I think it’s so important to maintain a steady diet that is both nutritious, and satisfying. One of the hardest struggles with regards to pregnancy, and the postpartum phase for women, is body image and weight gain. I’ve met many dietitians and nutritionists out there, all wonderful, but none specifically focusing on women preconception, with infertility issues. Sarah Rueven, has a great way about her, always fully committed and available to her clients.
She takes a very personal approach to her practice, making sure her clients feel comfortable and supported throughout the process, as if she were a friend. She leads by example, living a very healthy lifestyle herself through nutrition and fitness, and has helped many women get pregnant through her holistic methods. We had fun going through her pantry together, learning about healthy snacks and alternatives to typical cravings. I wish I’d known about her when I was having children, as I know she would’ve been incredibly helpful to me during some tough hormonal times. Luckily, she’s available now to all of you!
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I’ve worked in private practice nutrition since 2013; my company, Rooted Wellness, has been in business a year and a half.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
After earning my Masters in Clinical Nutrition at New York University, I consulted for various health companies. I always loved working with women and helping them feel empowered in their health and food choices. When I was 5 months pregnant, my OB/GYN suggested I counsel patients out of their office and I gladly accepted. Working with other women who were making the transition to motherhood was a powerful experience for me and I was shocked that there weren’t more dietitians that were focusing solely on this population! From then on, I decided that I wanted to create a space to support women during this critical period. And so, Rooted Wellness was “born” about 6 months after I had my son.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I take a fully holistic approach to my client’s health. We don’t just examine nutrition choices – we also look at how much sleep they get, what are the major stressors in their life, what they do for exercise and other lifestyle factors. All of these inputs hugely affect a person’s overall health. You can’t make long-lasting behavioral changes without ensuring all of these factors are in balance. Additionally, I’m one of a very small number of dietitians in the field that focuses solely on the transition from fertility and preconception through pregnancy and early parenthood.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
It’s my belief that you can’t put a price on a personal approach. I treat every client like they are a girlfriend of mine and truly take the time to get to know them as an individual. It’s one of the best parts of my job and I know my clients feel like they have a true support system in me.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I help my clients feel stronger, healthier and more balanced so they can go out and conquer the world! When women feel good in our own skin, we really can do amazing things.
What is your favorite part of your job?
It’s amazing building long-lasting relationships with my clients and watching them grow, become empowered in their health choices and feel confident in their own skin. It’s been incredibly rewarding watching my clients grow their families and their confidence as mothers. Being a part of my clients’ journeys is a real honor.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
The Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel has amazing treatments, but what most people don’t know is that is has the best prenatal massage in the city.
How do you benefit mamas?
I give mamas realistic, actionable tools and advice that they can utilize in their lives and see immediate changes to their health and well-being. Knowledge is power.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
One of my clients told me that I literally changed her life - she credited the changes to her health that she made as a result of working with me as the tipping point that helped her conceive naturally after 2 years of fertility struggles. It doesn’t get much more rewarding than that – all the feels!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Dr. Catherine Goodstein – Wonderful ob/gyn who has been a mentor to me. She also delivered my son!
Joanne Silver – Yoga instructor with a specialty in prenatal and postnatal yoga.
Leyla Bilali – Extremely knowledgeable and warm fertility consultant and nurse at RMA.
Alli Kasirer – Founder of Fertilegirl and a leader in helping to break the stigma around infertility.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“Stop and smell the roses” - I think as moms it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and forget to enjoy all the incredible moments that life with young children has to offer. And if spending 10 extra minutes enjoying my son in the morning means I’m late to my workout class, I’m ok with it!
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Google calendar! My hubby and I have a shared google calendar for events, date nights and our work and a separate calendar for our son which we share with our nanny. It just helps streamline everything and ensures everyone is on the same page!
How can our readers get in touch?
Sarah Rueven MS, RDN, CDN
Rooted Wellness
sarah@rootedwellness.com
240-888-7772
http://rootedwellness.com