About

 

Natural Zest Health Counseling is all about finding that zest for life again, and doing it in a way that feels right for you. This isn’t just my business, it’s a journey for me. Like so many people today I’ve had more than a few jobs; six jobs before age 30 – one was even for a circus! While I loved working with children with autism and other special needs, I felt the need for a different direction.

After years of dealing with depression and anxiety, I realized that there was something I could do it about it. I did more yoga, I meditated more, I tried to sleep better, but the KEY ingredient was food. As my food changed, my mood changed.  One day the lightning bolt struck and nutrition and wellness became the path.

Combining the experiences of teaching yoga and working as a behavior analyst with a masters in nutrition (University of Bridgeport) and studies at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I’ve found my recipe for life. Now it’s my goal, and the goal of Natural Zest Health Counseling, to teach others how to find their recipes. Food was my secret ingredient, but this is about so much more than some recipes and food recommendations, it’s about learning how to change behavior and keep it going.

~Rachel Katz Maeroff

 

For more on my food and life philosophy….

 

What Clients Have to Say:

My office had an office yoga session and loved it!  Everybody commented about how relaxed they felt afterward and how they will implement some of the techniques at their desks.  It is great for a stress reliever and for general wellness as a whole!

~ Zach Shelomith, Leiderman Shelomith, P.A.

 

[Rachel is] Someone in whom I could confide and who respected the confidentiality of our discussions. I learned how organic and whole foods improved my health considerably, and how meditation has helped to improve my whole perspective on life.  Rachel has a wealth of knowledge–from personal experience–on how to improve the quality of my life.

~Joan

 

I loved how the sessions were not a recounting of “tell me everything you ate for the past two weeks” but rather a discussion on steps for improvement in all areas of life.  The program is not only about what you eat; it is about how you live and work as well.  I never expected to talk about personality types or organization or journaling with a nutritionist, but it all falls under the holistic idea of nutritional counseling. She manages to be forthright in her assessments without coming across as harsh; she listens well and provides excellent insights.  Another aspect of Rachel that I appreciated was her acknowledgement that different people eat differently; when I said that I preffered to not eat meat, she accepted that and we talked about how I could eat a healthy vegetarian diet. Finally talking to a professional about food helped me get straightened out and overcome my major food issues.

~CM

 

One year ago in June I finished Rachel’s 6 month health counseling program. One year ago in June I began an entirely new life! My relationships with friends and family have steadily improved, but most importantly I have a new relationship with ME!  She helped me to really identify where I was and where I wanted to go, and then map out a plan of action to get me there. I found that I had been paralyzed by an overwhelming fear to rock the boat and make changes, but by making small steps toward a goal, Rachel coached me to make huge changes. I discovered new interests, found my way back to old hobbies, and had great fun along the way. Rachel’s holistic approach helped me learn that I can only take care of my family after I take care of myself – and she gave me the tools to do so. Now it is one year later, and I am on a path that I enjoy, and have continued with my healthy habits and the tremendous benefits that go hand in hand. While working with Rachel I managed to shed a lot of stress, anxiety and pounds. She has a natural knack for focusing on the root of a problem and assisting in finding solutions that work – without relying on guilt!  Thank you Rachel!

~Lisa

 

We had Rachel teach a yoga class at our law firm recently, and it was very well received.  We all enjoyed the class and learned new techniques for stretching and working out those tight muscles.  It was great because we were able to do yoga in our business attire and did not use mats.  We did most of our exercises using office chairs, and I have used many of the yoga movements since then.

~Tammy