Mia started her journey to health in 1998 when after years of feeling tired, bloated, overweight, and constantly sick, she decided there must be a better way. She spent the next five years experimenting with diets, food, exercise, and educating herself on everything nutrition related that she could get her hands on. In 2003, she discovered that a diet of mostly raw plant foods made her feel fantastic. This inspired her desire to help others feel fantastic too. This eventually led her to New York City later that year and to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she spent a year taking classes and getting certified as a Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor.
In New York, Mia also become pregnant with her son, Mattingly (yes, after Don), now 7. Becoming pregnant and being a mom taught her about the critical importance of food for a healthy body and mind. She understands how incredibly hard and rewarding it is to be a parent, and that nurtured and healthy parents are essential for happy and healthy kids. And now that Mattingly is older, she is enjoying growing a garden with his help and watching his eyes sparkle at understanding the link between planting seeds in the ground and harvesting healthy food to eat.
Before becoming a food lover/activist and nutrition coach, Mia had several other careers. She graduated with a BA in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University. She went on to become a front desk supervisor and hospitality trainer for Marriott Hotels in Los Angeles and San Francisco. She then attended law school at the University of San Francisco, and practiced maritime law on and off for eight years. It was during her lawyer years that she realized that her passion was to help people feel great through good nutrition. She also worked as a real estate broker in the crazy real estate market of San Francisco for two years. Her years as a litigator and real estate broker taught her how working in a stressful career can make it difficult to make healthy eating choices. She learned some of her most effective simple and healthy eating and exercising tricks during long stints of 12-14 hour work days. She understands the demands and stresses of being a parent and a busy professional and how that affects overall health.
Mia is also passionate about the quality of the food we eat. And when she says food, she means whole foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, seaweeds, grains, beans, animal proteins, and dairy). She believes that the food we eat is only as nutritious as the soil in which it is grown and that organic farming practices are essential for harvesting food that will provide humans (and animals) with the necessary nutrients we need to thrive. Buying organic food from the health food store is the first step. Even better is supporting local organic farmers at farmers' markets and local farm stands. And the best is growing your own food in whatever space you have available. She thinks there is little more magical than watching your garden grow from seed to edible bounty and sharing this joy with others.
Mia also volunteers with Leah's Pantry as a facilitator of healthy eating workshops for homeless and low-income children and families. Her other interests include Bikram yoga, music, dancing, making all sorts of raw treats (including raw chocolate, pates, "ice cream," sauerkraut and kombucha), gardening, studying culinary and medicinal plants, reading, meditating, connecting with friends and family, and spending as much time as she can with her incredibly bright and loving son Mattingly.
Testimonials
"Mia is wonderful. Her program really makes me focus on what I need to do to improve both mind and body. Mia is an incredibly calming presence so the sessions themselves are really enjoyable and a nice reprieve from the craziness of every day life! Mia keeps you on track for accomplishing what's really important in life, which can be a challenge when you are knee deep in a busy career. What's also great is that Mia tailors the program to YOUR specific needs and desires. She counsels me on everything from how to get out of bed in the morning (a real challenge for me!) to how to prepare quick, easy, healthy AND tasty meals. Thanks to Mia, living well and healthy is one New Year's resolution I'm able to keep!"
Holly G., Client
"I have been consulting with Mia for several months now. Our first session was very cathartic; our discussions about my responses to her initial questions helped me to think clearly about my habits, my health, and about the things in my life that compromise my well-being. Since that initial meeting, she has inspired me to be more mindful about my choices. Every consultation since has been filled with facts about why certain foods are better or worse for my particular constitution, and new ideas about healthy, interesting foods and simple but tasty ways to prepare them. Mia herself embodies all of her teachings and makes me aspire to live a more healthy, holistic life."
Lynn K., Client
"Working with Mia has been one of the greatest decisions I've made towards the betterment of my health. Her acute knowledge of nutrition and health has helped me find a program that works best for my system. As someone who has struggled with anorexia for over 20 years, i finally feel like I'm moving towards sustainable recovery. Mia's love, attention, and dedication to health is inspiring and I would recommend her services to anyone."
Racheli C., Client