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Rachel S.
My son Marcus is a changed man at 7 years old, thanks to an approach to nutrition that honors what his body needs.....At Marcus's six-year-old check-up, we finally found a doctor we liked, who listened to us, and could see Marcus as a person. He noticed that Marcus was overweight, and that his growth was out of whack for his age. He also noticed that Marcus had some behavioral issues going on. I told him that we ate healthy – whole grains, lots of fruit and veggies, lean protein, etc. – and that I really felt at wits end about how to help Marcus. That day, we were referred to Debbie for Nutritional Counseling, to a local Occupational Therapist, and to a Pediatric Endocrinologist to test for growth abnormalities.
Marcus got diagnosed with a Sensory Processing Disorder by the OT, which felt like a confirmation that something was up with our son, and that it wasn't because we are bad parents. While the endocrinologists did their freak-out medical thing, we went to see Debbie almost as a last resort. I dreaded the visit, because I thought she wouldn't believe me that we work hard to feed Marcus healthy food. Still, I didn't know what to do for him, and I was resigned to the diets of my childhood – boiled chicken breasts, low-fat diet food, and tasteless vegetables - no fun food! I was willing to do anything, if it meant that Marcus might feel better.
What went down in that first appointment was life-altering for my whole family, Marcus and myself included. Debbie put together all of the problems we had been facing with Marcus from his infancy. Gluten, it turns out, can impact our neurological functioning (hence, Marcus's sensory processing disorder), our gastrointestinal functioning (hence, the “accidents”), and a whole host of other problems, including weight issues, dental issues, growth issues, and more! We got tested, and found out that we all have a genetic disposition to gluten sensitivity, and that Marcus was allergic to gluten, in addition to dairy!
Our kitchen is gluten-free, now, and while it was a big transition, my entire family feels so much better that you couldn't pay me to go back to our old way of eating, and our old lifestyle around food.
We are amazed at the dramatic impact going gluten-free has had in our son's life. We don't have to convince Marcus not to eat gluten or dairy – he can see for himself that he feels better when he eats food that likes him back. He has become his own advocate now, letting people know that he doesn't eat gluten or dairy, because they make him feel bad! Marcus no longer craves bread and baked goods. We used to have battles over the bread basket, and now Marcus just stops eating – even sweets!- when he feels full. There are no more accidents... at all...ever. No more ear infections. No more growth issues. He has gotten leaner, his skin, hair, and eyes are shinier, and he has discovered a love for using his body for healthy activities he used to avoid, like rock-climbing and football. He has gotten better at making friends, and keeping them. His teacher at school looked at us like we were crazy when we told her that he had been diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder. She says she has never had any behavior issues, and that Marcus is a great listener, a focused worker, and an asset to the class. Even my mother, who dismisses our “Crazy Boulder” food lifestyle, noticed that Marcus is calmer and more present to himself and others these days.
We are grateful to have found Debbie, and grateful to have been able to put together what seemed like separate, independent issues into a holistic plan for wellness.
Shelby B.
I want to thank you for all the help that you have given me in order to help Lauren. You were the one to “diagnose” Lauren with her health issues, not the doctors. I have thanked God often for placing you in my path. You have been a fabulous support and guide into the world of gluten free, milk free, and whole foods.
She is doing so well on her diet. She rarely says now that "my tummy ache hurts". Which always sounded to me like she had a constant stomach ache, but it hurt more at certain times. She is ravenous over the last 2 weeks. I am not sure why, but all she wants to do is eat. She eats a great breakfast, lunch, dinner and healthy snacks in between. Sometimes, 30 minutes after a meal, she is ready for another meal!
Anyway, thank you for all that you have done. My baby is happy all the time now, without a stomach ache!!!
Gina H.
When I first began sessions with Debbie my goal was detoxification. I had just returned to the United States after a year of living in one of the largest and most polluted cities in the world. With Debbie’s guidance, I began to feel my body healing itself, with this came a deeper sense of relaxation. Towards the end of our three-month consultation, my husband and I became pregnant.
A year passed during which I went through an uncomplicated, healthy pregnancy and gave birth to our daughter, Ella. Soon after Ella’s birth I began to see Debbie again with a different set of concerns. This time I wanted to find out what I could with my diet to make Ella thrive. How could I make sure that the breast milk received by her was as nutritious as it could be? How could I boost her immunity through breast milk and solid food? How could I ensure that my supply kept up with her appetite? Debbie helped to answer these questions and more.
Today both Ella and I have Debbie to thank for bringing us through transition periods and into the whole foods diet we now both enjoy—we are grateful.
Norma W.
Debbie Sarfati changed my daughter’s life! My 15 year old daughter, Rachel, was diagnosed with mild hypoglycemia in 2009. Our pediatrician suggested we consult a nutritionist to help manage Rachel’s hypoglycemia. A good friend recommended Debbie, saying she was a “nutrition angel”.
Before Rachel started seeing Debbie, she was taking Prevacid (prescription antacid medication) every day for her heartburn. After Rachel started seeing Debbie, implementing Debbie’s suggestions and following a healthier diet, she no long takes her Prevacid – she doesn't need it.
Rachel’s moods are better, she has more energy and best of all, she is in control of her own health. As a young adult I felt it was important for her to take charge of her health. She has embraced a healthier lifestyle; she has her own grocery list, and prepares her own food; I am so proud of her! Rachel has influenced the rest of our family to make better diet choices, and as a result we all feel much healthier. Debbie is our nutrition angel.
Rachel W.
I'm 15 years old and last year I was diagnosed with mild hypoglycemia. My Dr. recommended that I should try to eat every few hours and that would help me. It wasn't enough, since she had not told me what to eat or why, so I ate whatever food I was hungry for, every few hours, but I ended up feeling worse, and had constant heartburn. I tried fixing these problems by taking heartburn medication prescribed by my doctor every evening and trying to “boost” my energy by eating sugary foods. This only gave me immediate relief and a few hours later I was back to square one. I was tired all the time and when I was tired, I was cranky, frustrated, and couldn't focus on things like homework that needed to be done; I knew something had to be wrong for me to feel this way all the time, and to have to take heartburn medication every day.
My mom decided to take me to see Debbie after talking to a friend who highly recommended her. I was really excited to start changing my diet with Debbie’s help, desperate to feel better and to bring up my energy level. After the first few sessions, I was having a hard time trying new foods and tossing the Cheetos and I wasn't sure that all this would even help. However, soon I started noticing that eating certain foods helped keep my energy up longer and I didn't have such a hard crash. I liked many of the new foods and I am now hooked on pomegranates. I am proud to say that I no longer need to take any medication for my heartburn. My energy level and overall wellness level is constant and where it should be. My body prefers healthier foods; eating things that I used to love like Cheetos and , now makes me feel awful and I can’t eat them any more without regretting it. Debbie has truly changed my life and I am very grateful. Thank you so much Debbie!
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