Leighanne Kubec is a nutritional consultant on Hilton Head Island, SC who offers nutrition counseling and consulting services to individuals, families and businesses. Leighanne received her BA degree from Boston College and JD from Fordham University School of Law.  In 2011, she left the practice of law to pursue her lifelong passion for health and wellness. She received her training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, NYC and State University of New York at Purchase College, where she was trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods.

What made you choose this career path?

I have always been intrigued by health and the human body. I remember being in third grade in our dusty town library reading about fats…sugars…carbohydrates…food pyramids…just so many fascinating concepts.  But, at the time I had no idea that nutrition could be a viable career path for me. So I followed in my father’s footsteps and became a lawyer. But after I had my children and we moved from California to Hilton Head Island, SC, I decided it was time for a change.  I went back to school and pursued my interest in nutrition and all around healthy living.

You are a certified nutritional consultant?  What does that mean?

In order to obtain my certification, I completed a twelve month program learning about over 100 dietary theories.  I am qualified, based on that education, as well as my life-long learning and studying about all areas of nutrition and well-being, to advise people about diet, health and wellness.  I am not a registered dietitian (RD) which requires more extensive education and training. My expertise focuses on the whole person—diet, career, family, exercise, spirituality—to create a well-balanced life.  Nutrition, while an essential component, is only one factor is creating a truly healthy life.

If you could persuade people to change three things about their diet, what would they be?

Eat more veggies, avoid processed foods by preparing home-cooked REAL food more often, and really watching portion sizes.  In America, we are the land of “super” sized meals and we have lost all sense of moderation. It’s why we have the greatest number of overweight people and we are facing dire health consequences as a result.

When you go out to eat with friends and family, do they feel that you’re judging what they eat?

I certainly hope not!  First of all, I am a non-judgmental person overall.  If someone asks me for advice or my thoughts on food or menu choices, I’ll give them my opinion based upon what they’ve asked.  I think the most important thing for people to understand is that good health and nutrition is not based on a single meal or one night out a restaurant.  It’s funny because often when I am out, people are surprised at what I order because they simply assume I am going to order a salad or salmon. I try to explain to people that in many ways we can eat what we like, so long as we do so in moderation and that includes proper portion sizes.  In other words, it’s fine to have a slice or two of pizza—just don’t eat the entire pie and don’t eat it everyday.

Are there any books, magazines, newsletters, podcasts or websites you would recommend to learn more about health and nutrition?

There are a lot of good resources, but there is also a lot of misinformation out there. I would caution people to be careful about searching for diet advice on the internet. I really like EatingWell.com for healthy recipes.

What are some of the most common nutritional mistakes you see with your clients?

Not tracking food intake, eating excess portion sizes, falling for foods that are marketed as healthy when, in fact, they are at best mediocre, eating too many processed foods and not planning their meals.

What is your opinion on “detoxing” or cleansing?

I think a healthy juice detox can be a good way to clean out your system and to give your body a break from constantly trying to digest food.  I do not think it is a good approach for long term weight loss because it is not sustainable. But I do like it for periodic “re-sets” of your body and nutrition.

What kinds of tools do you recommend to your clients to help them with their health?

Many of my clients find success with apps like MyFitnessPal or LoseIt! as well as exercise trackers like Fitbit.  Another good tool is a food journal, to keep track of really how much you are eating. A scale to weigh portions, as well as using measuring cups can also help people understand portion sizes.  Food delivery services such as Blue Apron are also really good for some people

What do you think about vegetarianism and veganism?

Vegetarian and vegan diets can be very healthy. But, it’s really important to be sure you are getting the nutrients you need. One example is Vitamin B12, which is an essential vitamin that is not produced by our bodies and can only be obtained from animal products.  Very low B12 intakes can cause anemia and nervous system damage. So vegetarians and vegans need to be sure they either eat foods that are fortified with B12 (cereals, soymilk, etc.) or take B12 supplements. Also, people have to remember that being vegetarian or vegan does not automatically mean being healthy.  You can eat potato chips all day and you’re vegan, but definitely not healthy!

How do you feel about exercise?

As I said earlier, diet is only one aspect of good health.  Physical activity (cardiovascular and strength training) are also essential for a healthy lifestyle.  I’d also include stress reduction (yoga, meditation, prayer), good sleep and happy healthy relationships with friends and family as additional components for a balanced life.

What would be your advice to people trying to lose weight or eat healthier?

Be kind to yourself.  Change takes time. Hang in there, stay positive…it’s worth it.