I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona — home of the wildcats, beautiful saguaros, and delicious tacos. Growing up in a Persian family, food has always been a strong part of my culture — from traditional dishes and saffron and pistachio infused desserts, to a beautiful blend of rose water and cardamom black tea to complete the meal. I hope to continuously remind myself, my loved ones, and my clients that food is nourishing and an essential part of creating a balanced life. Food is healing, diverse, unconventional, and there’s no right or wrong. Better yet, the possibilities are endless.
As a child, I was drawn to the world of medicine. I had a dream of becoming a doctor when I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 9. Following this turning point in my life, my passion to guide others was crystalized and confirmed. I moved through the early years of my chronic disease with difficulty and resistance. I was angry and my body and health paid the price. It wasn’t until college that I took ownership of my diabetes and began to understand the gravity of the daunting complications I could potentially suffer. I realized that food, mindset, education, and implementation were focal points for my health. These elements are foundational to developing a stronger and more confident approach to self management. This is when I started to understand the difference between identifying myself as a “diabetic” vs. an individual living with diabetes. From that moment on, I never made the same rhetorical mistake again.
This process led me to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC). I fell in love with the clinical world of nutrition support (including enteral and parenteral nutrition). I developed a unique approach and interest in my patients living with diabetes. I gained extensive experience providing medical nutrition therapy and counseling for pediatrics and adults, and am now ready to embark on a new and exciting adventure.
Currently, I live in Seattle with my loving husband — and high school sweetheart — and my energetic and bright toddler. I’m also seven months pregnant with our second child and find myself navigating the complexities and difficulties of achieving target blood glucose ranges during pregnancy. Despite my clinical background in dietetics, diabetes education, and personal experience of living with diabetes, managing diabetes during my pregnancies has been the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life. These experiences have strengthened me as a practitioner, mother, wife, and individual navigating the journey of living with diabetes. I am devoted to providing support, education, and compassionate understanding to individuals managing a chronic disease, living with diabetes, and expectant mothers with diabetes.
- Negin
Comments