Amy Jamieson-Petonic

Bio

Amy Jamieson-Petonic has dedicated her life to becoming a role model for good health. As a registered and licensed dietitian, exercise physiologist, and licensed massage therapist, she has extensive bandwidth on the role of healthy living and vitality in her own life and extends this passion for wellness to those around her.  

Amy’s diverse educational background allows her to provide the most up to date nutritional therapy to a wide range of individuals. Amy’s specialties include adult and childhood weight management, sports nutrition, and wellness. As a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Amy has become one of the top local sports nutrition experts, and was the consultant to such prestigious organizations as the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Rockers, The Cleveland San Jose Ballet and the 2006 Olympic Figure Skating Teams.   
 
Amy is a professional speaker on nutrition and fitness, complementary medicine, and wellness. She is also the author of two publications: How to Lose Weight and Feel Great without Dieting and No Nonsense Nutrition: Real Nutrition for Real People. Amy is passionate about sharing nutrition information with others and was an adjunct faculty instructor at Lorain County Community College and as well as past nutrition editor for Ohio Sport and Fitness Magazine.  

Amy has dedicated her life to becoming a coach, role model and motivator for healthy living.  She is currently a National Media Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, which represents approximately 70,000 members.  Amy has extensive media experience as a nutrition and exercise consultant to national and local television, radio and print media.  Amy was instrumental in bringing one of the first family-based weight management programs to the west side of Cleveland.  She was recently nominated and received the Outstanding Young Dietitian of the Year award.  

In her current role as a Director of Wellness Coaching, Amy has written an exceptional on line nutrition program called GO! Foods for You, based on the latest clinical research on the benefits of following a Mediterranean based program. The program is 8 weeks of engaging tips, recipes, and menu planning tools by your coach, Amy, and the Cleveland Clinic team on how to make good food taste great!  Go Foods has been offered to Cleveland Clinic employees as well as organizations in the community.  Go Foods for you is one out of the box” method in helping employees take action to improve health, wellness and vitality.  

Amy obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics from The University of Akron in 1992 and her Master’s Degree in Education with an Emphasis on Exercise Science from Cleveland State University in 2001. 


Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Director of Wellness Coaching at Cleveland Clinic and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson

Location:

Activity

  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Why are table sugar and high fructose corn syrup bad for me?

    Table sugar and high fructose corn syrup are both considered added sugars in the diet. Research studies have shown that added sugars increase inflammation proteins in the body, and can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Choose naturally occurring sugars such as fresh fruit instead.

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Are diet pills safe to use if I have diabetes?

    Diet pills may be an appropriate treatment option, but I would suggest that you consult your physician or endocrinologist first. You may be taking other medications that could counteract the diet pills and this could cause harm. 

    If you would like to lose weight, I would suggest seeking out a reg

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Are eating disorders serious?

    Absolutely! Eating disorders should be considered as serious as any other medical condition and would suggest seeking a physician if there is a possibility that treatment is needed. A registered dietitian should also be part of the treatment team.

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    How is high blood pressure (hypertension) managed?

    High blood pressure may be managed with a combination of medications that help improve blood flow, as well as a healthy diet such as the DASH Diet. Dash stands for Dietary approaches to Stop Hypertension. This diet is high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low fat diary. The DASH diet has

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Can I ever eat carbohydrates if I have diabetes?

    Absolutely! I would suggest consuming 100% whole grains, fresh fruits (limit fruit juice) and low fat dairy as great healthy carb choices for controlling your blood sugar. 

    A registered dietitian can sit down with you and plan a great, healthy meal plan. Find one in your area at eatright.org.

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    What staple foods should I eat for healthy weight loss?

    Fill your pantry with 100% whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy oils, lean protein and low fat dairy. A Mediterranean based diet has been shown very effective for eating healthier and reducing chronic disease.

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Are there general recommendations for diet to reduce high blood pressure?

    Yes, there are. There is a program called the DASH diet that will help you outline which foods to eat, and how much, to make a really positive impact on blood pressure. The DASH diet incorporates 100% whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low fat dairy, and healthy oils into your diet.

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Should I be on a low-fat diet if I have high blood pressure?

    Reducing fat intake is helpful those controlling blood pressure. It is suggested to increase the consumption of high potassium foods (fruits and vegetables) to really help bring blood pressure down. The DASH diet is a great program to help control blood pressure. It has sample menus and great info

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Why should I avoid high-fructose corn syrup?

    I would suggest reducing the intake of any added sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup. Research has shown that added sugars increase inflammation in the body and can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other inflammatory conditions. I would choose a sugar substitute instead of an

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    What foods should I not eat if I have high blood pressure?

    I would suggest avoiding processed items like soups, salad dressings, and other condiments. They are high in sodium and can raise blood pressure. The recommended amount of sodium intake per day if you have hypertension is 1,500 milligrams per day, which is less than one teaspoon of salt. Flavor foods

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    What are good foods to eat on a diabetic diet?

    A registered dietitian can help you decide which foods are right for you and the best for controlling blood sugar levels. You can find one at eatright.org.

    Foods that have been shown to be helpful include 100% whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy, lean protein, and healthy fats

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D?

    The Daily Recommended intake for Vitamin D is 400 IU (International Units) per day. However, there may be additional research to support that more than the RDI is recommended. Furthermore, as we get older, our need for Vitamin D increases, and it may be recommended to consume 1,000 - 2,000 IU per

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    What are some common nutrition mistakes?

    Common nutritional mistakes include thinking that "one size fits all" for nutrition. A registered dietitian can work with a client to find an individualized nutrition program that can help them meet their goals and be sustainable. 

    Any nutrition program can work in the short term, but to make it

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Does chocolate have any nutritional value?

    Chocolate does have nutritional benefits! There has been extensive research on the antioxidants in chocolate called flavonols. These chemicals have shown positive benefits with improving blood flow, reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, and improving HDL (good cholesterol) levels. The key is to find a

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  • Amy Jamieson-Petonic
    Can nutrition help breast cancer?

    Absolutely! There is extensive research on the role of nutrition and breast cancer. The foods that you eat will have a significant impact on the disease. A registered dietitian in your area can help you do this. Find an RD at www.eatright.org

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