Lisa Podlecki, BSc, RD
Hello! My name is Lisa. I am a Registered Dietitian, food lover, runner, yogi, and overall health enthusiast. I am an Edmonton-based dietitian specializing in sports nutrition and disordered eating. My passion is to help others reach their sports nutrition goals and gain a healthy relationship with food.
Why the Name Oak Tree Nutrition?
Coming up with a name for my company was fun but definitely challenging at times! I wanted something that people could remember, but also something that had symbolic meaning.
The oak tree is a symbol of courage, strength, endurance, healing, and health. While that may seem like a lot of things for one tree to symbolize, these are all qualities that I admire and believe everyone has–whether they believe it or not!
I think it takes courage and strength to make changes towards living a healthy and balanced life that contributes to an overall sense of wellbeing. As a result of this journey, healing occurs, and health becomes habitual and sustaining.
Similar to the oak tree, I envision nutrition and health in a similar way. Like the roots of the oak tree, reputable knowledge of nutrition provides the strong foundation. Just as the oak tree needs water and nourishment to sustain growth, we too need to provide adequate food and water to the body. With a proper foundation we can become strong and able to cope with the challenges life might bring. The branches of the oak tree are long and windy, similar to the paths many of us take in our lives. Each branch symbolizes a different journey of self-discovery. Like the oak tree, the journey is not perfect, not symmetrical. It's beauty derives from the past it has been through, the present environment it lives in, and the goals it strives for.
Background Information
I graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Nutrition and Food Science, majoring in nutrition and minoring in physical activity. This included the completion of a 40-week internship.
For information regarding what a dietitian is, our qualifications, and our regulatory body, please see Eat Right Ontario and College of Dietitians of Alberta.
Becoming a dietitian was never something I envisioned; however, ever since my first nutrition course in university I knew this was what I was meant to do. This passion has continued to grow ever since. I truly love being a dietitian, talking about food, gardening, cooking (Okay–anything involving food, really), and helping others reach their nutrition and health goals.
On a More Personal Note...
My mantra of saying how important nutrition is and the effects it has on our body comes from a much more personal level then that of a textbook. During most of my teens and early 20s I suffered through eating disorders and a constant inner battle to be perfect. I noticed the effects these struggles had on my body, my mindset, the things I loved to do, and my social relationships.
However, on a very positive note, because of my background in nutrition and the completion of my yoga teacher training, I have learned that my past does not define who I am; rather, it makes me who I am. And because of this, I am able, with confidence, to teach people how important it is to fuel up your body correctly, whether it is for a sports competition or every day.
What Would it Be Like to Work With Me?
My approach is to work directly with you to meet your goals. I believe that both food and our bodies are incredible gifts–not something we should constantly be worrying about or struggling with. I very much believe in a holistic approach (incorporating mind and body) of teaching and working to meet the specific needs of each person. My intention is to work together to achieve your goals through small, sustainable steps and changes.
Specializing In:
- Sports Nutrition
- Disordered Eating
- Preventative Health
- Mindful Eating
- Sustainable Living
Get to know how I can help you meet your nutrition goals.
Book a free 15-minute phone call with me! This will give you a chance to get to know
me better and I can answer any questions you may have.