West Orange Resident Living Her Passion for Holistic Health

A popular quote attributed to Dale Carnegie states, "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Bernadette Armiento took that statement literally. After spending more than 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 loves 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.

The West Orange resident for 7 years, teaches at Chef's Laboratories in Montclair and at the South Orange and Maplewood Adult School, among other establishments, 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, 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. Her role as a counselor, however, 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," she said. 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 OK 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 often are 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 also is a big fan of West Orange. "I love the town because it's got a very diverse population, doesn't take itself too seriously, and has lots of wonderful open spaces," she said. "We live within walking distance to Eagle Rock Reservation where there's great food and easy access to almost everywhere."

In addition to her private and small cooking classes, she also is 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," she said.

Armiento finds her work 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," she said. "It's pretty cool to witness the transformation!"

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 creating a healthier West Orange? E-mail Hurtado. Hurtado is an enthusiastic fitness expert with years of experience and has spent nearly a decade on the business side of publishing as a Beauty Director at magazines such as Mademoiselle and Seventeen.