Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Lafortune.
Gregory, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I truly hated this reality and still battle it daily. I had two options to choose from:
1) Make excuses & let this diagnosis ruin my life, or
2) Take control of my health & forge an empowered narrative
I chose a proactive approach to my health and pursued a career as a Registered Dietitian. My approach emphasizes discipline and intention when it comes to your nutrition. Nutrition is something that we deal with every day, so I wanted to help everyday people work through chronic disease and promote preventive health. This has grown to a career dedicated to helping people, particularly men, become better advocates for their personal and family health. If I can help men decrease rates of chronic disease and promote healthful eating and longevity, families will benefit. Leaders will live longer. Communities will strengthen. I believe that optimal nutrition is the key to optimal performance in all areas of life. I give credit to my faith in Jesus Christ, my family, and many community colleagues/partners for where I am now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I am forging a path in men’s health that does not already exist. As a Registered Dietitian, I represent roughly 10% of all practicing male Dietitians in the United States. More specifically, as a black male, I represent >1% of Dietitians. Due to this demographic layout, men’s health is often overlooked in my profession. Many great nutrition resources for women’s health exist, but not for men’s health. I can remember one instance where I received a handout from a healthcare provider on ways to promote relaxation and saw “paint your nails” as one of the options. This handout was simply not made for me. I, like many men, rolled my eyes and was reminded how many resources typically don’t cater to the male demographic or speak the male language. Men benefit from male providers who can empathize with the struggles and barriers that they face in healthcare. I can relate to the man who works hard to provide for his family and the challenges that he faces. I can understand the reluctance to trust a healthcare provider due to history. I became a healthcare provider that men can look at and see themselves.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about OPTIMAL PLAN NUTRITION LLC.?
Chronic disease, food security/budget, family history, eating disorders, and other factors inform the nutrition recommendations that people need. I simplify these for those looking to improve their health. Men have higher rates of chronic disease. Men are also more likely to neglect their health. I seek to change this narrative. The world needs it. MEN need it. This is why I use evidence-based nutrition to speak up and counsel on the relationship between nutrition & Obesity, Diabetes, heart health, men’s health, prostate health, sports/fitness, and general preventative care. I am in-network with Cigna, United Healthcare, Anthem, Aetna, and Medicare. I leverage people’s plans under these insurance carriers for 1-on-1 or group sessions.
Along with my private practice work, I am a Media Dietitian who has partnered with and/or been quoted by publications and organizations like Men’s Journal, HONE Health, Peloton, AJC, TIME, The Dairy Alliance, NFLPA, and more! I’ve also been featured on TV for FOX 5 Atlanta and WATC Atlanta, spreading men’s health content and nutrition information. I am always looking to partner with organizations to spread evidence-based nutrition science and the REAL “bro science.” I currently serve as an Advisory Board Member to Men’s Fitness Magazine, where I share content and help shape the brand’s evidence-based science approach.
What makes you happy?
An opportunity. This makes me happy.
My parents came from Haiti to give me an opportunity at great success here in the U.S. They came from nothing. They came here and capitalized on an opportunity. They have taught me to do the same regardless of what I feel or what my environment says. Because of them, coupled with my rock-hard faith in Jesus and my community support, I can capitalize on opportunity and bounce back from failure that may come at certain life points. In taking advantage of opportunities, I identify gaps where my services can fill a void. This is demonstrated in my filling a men’s health gap. I saw that not enough is being done to support men’s hormonal and metabolic health. I always look for ways to add value. I’m the type to see everyone panicking (ie: the current political climate) and find ways I can benefit from it. Opportunities make me happy because they challenge me to dig deep into the most vulnerable and uncomfortable parts of me to provide high-level value to a person or community in need. Some may call it stubborn. I call it an opportunity. I’m your favorite optimist.
Contact Info:
- Website: gregorylafortune.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menshealthdietitian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegregorylafortune
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-lafortune/
- Other: https://www.mensfitness.com/author/greg-lafortune
