Meet Your Nutritionist Helaine Polanco, MS
Hi, I’m Helaine, a nutrition and health coach. In my early twenties, I struggled with my relationship with food and went through my own health challenges. Even though I felt I was eating in a balanced way, my body started changing in ways I couldn’t explain. I experienced overwhelming fatigue and a host of other symptoms, and at times, I could barely get off the couch. What followed was three years of searching for answers, often feeling dismissed and being told that nothing was wrong. Eventually, I was diagnosed with mold exposure and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), which helped explain many of the debilitating symptoms I had been experiencing, including digestive issues.
Along the way, I learned how to become my own advocate. I began digging into the research, asking questions, and seeking out specialized providers who could help me better understand what was happening in my body. That experience changed me as a provider and deepened my passion for helping others navigate their health concerns and symptoms with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based guidance.
I believe you deserve more than dismissal or one-size-fits-all advice. You deserve support that takes your experiences seriously, listens to your story, and works with you to find an approach that feels right for your body and your life.
What I bring to this work
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from an accredited dietetics program and a Master of Science in Nutrition from the College of Saint Elizabeth. I am currently completing my Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential through Clinician’s Incubator, a supervised, ACNPE-accredited program.
But credentials only tell part of the story. For more than a decade, I’ve worked alongside medical practices, supporting over 800 patients with personalized nutrition and lifestyle care, including five years at the country’s largest functional medicine practice. Throughout my career, I’ve learned how to translate complex research into practical, personalized guidance that people can actually use in their everyday lives—and that’s exactly what I bring to my work with clients.
Supporting people through health challenges has been a thread throughout my career. I currently volunteer with Project HEAL, a nonprofit focused on making eating disorder treatment accessible to all.
Beyond My Credentials
Outside of my work, I’m a mom to a 3.5 year of toddler boy, a wife, and someone who finds a lot of joy in the little things that make life feel full. I love spending time in the kitchen—whether I’m experimenting with a new recipe, baking something sweet, or working on my cookie-decorating skills, which has become one of my favorite creative outlets.
I also love Latin dancing and moving my body in ways that feel joyful and energizing. On the weekends, you can usually find me trying a new recipe, taking a Zumba class, or spending quality time with my family—ideally outside and enjoying some fresh air.
My Buddhist practice is also an important grounding force in my life. It continues to remind me to slow down, stay present, and approach life with curiosity and compassion—values that naturally carry over into the way I show up for my clients.
What Clients Are Saying
“She made me feel heard and validated, and created tangible to-dos and recommendations that fostered positive momentum toward my goals.”
— Z.R.
“I've been working with Helaine for months and when I say it's been life changing I literally mean life changing. She is so incredibly knowledgable and insightful, and has completely altered my mentality around food, eating, and body positivity. I can tell just how much she cares to make her client's lives better and healthier, and I really look forward to our weekly sessions. She is an expert in every sense of the word, and brings such a warm, fun, and light energy to our sessions.”
— J.M .
