Athena Nutrition
Functional Based Nutrition with Cari Verde, MS, CNS, LDN
This is the era of evidence-based personalized nutrition, which means there is no single “right diet” for everyone. What is healthy for one person, may be unhealthy for another, based on our genetics, lifestyle, dietary preferences, microbiome, and so much more.
Food is information that tells the body how each cell how to function. The information provided to our cells, either lead to chronic disease or to health and vitality. Given that nutrition advice seems to change regularly, how do you know what to eat, when to eat it, and if your body is using it properly?
Athena Nutrition applies the latest science and research, helping you to eliminate the confusion and dispel fact from fiction. Not only will you learn what foods and nutrients work best for your but, but why!
Cari uses a functional approach to design personalized health and wellness programs that provide metabolic repair, body composition improvements, and disease prevention. Through individualized plans, she provides targeted strategies for diet, exercise, and nutritional supplementation. Cari is also an expert in analyzing blood chemistry and hormonal balance. After a thorough review and assessment of each patient, she provides easy-to-follow, habit changing, therapeutic programs, and lifestyle modification techniques.
One day dietary fat is considered “the enemy” and the next it’s considered “your friend.” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Cari’s extensive training helps to navigate this confusing and ever-changing information, providing you with the understanding and tools you need to succeed. Her nutrition philosophy is based on the fact that food, both healthy and unhealthy, and our lifestyles provide information to instruct body. These instructions extend to the cellular level, impacting metabolic function, the immune system, nerve impulses, and so much more. Because of each person’s individuality, slightly different information or nutritional input is required. Research shows that people have a variable response to the same food. Certain foods may be healthy for one person and unhealthy for another.
Health is far more complex than “calories in verses calories out.” Personalized nutrition takes into account your unique biochemistry, genetics, and lifestyle factors to uncover the root cause that may be contributing to your condition. Get an individualized nutrition plan based on your specific medical and health needs. We’ll partner with you to determine the best plan for your goals, whether you simply want to shed a few pounds, change your habits, or have complex health concerns.
Generic cookie cutter approaches don’t work with chronic or complex issues. Whether you are looking for help in changing habits, losing weight, fixing digestive discomfort, mitigating autoimmunity, managing blood sugar, improving cognition, decreasing inflammation, increasing energy, or managing chronic disease, you’ll receive a customized program to restore balance and help you feel better.
What is the Functional Approach?
The functional approach asks, “WHY and HOW did these symptoms, conditions, illnesses, diseases, or even weight loss resistance occur.” The ultimate goal is finding “Root Cause Resolution” and restoring homeostasis (balance) for each unique individual. The traditional approach stops short at the diagnosis, only progressing most often with a one-size-fits-all band-aid approach, merely masking the symptoms and correcting nothing.
Rather than viewing the body as a collection of separate parts (i.e., digestive, nervous, & circulatory systems), the functional approach views body as an interconnected system. Dysfunction in one system will affect those others.
Why does eczema, diabetes, high blood pressure, low thyroid function, or acid reflux exist? The “why” is likely different for each individual, resulting in the need to explore the relationships between diet, lifestyle, biological systems, genetics, and the environment to promote healing.
Hypothyroidism is an excellent example of how the conventional approach to a medical condition falls short, ignoring the problem’s underlying cause. Usually, a screening thyroid lab test is done (TSH), but other essential parts of the underlying cause are not assessed. A single synthetic medicine is generally prescribed based on that single screening test, all while ignoring the underlying cause. Cari understands this concept. Her advanced training allows her to find the underlying cause of a medical issue and focus on personalized solutions with a functional approach.
The reality is most conditions stem from several different causes or factors, not just one. Additionally, a single condition likely stems from other reasons in different people.
Using this individualized, patient-centered, science-based method allows patients and practitioners to work together in a therapeutic partnership to address the root causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.
What to Expect From Nutritional Counseling in Silver Spring, MD
First time trying into nutrition counseling in Silver Spring? Think of it as a guided treasure hunt – with delicious rewards. You come for better eating, but you leave with energy, clarity, and confidence. It’s not just about swapping cookies for kale; it’s about learning what your body really needs and how to support it sustainably.
First Appointment
When you arrive your journey begins with curiosity and ends with clarity.
Get ready to spill the beans (and we don’t mean chickpeas). Your initial visit is a full body inventory. Your provider will dive into your medical history, current diet, lab results, medications, and lifestyle rhythms, everything from sleep habits to stress levels to that late night sweet tooth.
This isn’t just a chat about calories. Your provider uses all of this information to understand what’s actually going on inside your body.
Whether it’s sluggish metabolism, gut imbalances, hormone fluctuations, or nutrient deficiencies, they’re here to find the root cause, not just slap on a dietary Band-Aid.
Customized Nutrition Plan
Based on your intake and lab results, your provider creates a plan that aligns with your body, your goals, and your taste buds. Think of this as your edible game plan, filled with balance, not restriction.
You’ll be guided toward whole foods rich in fiber, lean proteins, healthy fats, and the occasional indulgence that won’t derail your progress. Depending on your needs, you may also be introduced to supplements or therapies to address specific imbalances.
Early Phase: Implementation and Accountability
Now the real fun begins. Over the next few weeks, you’ll attend regular follow-ups – weekly or bi-weekly – to put your plan into action. These sessions are your chance to troubleshoot cravings, tackle unexpected roadblocks, and celebrate wins.
You’ll also track your progress with measurable outcomes. That could include improved blood sugar, fewer GI symptoms, or even a visible difference in how your clothes fit.
Ongoing Check-Ins: Refine and Reinforce
As the weeks go by, your provider may recheck labs to monitor key markers – like cholesterol, glucose, or inflammation levels – and adjust your plan accordingly.
This stage focuses on solidifying habits and managing any plateaus. Your nutrition plan is a living, breathing strategy, evolving as your body and goals do. You’ll continue to build confidence, learn how to course-correct, and eventually transition into a long-term rhythm that works with your life.
Why Nutrition Counseling in Silver Spring, MD Works
Here’s the secret sauce to success:
- You’re not guessing: You get real data, labs and lifestyle factors that lead to smart, tailored decisions.
- You’re supported: Weekly check-ins keep you motivated, accountable, and on track.
- You’re realistic: The goals are sustainable, not extreme. No crash diets, just progress you can actually maintain.
- You’re holistic: Nutritional counseling here is tied into hormones, gut health, sleep, and energy, not just calories.
Within a few months, most clients report improved digestion, better sleep, reduced bloating, fewer cravings, mood balance, and healthy weight change if desired. These aren’t just surface level changes, they’re life improvements.
The Finish Line is Just the Beginning
Nutritional counseling in Silver Spring, MD isn’t about obsessing over macros or fearing food, it’s about transformation. From your first session to ongoing check-ins, Atlantis Medical Wellness & Weight Loss helps you turn confusion into clarity, frustration into progress, and intentions into results.
Let Cari show you how simple, sustainable nutrition can change everything – from the inside out. When you’re ready to feel more energized, more in control, and more you – we’re here for it.
Call Atlantis Medical Wellness & Weight Loss at 301‑658‑7686 to get started today. Contact us with questions, and ask about our specials.
We are committed to you and your nutrition. ACT NOW and receive 10% Off any Athena Nutrition membership program and a one month supply of the powerful Antioxidant Blend multivitamin.