Weight loss will always be a hot topic, and focusing on the nutritional aspects of healthy weight is critical to achieving real, lasting results. A holistic approach to healthy weight requires not just a scientific look into the patient’s physical health but also into their mental wellness – the mind–body connection is crucial to understanding how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
From dealing with the symptoms and side effects of menopause, looking for the perfect foods for their nutritional needs, and teaching patients to readjust their thinking toward food, holistic nutrition and weight loss is an individualized, patient-centered approach that allows patients and practitioners to work together to address the root issues and promote optimal wellness while working toward healthy weight goals.
Bridget Orosz, FDN-P, HTMA-P, HHC, Southington Holistic Health & Nutrition
During my second pregnancy, I developed dysautonomia and, after a year of suffering, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). In addition to debilitating vertigo, painful migraines, neck pain, neuralgia, and neuropathy, I struggled with intermittent visual impairment that left me temporarily blinded whenever I became overly stressed. At first, I couldn’t find any conventional doctors to believe my symptoms were real, let alone help me, so I set out to help myself. I would spend hours listening to countless audiobooks and any symptom-free time was spent hungrily scouring research articles online.
After my diagnosis, I was incorrectly told I had two options: lose weight or risk permanent blindness – a daunting task for someone who struggled with weight fluctuations much of my life. I came to understand that hormone imbalances and poor gut health were root cause factors for my own weight struggles, and with that knowledge, I lost nearly 70 pounds. I went on to start a weight loss coaching business before realizing my weight was probably not the cause of my IIH but rather a condition called mast cell activation syndrome. Nevertheless, I am appreciative of the journey which culminated in the opening of Southington Holistic Health & Nutrition.
During my time as a weight loss coach, I ran into several difficult weight loss resistance cases, and I knew that, like me, they had root causes we weren’t seeing. That’s when I discovered functional diagnostic nutrition (FDN), a program that trains health coaches to read and interpret functional lab testing. I knew this could potentially make a big difference for those tough cases and started the certification process. During that time, my young son became ill with some sort of mystery psychosis, and through my FDN advisors, I was able to discover he likely had a condition called PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome), caused by a gut infection. His healing journey helped me appreciate the importance of the gut-brain connection – not just as it relates to metabolism but to mental health as well.
The science now clearly indicates a connection between metabolism, mental health, and the microbiome; we’re just waiting for medicine to catch up. That’s where I come in – I serve people like me and my son who struggle to find comprehensive solutions in conventional care settings.
In addition to being the only in-person Complex Weight Management Coaching program in Connecticut, I also work with a lot of gut health concerns, and I have my unique Neuro-Nourish program. It’s a highly supportive program for people with neurological and nervous system-related concerns like POTS/dysautonomia, MCAS, migraines, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others.
Southington Holistic Health & Nutrition is a comprehensive service that offers functional lab testing, drug-free protocols, and holistic health and nutrition coaching. Owned and operated by Bridget Orosz, a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and Holistic Health Coach whose unique skill set is centered on minerals, metabolism, mental health, and the microbiome.
Bridget Orosz, FDN-P, HTMA-P, HHC, Southington Holistic Health & Nutrition • 92 N Summit St, Southington, CT • [email protected] • www.southingtonholisticnutrition.com • Schedule a free phone consultation: southingtonholisticnutrition.square.site • Voicemail or text 860.276.7637
Stephanie Fontano, MSN, EP-C, CFSC, HMC, Flexible Wellness
I’ve been where you are – obsessing over every detail of my health, restricting food, and depriving myself of fun in the pursuit of a perfect physique. But that obsession led to burnout and no real results. Through my own journey,
I realized that wellness isn’t about extreme measures or constant restriction. It’s about finding balance, reducing stress, and nurturing your body to feel your best. Flexible Wellness was born from my own struggles of obsessing over my health and body. Now, I want to encourage and guide you in living a high-quality, fulfilled life with your wellness in mind.
Many of us live with the misconception that to be healthy, we must constantly deprive ourselves and push ourselves to the limit. But the truth is, this approach often leaves us feeling drained and disconnected from our bodies. That’s where I come in.
I’m Stephanie Fontano, a holistic lifestyle coach, intuitive nutritionist and trainer, host of the “Bliss Up” podcast, and founder of Flexible Wellness, with degrees in exercise science and nutrition and a focus on holistic healing. I offer a variety of online services, from private coaching to group programs, self-paced courses, and nutritional support, all designed to help you find your authentic self, feel lighter, and become your own healer.
And I’m not your average coach. My goal is to guide you through a sustainable path that aligns with this season of your life and helps you feel like your most vibrant, favorite self, so you have more energy, less stress, and can naturally heal yourself.
Imagine waking up each day feeling energized, centered, and empowered. No more chasing perfection – just embracing a lifestyle that works for you. It’s your turn to transform.
Healing Through Balance: A New Approach to Wellness.
Stephanie Fontano, MSN, EP-C, CFSC, HMC, Flexible Wellness • [email protected] • www.flexiblewellness.net • Connect on socials: @blisswithstephf and @flexiblewellness
Monica Marcello, MS, RD, Founder and Lead Dietitian, Dietitian Driven, LLC
Many of our patients come to us after feeling dismissed by traditional healthcare or stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset that leaves them frustrated and defeated. At Dietitian Driven, we take a holistic approach rooted in the intersection of science and psychology to address not just physical symptoms but also the mental barriers that often stand in the way of progress.
Our approach to health is uniquely Dietitian Driven, blending expert nutrition strategies with counseling to support the mind–body connection and foster long-term wellness. We are passionate about this work because we understand how stress and chronic conditions feed into each other – a continuous cycle where stress worsens symptoms, and those symptoms, in turn, heighten stress. Breaking this loop requires more than just nutrition advice; it demands a thoughtful, personalized strategy.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility. Nutrition counseling shouldn’t be a privilege – it is a right. By working with insurance, we make it easy for patients to see us frequently, often at little to no cost, ensuring they have the consistent support they need to make real, lasting progress.
Our dietitians are experts in evidence-based nutrition, combining a strong foundation in science with counseling techniques like motivational interviewing and behavior change theories. This unique blend helps guide clients toward meaningful, sustainable changes that improve both their physical and emotional well-being. An excellent example of this – and one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a business owner – was working with a patient who had struggled with IBS and ulcerative colitis for years. She came to us feeling completely defeated after countless appointments with no clear answers or relief. During one of our follow-ups, she broke down in tears – not from frustration, but from a sense of hope she hadn’t felt in years.
She shared how the relief she was beginning to experience, both physically and emotionally, had transformed her outlook. What struck me most was her realization that the feeling of hope was just as powerful as the symptom relief she was experiencing. Knowing that our work had given her not just tools for managing her symptoms but also a renewed sense of optimism about her future was profoundly moving. Moments like this remind me why I’m so passionate about making nutrition care accessible and effective for everyone who needs it.
Whether you’re breaking free from the stress-illness cycle, healing your relationship with food, or striving for sustainable health, our team is here to support you every step of the way with compassion, care, and expert guidance.
Monica Marcello, MS, RD, Founder and Lead Dietitian, Dietitian Driven, LLC • Southington/Cheshire, CT • 203.479.9047 • www.dietitiandriven.com
Eminence Hormone & Weight Loss Center
At Eminence Hormone and Weight Loss Center, we understand the unique health challenges women face during menopause and beyond. Founded by two female experienced physician assistants with over 20 years of combined medical expertise, our clinic is dedicated to empowering women who have often been underserved by traditional healthcare.
Nutrition and exercise are fundamental to weight loss for women, but an often-overlooked dimension is optimizing hormones, particularly during menopause. The depletion of estrogen during this stage can significantly impact metabolism, hasten muscle loss, and contribute to fat redistribution, especially in the abdominal region.
Our approach encourages women to break free from the silence surrounding menopause and weight struggles. You deserve to feel strong, healthy, and ready to embrace the adventures ahead. At Eminence, you’ll find a safe space to share your goals, celebrate your successes, and transform your life.
Don’t settle for feeling less than your best.
Together, we will craft a plan that is as unique as you are. Whether it’s shedding stubborn weight, regaining your confidence, or simply feeling like yourself again, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Start your journey to a vibrant, healthier you today. Contact Eminence Hormone & Weight Loss Center to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you thrive!
Eminence Hormone & Weight Loss Center • West Hartford Center • 860.910.8669 • www.eminencehormoneandweightloss.com
Drew Mulvey, MS, CDN, CNS, PNL1, CLT, CISN, Redeeming Life Nutrition, Warrior Athlete Nutrition
Welcome to Redeeming Life Nutrition, where your nutrition journey is personal. I’m Drew Mulvey, board-certified nutrition specialist, certified integrative sports nutritionist, and owner of Redeeming Life Nutrition, LLC/Warrior Athlete Nutrition, and my passion is fueling your athletic dreams and holistic health.
My approach is rooted in both science and personal triumph over nutritional and athletic challenges, integrating alternative medicine avenues, including nutrition, supplementation, alternative care, food sensitivity testing, functional and integrative medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and mindset transformation. By implementing these principles, I regained my own athletic ability, returning to activities I love, such as CrossFit and triathlons, while overcoming past struggles with disordered eating and autoimmune conditions.
Now, I work with athletes and individuals striving to regain control of their health, helping them overcome chronic health challenges. I focus on shattering the chains of disordered eating, transforming mindsets around food, and igniting the spark of true athletic potential. Through my guidance, clients restore their vitality and achieve their full athletic and personal best.
My extensive knowledge in sports nutrition, functional medicine, and integrative health has not only improved my own athletic performance and well-being but has also empowered my clients to overcome setbacks and achieve their personal health and athletic goals.
Drew Mulvey, Redeeming Life Nutrition/Warrior Athlete Nutrition • 203.718.6335 • drew.mulvey@redeeminglifenutrition • www.redeeminglifenutrition.com
Geeta Sharma, DNP, NP-C, Everest Diabetes and Weight Loss
I’m Geeta Sharma, DNP, NP-C, founder of Everest Diabetes and Weight Loss. Everest is an exclusive telehealth clinic created in 2023 to provide holistic, integrative treatment for medical weight loss, diabetes care, and nutrition counseling to individuals in Connecticut.
I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Quinnipiac University in 2019 and completed my post-master’s certification in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism at Duke University in 2020. I am currently enrolled at The Institute of Functional Medicine. I believe in expanding knowledge and staying current with new, evidence-based information.
My passion for the treatment of prediabetes, diabetes, and weight management started early in my career. I was fortunate enough to take care of patients with diabetes and metabolic disorders in various settings. Unfortunately, by the time I was taking care of those patients, they were further in their disease process and appeared indifferent to changing their lifestyles. This is why I am motivated to help patients by intervening earlier in the disease process.
I have over a decade of experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner working in large organizations, including Yale, Trinity, and Baylor Scott and White. Often, these organizations emphasized getting patients in and out of the clinic as quickly as possible, treating only their symptoms rather than focusing on finding the root cause of their health issues. My frustration with “the system” led me to open my own practice, allowing me to offer personalized care and spend more time with my patients, providing the education and support they deserve. I use evidence-based approaches when treating my patients, including intermittent fasting, a low-carb, high-protein diet, portion control, and calorie restriction supplemented with weight loss medication education and personalized counseling.
I have seen firsthand my patients’ health transformations and improved quality of life. My typical patient struggles with weight management and often experiences symptoms including fatigue, low energy, hot flashes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, or diabetes. For most of my patients, the root cause of these disease conditions or symptoms is obesity. After receiving my personalized care, including education and support, patients are able to lose weight, feel more energetic, manage their blood pressure and cholesterol, and prevent prediabetes or diabetes.
At Everest, we are committed to providing access to all individuals using a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to care. Our mission at Everest is to empower individuals with the most up-to-date education and clinical care so they can take control of their health and be their own advocates.
Geeta Sharma, DNP, NP-C, Everest Diabetes and Weight Loss • 203.689.0558 • 85 N Main St, Ste. 1031, Branford, CT • [email protected] • www.everesteclinic.com