Personalized Health Consultant
Functional Medicine Doctor
Dr. Renee Wellenstein is a double board-certified physician who has turned her passion for holistic living into her lifelong mission. With her expertise in Ob/Gyn as well as Functional Medicine, Dr. Wellenstein helps busy women get to the root cause of their symptoms and uses individualized natural treatments to take sustainable long-lasting control of their health. Dr. Renee takes an unconventional approach to total body wellness through virtual consulting.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in nutrition?
I am a doctor and my role as an Elite functional medicine consultant incorporates nutrition as the base of my clients' treatment and care. I truly believe that what food is so powerful. It can make you healthy or create disease, depending on what you choose to eat.
How did you become passionate about healthy eating?
I saw the impact healthy eating can have on overall health. Our gut health is really the basis of our overall health so eating good, nutritious, whole food not only keeps your gut healthy but keeps you happy and healthy.
What kind of training did you undergo/certification you received?
I went to medical school, completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and did a fellowship in Functional Medicine.
What do people look for in a nutritionist or dietician?
In medical school, I received very little education on nutrition. The majority of what I know was learned in my fellowship and self study (as well as experimenting with my own nutrition). I think I am set apart from the majority of my healthcare counterparts because of my knowledge of nutrition and my incorporating it into my care of clients seeking better health and performance. I think people are looking for physicians who are not only knowledgeable about medicine but also can speak on nutrition and the benefits of healthy eating.
If you could persuade people to change three things about their diet, what would they be?
1) Eat less sugar (added) - it's added into everything so read labels
2) Less processed foods
3) Focus on a whole food (real food) diet
What would you make as a quick and healthy dinner option, if you have 30 minutes of preparation time?
I have a chicken coconut curry recipe that is healthy, quick and so good!
What is your favorite snack?
Hardboiled eggs
What nutrition trends are you paying attention to in 2020?
I don't really follow trends but I am curious to see where Prebiotics will go as well and I'm excited to see the rise of veggie packed products!
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?
Vegetarians run the risk of lacking adequate amounts of Vitamin B12 and potentially choline in their diets. The best sources of B12 include eggs, dairy, nutritional yeast and shitake mushrooms. Choline is found in broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, tofu, mushrooms, quinoa and potatoes.
Speaking of plant based, what are some of the benefits of drinking chlorophyll water / benefits of liquid chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is great for helping the body detox and can help clear such things as heavy metals in your body. It is also important for supporting a healthy immune system and helps control inflammation. Liquid chlorophyll is particularly beneficial since it's better at getting absorbed faster in the body.
What’s one of your favorite organic/natural supplements or vitamins you recommended?
Vitamin D since most everyone needs it because of a deficiency and having a healthy Vitamin D level is essential for controlling inflammation, supporting the immune system and healthy bones.
Any favorite health / nutrition podcasts or books you recommend to our readers?
Favorite health podcasts: Broken Brain Podcast, Ben Greenfield Fitness, Bulletproof Radio with Dave Asprey, and The Doctor's Farmacy with Dr. Mark Hyman. I also have a Podcast called Love the Leap with Dr. Renee which will be relaunching in January 2020! Recent (favorite) books include Clean by Dr. Alejandro Junger and Total Gut Balance by Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum since both are about nutrition for a healthy gut!!
Where can our readers find you? (Instagram, Facebook, etc)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/FitDocHelpingOthers/ or https://www.facebook.com/renee.wellenstein
Website : drreneewellenstein.com
