MY STORY

Hi, I am Cindy! I am so glad you’ve come to visit. Years ago, while living in San Diego, I took my mother – who was visiting from Hong Kong and was sick with a cold – to a local walk-in community clinic. What I saw there started my career in nutrition. I saw many young Hispanic moms there, repeatedly giving their small children sugary drinks and candies, during the hours we were there. “Don’t they know?” I incredulously asked myself. Naively a bit judgmental I must admit. As the mother of twin toddlers at the time, I could empathize with their desire to please their kids. I decided I wanted to support these well-meaning moms and others like them, in how to nourish their family healthfully. This began my journey as a registered dietician.

In my dietetic master’s degree program, I was trained in the biochemistry of metabolism of the nutrients in foods. I designed meal plans with exactly the right nutrients to treat chronic medical conditions, from cardiovascular diseases to diabetes. I designed diet plans for weight loss. But there was a disconnect growing in me. I recognized that when I cooked for my family at home, the joy of eating and the challenges of daily life would often override the numbers and percentages that I was taught.

As a working mom, I know firsthand the demands of juggling a job and running a household, and how hard it is to consistently eat healthfully. At home, I don’t strive for perfection, but at school, I was trained to deliver perfection for clients, and sometimes expected the same perfection from them.

But women are not numbers, calories, or percentage!

I realized that eating healthfully begins before the first morsel of food is put on a plate. Our environment and lives influence what goes on the plate. There is also diet information, often confusing and conflicting or plain wrong, everywhere on the Internet. Do we wonder why many people are confused?

I appreciate that you are a mom, a daughter, a wife, a manager, an entrepreneur, a runner, a musician, a realtor, a police officer, a CEO, or a doctor first. Figuring out optimal diets isn’t your first job. To thrive for the people you love, and do the things you love in your life is your priority. I can help you.

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I love to eat. I love everything about eating, from grocery shopping, to talking to farmers or food vendors, dicing, slicing, sautéing, and the conversations at the dinner table. I also understand that the relationship with foods is often more complicated for some of you. I can help you.

I was the nutrition education director of the New York Beef Council for 6 years, helping consumers improve their quality of life by educating in areas of weight loss, sports nutrition and healthy meal planning. Before that, I was the primary dietitian at St. Luke’s Hospital’s critical care unit. I have experience providing nutrition therapy to help the sick get well, promoting wellness and preventing illnesses.

I have a Master’s degree in nutrition science from Syracuse University, winning their Master Prize with my research thesis on fast food children’s meals.

Giving back to the community is important to me. I am the President of the Mohawk Region Dietetic Association, where I helped our fellow dietitians be the best nutrition experts. I am also the local Board of Education member for New Hartford Central School District, serving students and families in my community. For years, I have been the nutrition expert panelist for the 15K Boilermaker road race, helping runners to eat to win.

I recently asked a number of colleagues and friends to take an anonymous survey about my strengths and weaknesses. A strength that stood out was that I am a good listener, and I am relatable. I would like to put that strength to work with you, to help meet your goals and to be part of your journey to be free, confident, and healthy.

When I’m not working or cooking, you will find me dancing ballet at the studio. I recently had my first Tango lesson. It would my dream to take all of you on a food tour to Hong Kong, to experience the smells of street food and the wonderful fresh markets. Until then, it would be my pleasure to help you find your inner wellness right here. I know it is there, within you, just waiting to come out.