About
Chichi
Max
Hi! My name is Steph, and I'm the owner of Ahava Nutrition. You might be wondering why/what is Ahava. The word Ahava means "love" in Hebrew, which connects to my goal for all of my clients- to practice self-love by finding peace with food through self-compassion. This means eating what you want without guilt, shame, digestive issues, and/or fear of how it'll affect your body.
When working with my clients, I reflect on my experience overcoming my own nutrition and GI struggles. This has allowed me to have a deeper perspective, connection, and drive in helping my clients achieve their goals. Additionally, I am a stroke survivor, and that has taught me how to cope with chronic health issues and adapt to physical and mental limitations.​​
​​
Additionally, I have experience in all higher levels of care. Through these exposures, I've learned the importance of how mental health can impact our ability to meet nutritional needs. With this in mind, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space, teach self-compassion, and give you the tools to make food more efficient and accessible in your life.
​
I am a trauma-specialized provider, and I am Health at Every Size-informed. I emphasize the importance of staying in communication with other members of your treatment team. I take a non-diet and non-weight-focused approach, and welcome those of all genders, sexualities, races, religions, and neurodivergence.
My Approach
With our bodies: We've all been there, bloated and defeated, searching for the nearest bathroom, skipping out on our favorite foods, and suffering in silence. Gastrointestinal issues are an invisible illness that too many people get used to living with daily. I take all digestive issues seriously and will never tell you it is "all in your head." Together, we will determine the best lifestyle interventions for you to feel better (because once you do, you'll never want to go back!).
​
With food: Our relationship with food and our bodies can be affected by the messages and food rules we learn growing up. Living in a household focused on dieting, maintaining appearances, and eating only "good" foods are a few examples of experiences that can cause us to become anxious about our food choices later on in life. This anxiety can take us away from the present moment by focusing on calories, nutrition labels, and what we will eat next. Our diet-focused culture doesn't make this any easier. Together, we will explore the foundation of your learned beliefs, establish new thoughts and feelings about food, and practice self-love through intentional nourishment.