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But above all, I am a woman trying to feel great inside her own skin - a woman trying to juggle all different roles in her life and still live a happy life.
My professional background
I graduated from the College of Naturopathic Medicine, a world leader in the field of Nutritional and other Complementary therapies. I did my post-doctoral training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NY, and have a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University, in the US with a focus in Molecular Biology and Genetics. In addition, I have a BSc in Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry with a focus in Biochemistry from the National University of Mexico (UNAM) where I graduated with Honors.
I am a ADAPT Trained Practitioner, a one-year practitioner training program ocused on functional medicine and ancestral health, offered by Kresser Institute. I also completed the Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice Module with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
I am a full member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
Given my background in scientific research and systematic reviews, I am an advocate of evidence-based medicine and will only use specific dietary recommendations for which there is sound scientific evidence. I regularly attend specialist conferences and post-graduate lectures designed to update and expand my knowledge in the field of nutrition so that I can provide the very best advice to my clients.
Get to know my story, my passions, and what brings me joy
Hi. I am Mónica.
I am a wife, a devoted mother of three beautiful (and at times challenging) children (ages 10, 18 and 21), a friend, an exercise lover, a sister, a Mexican, a scientist, and a functional nutritionist.
I’ve Always Been Health-Conscious, But...
After having my third son, I hit rock bottom and started to develop a wide range of IBS-type of digestive symptoms: bloating, heartburn, indigestion, constipation (you know how it goes…). I also developed Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I was feeling tired, cranky, and had no motivation to do anything.
As a result, I enrolled in a Naturopathic Nutrition Program in the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. While there, I began to understand how the very powerful nutrients in our food interact with our cells – how they interact with our genes, the gut barrier, the microbiome, our immune cells and hormones to influence health.
I started to incorporate changes little by little and began to experience first-hand that a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, and a toxin-free life were essential for health. I started to feel better. I was not as tired and cranky; my mood changed.
But I was still not feeling 100% refreshed. I still had some digestive discomfort, and my Hashimoto´s was still progressing.
It was not until I incorporated a daily meditation practice that I realized how much the way I perceive stress and my reaction to it contribute to my symptoms. It has also become clear that the lack of social connections and a nurturing supportive network around me stop me from thriving and enjoying optimal health.
All this experience turned into my mission to develop a plan that aims to help individuals achieve both optimal physical health and happiness: Vigeo Nutrition was born.
By connecting and listening to my clients, I create a personalized plan that considers their unique context, physiology and preferences. A program based on what I call “Our Pillars of Health”:
- Diet
- Sleep
- Movement
- Microbiome
- Stress
- Toxic load
- Purpose in life
- Social Connections
Other things that make me who I am…
My big and loud family (all of it!), my dog, (always by my side when I am working from home, and helping me to keep my microbiome happy).
I have always loved food and cooking, but the best part has always been sharing the food I cook with the people I love.
I am scared of going to the dentist and I hate both broccoli and fish – although I still eat plenty of both!
I love colouring books and colouring pencils.
I enjoy lifting weights, an invigorating workout and a rejuvenating yoga class. I feel incredibly lucky for being able to hike or cycle along the beautiful CA coastline.
