Vernon Nutrition Center can keep weight loss goals in check
FRANKLIN — Just eight months after becoming a Registered Dietitian, Erin Palinski opened Vernon Nutrition Center in 2004. Originally opened in Vernon, the center has moved to Franklin which offers more space.
"I had always wanted to start my own practice and being from Sussex County," she said, "I saw the need for a local private practice dietitian and decided to act."
Now, over a decade later, despite economic ebbs and flows, her business is going strong and Palinski has grown her business and brand with the publication of four consumer books, the latest of which will be released on April 27.
Growing the business
"Outside of one-on-one patient focused visits, I have grown my business with these books plus traveling throughout the country speaking on nutrition and health, and working as a media expert for local and national news to discuss nutrition trends and health topics," Palinski said.
When Palinski first opened, she reached out to area health care providers such as general practitioners, pediatricians, endocrinologists, physical therapists, school nurses and fitness professionals to let them know what services she would be offering and how they might benefit their clients and patients. She also wrote articles and press releases for local publications to get the word out about the practice.
Business grew rapidly which allowed Palinski to hire additional dietitians to help see clients. She was also able to expand to open a second office location in Bergen County allowing the office to service individuals throughout northern New Jersey.
As the years passed, due to demand, she also expanded her services to online/virtual services providing phone and Skype based appointments to clients who live outside her office areas or who may have difficult schedules.
Biggest nutrition obstacle
"Obesity has become an epidemic among adults as well as children," Palinski said. "Due to this, the rise in obesity related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease is being seen in younger and younger individuals."
She said that many people are aware of some of the changes they need to make to improve their health, but are unable to make the changes needed on their own.
"Working with a nutrition professional as your 'coach' can take an overwhelming situation, such as a diabetes diagnosis, and simplify it to make it manageable and help you to take control of your health."
Combating the lure of comfort food
Winter can lead to dietary disasters. The weather is bad and people are stuck indoors.
"When it gets cold and dark, we often want to 'hibernate' and eat high calorie, filling foods," Palinski said. "You can still indulge in your favorites, but you can tweak them a bit to make them healthier and lower in calorie whil still tasting just as great."
For instance, if you crave pizza, select a thin crust whole wheat dough and go light with the cheese and heavy with the veggie toppings.
Love chili? Opt for vegetarian chili or chili made with ground chicken or turkey breast to cut the fat.
Fill up on broth based soups, which are a great way to help you feel satisfied (and warm) while taking in few calories.
She said that if you find you eat larger portions in the colder months, opt to drink a hot tea before the start of your meal. The warm fluid helps you to feel full (with no calories), helping you to eat slower and take in fewer calories overall.
Marching on
Recently, Palinski was live on MSNNC on New Years Day to discuss healthy nutrition resolutions, and last week, she conducted a satellite media tour in NYC where she did more than 20 TV interviews via satellite in one day discussing ways to improve heart health for American Heart Month.
Palinski's first book, “Belly Fat Diet For Dummies” (Wiley 2012) was just translated into German and since then, she's published “2 Day Diabetes Diet” (Reader’s Digest, 2013), and the “Flat Belly Cookbook For Dummies” (Wiley, 2013- co-author). Her most recent book coming out in April is her first exercise based book entitled “Walking Off the Weight For Dummies” (Wiley 2015). "Outside of this, I also became a mom for the first time this past year, which I feel is the biggest accomplishment of my life," she said. "Running a business and becoming a parent has it’s challenges, but it has certainly been the most rewarding year of my life so far."