Phoowanai(Phoo) Gambino

Favorite thing to purchase at the Farmer’s Market or Grocery Store: Peppers

Favorite cultural dish or comfort food: Spicy foods

Grocery shopping tip: Make a shopping list.

Go-to morning beverage: Coffee

Favorite nutrient-packed snack: Dried fruits and nuts

What’s one small thing someone can do today to work toward a balanced eating pattern/lifestyle?: Explore what food means to you and be open minded about food ideology.

A habit you swear by: Maintain adequate hydration.

What’s your nutrition superpower?: Creating a safe space to talk about the impact of nutrition and health.

Nutrition philosophy in a nutshell: Lifestyle nutrition has always been an interest of mine especially as a child of immigrants. Being raised in New York City has exposed me to the diverse food culture all throughout the boroughs. Despite the current state of the world, one thing we all look forward to when in the comfort of our homes is coming together with friends and family over a nice meal. Food unites us, teaches us about who we are, and has strong cultural influence on our lives. Our eating habits affect every facet of our health, and with proper guidance, we can optimize our nutrition to improve quality of life and longevity. I am devoted to providing evidence-based, patient-centered nutrition are for all those in need to reach their lifestyle goals while continuing to celebrate their individual food cultures.

How has your cultural culinary heritage shaped your approach to nutrition?: Thai cuisine focuses on multiple flavor profiles, including sweet, sour, salty, savory, and spicy in each dish. It also emphasizes the pairing of meats and seafood with various herbs and spices to be shared with friends and family over rice and vegetables. We encourage more than one way to enjoy a meal, depending on what is being served. Within my practice, I strive to teach my patients multiple approaches to their eating habits and patterns. By providing various tools and resources, such as a Thai recipe, they are bound to succeed in their nutrition goals.

Favorite recipe: Authentic Thai Green Curry Chicken

Favorite book/TV show/movie: Scrubs

A mindful eating moment you had recently: Listen to how your body tells you about the feelings of fullness, hunger and thirst and compare with your typical eating habits and patterns.

Sleep ritual I never forget: Breathing exercises

What I listen to for inspiration: Piano classical music

Nutrition myth or trend you find particularly annoying and would like to set the record straight: The pH of the water you drink does not have any health benefits!