate and prevent health conditions.
What do people look for in a nutritionist or dietician?
Typically, someone would look for a nutritionist to assist with healthy eating. As an occupational therapist, I am trained to analyze all of a person's habits, routines, and activities to assist them in creating diet plans and exercise routines that will last and assist someone in achieving their idea of long-term health and wellness.
If you could persuade people to change three things about their diet, what would they be?
Eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
Read labels to watch for additives such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Listen to your body. If certain foods do not agree with you, avoid them, make substitutes, or only eat these foods in moderation.
What would you make as a quick and healthy dinner option, if you have 30 minutes of preparation time?
One of my favorite quick and easy meals is a vegetable stir fry. I throw any vegetables I have in a skillet and sautee them with a little bit of low sodium soy sauce. I love how I can change the recipe very easily by adding different veggies each time.
What is your favorite snack?
My favorite snack is an avocado with a few sprinkles of cracked black pepper and some lemon juice. It's filling, flavorful, and provides the body with healthy fats.
What nutrition trends are you paying attention to in 2020?
I am loving the increase in plant-based diets everywhere! I love seeing restaurants getting creative with fruits and vegetables in their dishes.
Plant based living is becoming more and more popular. When eating a mostly plant based / vegetarian diet, are there certain foods to focus on to make sure we’re getting enough nutrients and protein?
Absolutely. We always want to ensure our foods have enough protein and vitamins. One of my favorites are vegetable-based pastas, such as chickpea pasta, red lentil pasta, green pea pasta, etc. These are made with purely chickpea flour and are a great source of protein and fiber that can be the base of any dish. Similarly, it's important to focus on protein and fiber on the labels of foods, especially plant-based foods.
Speaking of plant based, what are some of the benefits of drinking chlorophyll water / benefits of liquid chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll as a supplement or in food helps boost wound healing, improve red blood cell count, increases metabolism, and lowers levels of bad cholesterol.
What’s one of your favorite organic/natural supplements or vitamins you recommended?
Vitamin D is one of my favorites. I don't believe in loading up on multiple supplements, especially not without just cause and research. However, many people are Vitamin D deficient and can benefit from regular supplementation.
Any favorite health / nutrition podcasts or books you recommend to our readers?
I enjoy the nutrition episodes of Joe Rogan's podcast along with The Keto Diet Podcast.
Where can our readers find you? (Instagram, Facebook, etc)
My company website can be viewed at www.simplicityofhealth.comMy full portfolio can be found at https://brittanyferri.contently.com I am also on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyferri/
