Nutrition Spotlight- Stef Rittner

What prompted you to start nutrition coaching with DeNovo Nutrition?

The nutrition challenge but also wanting to work on my relationship with food.

What are 3-4 things that you GAINED throughout this experience?

I have created all these healthy habits in my life. I have slept and taken better care of myself than I ever have. I also wrestled with restrictive and disordered eating pretty much my whole life. This program helped me work through that and rebuild my relationship with food. I’ve gained confidence and definitely hit some PRs in the gym.

What are 2-3 things that you LOST?

I’ve lost anxiety around food, planning, and social situations. I feel much less stressed in general, and I’ve gotten rid of some negative self talk.

What is the biggest thing that you have learned since starting nutrition coaching?

Keep it simple. Sometimes less is so much more. Focus on one thing at a time and do that one thing really well. Nutrition does not need to be complicated. You don’t have to track macros or weigh everything or make yourself crazy. If it’s not sustainable for life, what’s the point? I love the approach of building these habits for life, including parties, vacation, stressful weeks, etc.

What were you struggling with before you signed up for our nutrition program?

I have Hashimotos (a thyroid disorder) which causes a lot of frustrating symptoms and issues. Stress management and sleep (as well as nutrition) are huge components for managing this disease. Despite my knowledge of nutrition and natural health, I wasn’t truly doing a great job of taking care of myself. Meal prep was one of those things I dreaded doing and felt like I had to spend all weekend (my rest time) to get ready for the week. I was trying to do everything and be everything and wasn’t being successful.

How did our nutrition program help solve that problem?

Feeling so much support from my nutrition coach has relieved a lot of stress in my life. Coach Jenny helped me simplify things, focus on what was most important, and set up routines to be successful. I look forward to my bedtime routine every night (my Me time!) and being rested helps me handle stress in my life so much easier. Having accountability is key for me as well! Jenny helped me stop trying to take on everything and focus on doing one thing well, then habit stacking later on. For meals, I now rotate the same few recipes each week with little tweaks week to week, which has made planning so easy without making eating boring. When I’m triggered by a situation or experience old eating disorder type thinking, I often hear Jenny’s voice asking me important questions that help me work through what to do in the moment. That piece had been one of the most valuable pieces of nutrition coaching.

What was different about our nutrition program compared to diets you've tried in the past?

This is not a diet. This is for life and will work forever in all situations. The Denovo nutrition program encompasses health as a big picture. Food is one piece, but sleep, recovery, stress, water intake, and other habits are just as important. I love that and it was exactly what I needed to support my thyroid issues. I also appreciated Jenny’s gentle approach with me and encouraged me not to overly track macros or calories due to negative food issues I’ve had in the past. This nutrition program is completely tailored to the needs of the individual and the coaches are so aware of what is healthy vs. harmful for you.

Tell us about the moment when you realized our nutrition program was actually working to solve your problem?

I think I first realized this last year (just before 2022 started) when I could head into the New Year without feeling the need to start some big restrictive program. I also came to an appreciation of my body without feeling like I had to shrink it or change it first.

Tell us what life looks like now that your problem is solved or is being solved?

This year (2022-23) I’ve felt so much less stressed and can handle big changes in life because I have such a great foundation with my healthy habits and so much support at Denovo. When problems or stress arises, I catch myself thinking: I know just what to do. And if I don’t, I message my coach and she helps me process through it! I feel like I’m a better version of myself and I’m less resentful towards work or family because I’m taking care of me first. I can pour from my full cup now!

How has the accountability and support of nutrition coaching helped you stay on track?

I definitely have days or weeks even when I fall short of my goals or don’t stick to my habits. This is when I can rely on my coach and ask for support or try a new approach. This has been SO helpful!

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What would you say to someone considering nutrition coaching with DeNovo Nutrition?

You will not regret it. The cost is nothing compared to what you will gain. Your coach will tailor the program to whatever you need support with.

What is your next nutrition and health related goal?

I am wanting to add walking to my routine next! And I’ve already started backing off of alcohol, another super positive result for my health, mood, and sleep!

Is there anything else we can help you with or that you'd like to share?

I’m just so incredibly grateful for Jenny and all the Denovo coaches who truly live up to their motto. I appreciate all the time and thoughtfulness and emotional support I have at Denovo. Who would have thought that a nutrition program could make so many other aspects of your life better?