I have a dream…

That we live in a world free from the tyranny of diet dogma and self-doubt. That we live in a world where we instinctively know how to rebalance ourselves with food, nutrients, elixirs, mantras, movement, and scents. A world where food is nourishment, not punishment. A world where we trust ourselves, not shame ourselves. A world where we amplify beauty, love and magnetism. This is my dream for the modern woman.

“James has a pretty kick-ass background in functional medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy”

Well and Good NYC

Hello! I’m Dana James, MS, CDN, CNS, a Columbia University educated, triple certified nutritionist who is also trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. I’m the founder of Food Coach NYC, a functional medicine nutrition practice that helps correct biochemical and psychological imbalances through nutrition intervention and psychological exploration.

I received my initial nutrition training in orthomolecular medicine at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, United Kingdom, Europe’s most prestigious nutrition training facility where the Nobel laureate, Linus Pauling, was a founding patron. I graduated summa cum laude in 2007. My first clinical hours were at the Brain Bio Center in London, an out-patient facility for people with mental health disorders. It was here that I first witnessed how powerful nutrition was in moderating addiction and brain chemistry. My client cleared up her food-induced depression in 3 weeks!

In 2006, I moved to New York City (NYC) and commuted between London and NYC until I finished my nutrition training. Behind the scenes (or more aptly, to pay the bills) I was the Head of Strategy and Planning for the Theatrical Division of The Walt Disney Company, a company I worked for ten years while studying nutrition and building up my nutrition practice. My background in Finance and Economics (I hold these two undergraduate degrees) primed my brain to recognize patterns and the importance of the intangible, like goodwill and human relationships. Which leads me to medical nutrition. For a complete solution, you need to address both the tangible and intangible – food and feelings; science and spirituality; conscious thought and subconscious thought.

“Dana exceeds any medical health professional with her insight into the complex relationship between food, metabolic issues and emotions.”

Marianna Aloia

After working with over 3000 women, I’ve noticed patterns, deeply entrenched patterns, that shape a woman’s physical body, food behaviors, and food preferences. When I saw it, it was as clear as a flawless diamond; four archetypes of women based on how she derives her self-worth. Does she identify herself with her achievements, physical appearance, giving to others, or being different? Each archetype has her own jewelry box rich in healing modalities from re-balancing food to movement, mantras, breath work, scents, flower essences, and mind exploration. My one-one consultations use this archetype paradigm and I also run a 6-month intensive program once a year on the feminine archetypes. In 2018, my book, The Archetype Diet, was published by Penguin and became an instant best seller on Amazon in both Women’s Health and Eating Disorders. For more information on “The Archetype Diet”, please visit, danajames.com

“Dana is my nutrition spirit guide”

Melanie Smith

I’m also a functional medicine practitioner trained through the Institute of Functional Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. In 2015, I graduated from Columbia University’s Medical Nutrition Program with a Master of Science. My dissertation explored how childhood shame and trauma can influence weight gain, not only through maladaptive behavior such as emotional-eating but also through changes in cortisol, the gut microbiome, and inflammation, all which influence weight gain independent of eating behaviors.

I have also been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety through the Beck Institute. CBT is regarded as the gold-standard treatment for altering dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors which can lead to anxiety, depression, and over-eating.

I believe in the work I do and share it through various podcasts, tv appearances, speaking, and retreats. I have been featured in Forbes, New York Times, Vogue, Elle, Goop, Time Magazine, Daily Mail, The New York Post, New Beauty, Shape, and Harper’s Bazaar (see Media). I’ve also appeared on the Today Show, GMA, PBS and Fox news.

I created two products:

Beautifuel – an organic plant-based protein powder with no sugar, stevia or Splenda. It is one of the few plant-based protein powders which actually tastes good. Beautifuel has an extremely loyal following since being introduced to the market in 2014.

Adrenal Tonic – a cacao-infused tonic with adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha and rhodiola) and cordyceps. This product tastes like chocolate whilst supporting the body’s adrenal and immune function. The adrenal tonic is designed to restore vitality and decrease cravings for sweets.

My professional affiliations include:

• NY State Certified Dietician and Nutritionist (CDN)
• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
• Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM)
• British Association of Nutritional Therapy (BANT)
• American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)

I continue to learn and in 2019 completed a 6-month mentorship program in functional medicine with Dr. Dan Kalish, one of the pioneering practitioners in functional medicine.

My ultimate goal is to see my dream for the modern woman come to fruition. If you want to collaborate with me and share the same dream, please email me so we can help elevate more women together.

I see clients individually for a highly targeted experience and offer private intensive programs, group workshops, retreats and speak. I post on Instagram frequently, so join me there!