Joanne Perez-Vergara

I am an experienced dietitian who is passionate about helping anyone with eating disorders/disordered eating and body image issues develop a sustainable and happy relationship with food, movement and their body. With over 25 years as an RD, I seen it all and most likely done it all. I cringe when I think about the possible harm that I did to my clients (especially army soldiers) during the early years of my career by focusing on weight loss and dieting. But those experiences reinforce what the science tells us- dieting doesn’t work. You can’t change the shape/size of your body through restriction and over-exercising. Our bodies are just not made that way and it only leads to disordered behaviors. I embrace and promote intuitive eating and a no diet approach. I don’t believe in eliminating foods, super foods, labeling food as good or bad or exercising to excess. I will not provide someone with a meal plan unless there is a medical need for it. And even then, I work toward a more intuitive way of eating to prevent “diet mentality”. I don’t weigh clients because the number means nothing and often causes anxiety and shame. I spend my time focusing on small changes that result in a new, exciting and enjoyable relationship with food, movement and body image. I have “tool kit” of exercises that help the client identify disordered thoughts/behaviors and develop alternative ones which focus on body kindness and eating for pleasure and fun.

Joanne Perez-Vergara MS,RD,LD/N

Title: MS, RD, LD/N
Joanne Perez-Vergara
joannemperez@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannemperez/
Fernandina Beach (Amelia Island)/Jacksonville, Florida, United States

I am an experienced dietitian who is passionate about helping anyone with eating disorders/disordered eating and body image issues develop a sustainable and happy relationship with food, movement and their body. With over 25 years as an RD, I seen it all and most likely done it all. I cringe when I think about the possible harm that I did to my clients (especially army soldiers) during the early years of my career by focusing on weight loss and dieting. But those experiences reinforce what the science tells us- dieting doesn’t work. You can’t change the shape/size of your body through restriction and over-exercising. Our bodies are just not made that way and it only leads to disordered behaviors. I embrace and promote intuitive eating and a no diet approach. I don’t believe in eliminating foods, super foods, labeling food as good or bad or exercising to excess. I will not provide someone with a meal plan unless there is a medical need for it. And even then, I work toward a more intuitive way of eating to prevent “diet mentality”. I don’t weigh clients because the number means nothing and often causes anxiety and shame. I spend my time focusing on small changes that result in a new, exciting and enjoyable relationship with food, movement and body image. I have “tool kit” of exercises that help the client identify disordered thoughts/behaviors and develop alternative ones which focus on body kindness and eating for pleasure and fun.
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