Name:
Lara Metz
Company:
Lara Metz Nutrition
Contact info:
ph. (212) 634 -6494, website: www.larametznutrition.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I’ve been practicing for 11+ years and Lara Metz Nutrition is celebrating its 2nd birthday!
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I was lucky to work with Keri Glassman, founder of Nutritious Life for 10 years. Keri has been an incredible mentor and friend. As long as I can remember I’ve been a foodie and obsessed with reading cookbooks and modifying recipes to make them more nutritious. I knew I needed a career path that would allow me to help people and nurture my love for food, health and wellness. The nutrition field was the perfect solution and I love what I do.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I personalize nutrition for my clients! I educate, create a customized plan and help clients to seamlessly implement their plan. Nutrition isn’t one size fits all and its more than just food. I am part of the support system for each person. Everyone needs a support system!
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
The nutrition and wellness space is always changing! I stay current through scientific research, following trends and listening to my clients’ needs. As a boutique nutrition practice, my team gives our clients the support they need. Whether a client’s goal is weight loss, a family nutrition makeover, prenatal nutrition or a medical issue such a Crohn’s disease, I will personalize the nutrition journey. New Yorkers expect exceptional customer service.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I teach clients to have a healthy relationship with food. This is key!!!
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love the women I work with! I have an incredible team of brilliant, supportive Registered Dietitians who inspire me everyday! And of course, my clients! When I see a family making better choices-the kids reaching for fresh veggies and white bean dip instead of a processed snack or a pre diabetic client lose weight and get their blood sugar under control I know I’ve made a difference!
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Shhh… I love two Little Red Hens Bakery on the upper east side! Their cupcakes are mouth watering and don’t have the sugary sweetness of others. Hey, even a Dietitian needs to indulge and I believe everything in moderation!
How do you benefit mamas?
I educate mothers how to provide a healthy environment for their families. One of the most important questions I ask a new client is “what was food like for you during childhood”? The food environment or food culture we set as mothers today, will impact our children for the rest of their lives. I teach mothers (and fathers) not only how to provide healthy food, but also healthy habits and behaviors to model for their children.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
One client told me I made her feel like a better mom. She didn’t know how to boil water and was giving her kids frozen processed food or take out. Slowly I helped to elevate her family’s nutrition and today she can get a complete home cooked meal on the table!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Keri Glassman, Stephanie Middleberg (both experts in nutrition)
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
My mom has always said “life is not a dress rehearsal”! I was scared to start Lara Metz Nutrition but it was the best career decision I’ve ever made.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Always have a plan!!! I meal plan for the week ahead and have grab and go snacks available for me to bring to my office or throw in my bag. The same goes for my kids and husband (still trying to get him on board)!!
Name:
Barbara Reich, Professional Organizer and Author
Author of Secrets of an Organized Mom
Company:
Resourceful Consultants, LLC
Contact info:
email: b.reich@resourcefulconsultants.com, ph: 917-742-6272
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
16
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I have always loved organizing, and I’m very good at it. Before I was a professional organizer, I was a management consultant. One day, one of my colleagues called me and told me about someone who wanted to hire an organizer. She said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I gave him your number. You should do this.” So I did, and I told a few people that I had worked with in consulting. One of these women asked me to set up her home like mine. She loved what I did and told a few people who told a few people, and before I knew it, I was working full time.
I have 16 (almost 17) year old twins. When they were babies, I would take them to play dates at people’s houses. Instead of sitting around sipping coffee, I would organize the playroom while I was there. I was a VERY popular guest!
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I’m very practical and no nonsense. If you want an organizer that will tell you it’s ok to keep everything you have, that’s not me. I’m going to push you to pare down, I’m going to create practical yet aesthetically pleasing storage solutions for you, and I’m going to make sure that you have systems in place to stay organized.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
I’m authentic, and I’m trustorthy. For me, it’s not just about a particular job, it’s about long term relationships with clients.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I help my clients manage the chaos of every day life so that they are happier, more fulfilled, and less stressed.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I work with dynamic, interesting, and impressive women. They let me see their vulnerable side, and I help them gain control of their lives.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Éclair Bakery at 305 East 53rd. It’s a true “hole in the wall” but once you taste their raspberry almond tart, you will be forever grateful to me for sharing.
How do you benefit mamas?
Mothers today are held to an almost impossible standard. There are ideals of perfection in the media they can never achieve, the demands of parenting have become insanely competitive, and even when women work outside of the home, they still tend to do the majority of the childcare and management of the home. I help mothers decrease their stress by making their homes run super smoothly. I also help them manage time better and manage their digital lives more effectively.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
One client told me that I had saved her sanity. She had a nanny that was stealing from her and making her feel like she was crazy. I suggested a few times that “things weren’t adding up.” It was very traumatic to have someone in such an intimate relationship do what this nanny was doing to her.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Peter Walsh, Julie Morgenstern, and Marie Kondo
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
The shorter way to do many things is to do one thing at a time (Mozart)
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Write down your priorities every day for the next day. If you don’t know how you want to spend your time, you will spend all of it reacting to others and never accomplish anything yourself.