Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor Helps Montclair Live A Healthier Life

A popular quote attributed to Dale Carnegie states "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Bernadette Armiento took that statement literally. After spending over a decade in the advertising and marketing industry, Armiento experienced a layoff. "When my corporate job was eliminated, it ultimately was a gift, because it gave me time to reflect on what I wanted to do for the next phase of my professional life. It was an 'if not now, when?' moment for me, so I decided not to jump back into that world, and to pursue my passion."

      Armiento always had been passionate about health, wellness, nutrition and fitness.  Combined with the fact that she also loved to cook and to eat, the transition into a career as a Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor was smooth. "I graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2006, and have been working as a Health Counselor ever since," said Armiento.

      She and her partner, Raymond, lived in Montclair for 8 years before moving to West Orange. "It was great to experience the walkability of the neighborhood and to observe the changes to the town that have happened over time," said Armiento. She still remains a big fan of Montclair.  "I teach at the Adult School of Montclair, and I'll be teaching classes on Deliciously Healthy Fall Desserts, and Healthy Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies. I recommended those classes because I find that people are eager to learn how to 'healthify' familiar dishes, but aren't sure how."  She is also on the roster at the wonderful new cooking studio on Bloomfield Avenue, and will be putting ideas together for fall classes there as well.  She is scheduled to teach a class, "Farm-to-Table Vegetarian Feast" on Sept. 19th.

No matter where she teaches, Armiento tailors her services to her client's needs. "I support my clients in whatever way they need me to in order to reach their goals for their health,' she said. "Through a combination of coaching, hands-on activities, such as cooking, shopping, a food diary or stress reduction exercises, they learn to get in touch with what foods and lifestyle behaviors are best suited for them."

Armiento explained, for example, that if someone isn't ready to start doing a lot of cooking, they will work on strategies for making better choices while eating out, or she teaches them simple things they can do at home. However, her role as a Counselor goes beyond what people are eating. "We also work on what's called 'primary food', the other areas of life that deeply nourish us, such as career or physical activity."  Armiento revealed that if any area of her client's life is out of balance, it's difficult to achieve true health. "I always tell clients that 'it's all food,' said Armiento, "meaning all the areas of life impact their health, so it's okay to bring it into the discussion. I provide a lot of accountability and support, along with a firm "nudge" when needed!"

      Armiento's clients, as well as their needs, vastly vary. "I work with busy, time-pressed individuals who are often successful in many areas of their lives, but just can't seem to get a handle on their relationship with food," she said. Many people come to her to focus on weight loss, to deal with food sensitivities or other conditions, emotional eating, or to cut through all the confusing diet and food information that's out there. 

      She loves teaching in both communities. "The adult education programs in Montclair and South Orange draw smart, open-minded people who are eager to expand their horizons, which makes them fun to teach. It's a way to give back as well. For example, I'm happy to be offering a class this fall at the Montclair YMCA, where I work out," said Armiento. 

In addition to her private and small cooking classes, she is also open to talking to small business, corporate and civic audiences. "I can develop a terrific program that can be a great motivator, and ultimately, help improve productivity and employee morale."

Armiento finds her work very rewarding. "What I find extraordinary is that when they start making changes in their food, often many other things start to shift....they start a new job, meet a new love, or move.  It's pretty cool to witness the transformation!"

To check out what Bernadette Armiento is up to, go to:  http://www.shininglifenutrition.com

To find out more about Armiento's workshops taking place at the Adult School of Montclair, be sure to check her site: http://websites.integrativenutrition.com/BArmiento/Events/Index.aspx

Do you have ideas for upcoming columns, know an athletic enthusiast, want to ask a question, or can put me in touch with people who are inspiring or creating a healthier Montclair? Post a comment or email Judie Hurtado. Hurtado is an enthusiastic fitness and wellness expert with years of experience. She blogs about her health and fitness adventures at www.judiesjuice.wordpress.com. Her articles have been published in magazines such as Time Out New York and Park Place.