Meet Norah Candito | Registered Dietitian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Norah Candito and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Norah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was in my clinical program to become a Registered Dietitian, I completed twenty different rotations, mostly clinical, as part of the practicum. In each setting I thought, “this isn’t for me.” That was until I had an experience at an Inflammatory Bowel Disease clinic. Seeing individuals listen intently to the recommendations of the dietitian, follow them, and see their quality of life improve was eye-opening. I thought to myself, “this is it.” Years later, I created my own private practice to provide the kind and quality of care that I wished to receive from health care providers when I began navigating my own health issues. I love that I am not limited to a job description, which has allowed me to be much more creative in my role. I can shape-shift and pivot to better serve my clients at any point. The opportunities feel limitless in this role, which is so exciting.

What should our readers know about your business?
I run a vibrant and thriving, virtual, private nutrition practice (say that five times fast). I help individuals navigating gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and hormone issues to feel at home in their bodies. I originally studied nutrition along the path to becoming a dermatologist, with the belief that nutrition impacts the largest organ of the body. I still believe this, but I approach it from a holistic and integrative lens as a Dietitian. My own story influenced the path of my profession. When I was in my clinical program, I started to experience my own GI issues (likely due to stress). After my time at the GI clinic, I quickly learned what may have been the root cause (likely birth control), but was given a band-aid solution. I began doing my own research to uncover the underlying issue(s). This inspired me to create my own practice, Nutrition with Norah. Here you are seen, heard, and validated in what you are experiencing. No one knows your body better than you do. There are no band-aid solutions involved – we get to the bottom of it, together. I am your teammate, advocate and teacher along the healing journey. I created a group program that combines education, outside speakers on pelvic floor physical therapy, mindset, meditation, breath work and more, all while being surrounded by a supportive community. This group is designed for individuals experiencing GI issues and hormone imbalances, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, migraines, fertility issues, acne, etc. I had three (out of three) individuals successfully get pregnant in the first cohort, others regained their menstrual cycles, experienced clearer skin, and saw huge changes in quality of life! I believe what sets me apart from others is my approach, and empathetic personality. My journey getting here has been anything from what I envisioned. Myself, along with many other Type A Dietitians, have long-term plans. I pictured working in a clinical setting for a few years, transitioning into outpatient care, then going into private practice. Well – all of those happened, but in a very different manner and order than I anticipated. I wouldn’t change one single step or experience. It has made me the clinician and provider I am today. I truly believe my resilience and attitude allowed me to get to where I am today. My mom always called me her “plan B girl,” because I always had a back-up plan. That skillset was essential. Thanks mom for burning those cookies for my first grade snack, with my response “It’s okay mommy, I’ll bring grapes.”

A large portion of my work and personal mission is to share menstrual health education (to all ages). I have been giving talks at high schools and various programs to spread this message, and provide the health class we all deserved to have. I share information on how we can manage menstrual health challenges through lifestyle + nutrition and not rely solely on medications like hormonal birth control.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Post-grad, I spent most of my time in Boston, Massachusetts, but I am now located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I loved playing host when people came to visit me in Boston. A typical day would look like: pick up coffee from Tatte Bakery in Beacon Hill, and sip + walk along the Charles River, on the esplanade. We’ll walk back towards the city on Newbury St, seeing beautiful window displays and admiring the architecture. Next we’ll stop at the Boston Public Library (if you want to see a city- check out their library). There is an old section and an updated portion of the library, a courtyard equipped with a water fountain and often live music, and even a “Harry Potter-esque” room with long wooden tables. We’ll pit stop for lunch at Life Alive Organic Cafe, and proceed through the Boston Common (large park in the center of the city), and pick up a portion of the Freedom trail on the other side. We’ll follow this downtown towards Faneuil Hall where the World War II monument is. Pitstop at the Sam Adams taproom for a quick beverage, before we head into the Boston Public Market – filled with different vendors (I love grabbing a kombucha on tap). Next we’ll rest our feet at Rose Kennedy Greenway near the water fountains before we proceed into the North End for dinner. Depending on season, we’ll cap the night at a Bruins game or a Red Sox game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many individuals who have been instrumental to my success. My parents & my family, who have supported me at every turn. are my biggest fans! My husband and his family, my friends, and many others along the way. I am so grateful for a community of entrepreneurs who continue to motivate and inspire me. To be honest, those that haven’t believed in me have also played a large role in my story. I have used it as motivation to continue to do the work that I do. I have been inspired by books: “Beyond the Pill” by Dr. Jolene Brighten and “In the Flo” by Alisa Vitti, as well as Dr. Aviva Romm.

Website: https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/

Instagram: https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norah-cliff-candito-ms-rdn-ldn-clc-231b79a7/

Other: https://nutrition-with-norah.mn.co/share/c7BPF1L8DsutLLnh?utm_source=manual

Image Credits
Brianna Clifford of Honeybee Portrait Design