April 12, 2017
Bri Dietz
I'm so excited to feature my good friend Bri Dietz! She's a mother of three, a clinical nutritionist and certified personal trainer. Hope you enjoy some of her insights!
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You have such a unique and specialized profession. What drove you to specialize in pre & postnatal training and nutrition? Did you specialize in this field before you had children of your own?
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I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Exercise Science and that same year got my CN from a wonderful hippie nutrition school in San Diego. I was a Personal Trainer for a few years before I got pregnant with my daughter, Elle. While I was pregnant I decided to become certified in Pre/Post natal fitness and I really loved the process (Well, I enjoyed it after I recovered from my first trimester morning/all day sickness!).
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I love the saying that a healthy body is a healthy mind. Your job allows you to help women to be physically strong, which makes them mentally and emotionally strong as well. How rewarding! Do you have any experiences with clients that have been significantly special to you? What do you find most gratifying about your job?
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My job is very rewarding and the deep connections I have established with my clients have been such a gift to me over the years. As a trainer, when a client meets a physical goal I am always happy for them but it’s usually an internal shift that is the most rewarding to witness! I believe that having a healthy self image, relationship with food and outlook on exercise is as important as physical gains. I have had a few emotional breakthroughs with clients where they get to that beautiful, balanced place of wellness that ends up being the most impactful for both of us.
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I think as moms, we are all trying our best to feed ourselves and our kiddos healthy food. What are some quick tips you have for our readers on how to eat healthy throughout the day?
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Ok, let me start by staying I have been tremendously humbled by feeding my toddler! I had every idea that my toddler would eat only the most nourishing, lacto-fermented, whole foods all of the time. Umm, not so much. Not even close! She eats macaroni and cheese more than I care to admit, but I do my best to get real food in her whenever I can. Plantain chips instead of regular chips, kombucha instead of juice, sneaking greens in her smoothies and avocado (lots of avocado) are my go-to’s!
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. . .You have worked with a variety of women that have all gone through pregnancy. What would you say is one of the most underrated facts or most valuable thing to know concerning nutrition during pregnancy?
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I try and always encourage my pregnant clients to focus on their gut health! Your (hopefully) healthy gut health can transfer to baby during a vaginal birth and while breastfeeding. Probiotics, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and jun are some foods that can help gut health. I also advise supplementing with Folate instead of Folic Acid!
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You’re a nutritionist, so eating healthy and understanding proper diet is your specialty, but we all know pregnant women have crazy cravings! What were some of your biggest cravings during your pregnancies?
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Oh my goodness I craved ice, fruit, Sprite and all things sour while pregnant! The ice though… I was seriously addicted. I knew all of the local restaurants with the best ice (yes, there is such a thing) and would ask for a cup of just ice all the time.
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Now that you are not pregnant, what are your guilty pleasures when it come to food?
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Now, my number one necessity is a coconut milk latte. Caffeine please!! I also love burritos and ice cream and indulge once a week (and love every bite).
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You’re the expert! What are some good tips for new mothers who are trying to bounce back after having a baby?
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First, I would say give yourself grace post baby. Start by walking, staying hydrated and fueling up on real, whole foods. Eventually, incorporate circuit training (you can do this outside with baby!) and body weight exercises. The biggest mistake I see post baby are mamas doing sit-ups and crunches prematurely. You want to make sure any diastasis recti is healed before you attempt intense core work. Start with building up your pelvic floor (think kegels!), and be forgiving! It takes nine months to grow that sweet babe, give your body time to come back :).
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