“My name is Joanna and I am 31 yrs. old. This fall my husband and I began what can often be a long and trying process in order to become pregnant. Having been a vegetarian for the past 20 years, I felt it was extremely important to seek the advice of a trained nutritionist in order to be sure I was getting all of the proper nutrients to have a healthy pregnancy. I had heard old wives tales that no individual can give birth to a healthy baby without the addition of meat. I am unwilling to eat meat or fish at any future point in my life. Being concerned, I called my doctor for a recommendation. My doctor replied without hesitation and recommended Judy Caplan, even adding, ‘she is fantastic.’
“I called Judy and we made an appointment. Judy asked to make the appointment in two weeks so I could keep a food and drink journal. This was a great idea so Judy could really analyze my eating habits and routine. I felt an instant connection with Judy, even over the phone. She warm and reassuring; she did not rush to get off the phone like so many other health professionals. She asked about my diet, exercise habits, family history and intentions for the future. I really felt, that she cared and was making the extra effort to answer all of my questions.
“For two weeks I kept the journal with absolutely everything I ate and drank. For our appointment we met me at my home, which was very convenient. Over the next two hours we went over everything in my daily routine and Judy gave me vegetarian recipes high in protein. She made recommendations on how to add additional protein into my diet and more fruit. We went over an extensive list of vegetables, fruits and protein, along with their contents of fat, carbohydrates, calories etc. All the information Judy brought was mine to keep and access in my daily life. She put me at ease about old tales and made me feel confidant about a vegetarian diet during pregnancy.
“Judy has kept in touch with occasional e-mails to make sure I am on track with my diet and feeling good about it. I got pregnant right away and everything appears to be going along well.
“Thank you, Judy, for making me feel confidant about my diet and knowing that I am eating properly for a healthy baby.”
– Joanna Haeberle - Program Manager, Tuesday's Children
“In the summer of 2003, a routine blood test led to my being advised of an elevated triglyceride level. My doctor highlighted the concerns, and suggested that a change in diet would be the best way to address the issue. His specific diet advice, however, was somewhat limited. I decided that the next step should be meeting with a qualified nutritionist, with the goal of determining a diet plan.
“A friend referred me to Judy, and we met in the summer of 2003. She asked that we meet at my house, for reasons that later became obvious. Ahead of sitting down to discuss the situation, Judy wanted to examine our refrigerator cupoards and pantry. I was pretty sure that the first thing I'd hear would be a description of a need for what's commonly called a ‘lifestyle change’ or, ‘stop eating anything that might taste even remotely good.’
“Fortunately, that was not the case. Judy used simplistic terminology to explain what it would take to lower the triglyceride level, while establishing other, equally important goals. These included the need to:
“Nearly three years later, I'm more than a little pleased to report that the triglyceride number has returned to a normal level. Additionally, cholesterol levels have been reduced along with several unwanted pounds. I credit Judy with this success.”
– Mithcell H. Freedman, AIA, NCARB
