Meet the Whidbey Nutrition Team
Alex Bear, MS, CNS
With over a decade of experience in the wellness industry as a board-certified nutrition specialist, health coach, and nutritional genetics professor, I've been privileged to help diverse populations achieve their health and wellness goals through simple nutrition and lifestyle changes. My journey into the world of nutrition began at the age of 14 when I struggled with acne and debilitating back pain. Through implementing an anti-inflammatory approach to eating, I discovered the transformative power of nutrition, igniting a lifelong passion.
This inspired me to become a pre-med student, but all I had learned and was learning was of no consequence when my father was diagnosed with a rare from of cancer and passed away before I had finished my studies.
Devastated by the loss of my father and seeking answers, I embarked on a journey of self-healing and exploration, delving into Yoga, wilderness therapy, and eventually back to attain an MS degree in holistic nutrition.
Now settled on the picturesque Whidbey Island with my wife Charlotte and our two furry companions, Hazel and Brother, I'm excited to serve the community and empower individuals to achieve their health dreams. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of nutrition and wellness, ensuring you have the knowledge and support needed to live your best life. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you.
Charlotte Rose Bear, MS, CN
Born a collicky baby, I pretty much struggled with digestive issues my whole life. By the time I reached young adulthood I was anxious, depressed, bloated, inflamed, fatigued, and overweight. I'll never forget the bitter, hopeless tears as I drove home from the doctor - I had gone in for chronic stomach pain. In the office they had me lift up my shirt so they could "look" at my stomach.
They told me I had gained 20 pounds since my last checkup. They told me to eat less and exercise more, and sent me on my way with a prescription for an SSRI.
They seemed to have no idea just how deeply connected these symptoms were and I was not being treated as a whole person, but rather a fragmented, broken human which is indeed how I felt.
Fast forward three years and a masters degree in functional nutrition and my body felt unrecognizable to me in the best possible way. I had lost 40 pounds but shedding the weight of prescriptions, brain fog , bloating, inflammation, fatigue, and physical pain is what really made me feel light. While it felt like a miracle, it did not happen overnight. It did not happen after a diet, a program, a surgery, treatment, supplement, or detox. What it took was a deep understanding of how my body works, clear direction for what my body needs, and the culinary skills needed to integrate this understanding into my lifestyle.
I believe true health starts in the kitchen. My personal and professional philosophy is to help you find your farmers, your community, and your roots -- and there you will find your health.
As a health-supportive chef, gardener, and healthy-living expert, I believe food is medicine and that, given the right conditions, our bodies have the remarkable ability to heal themselves.
I wholeheartedly believe that the food we eat determines our health outcome. Eating whole foods that are grown and cooked with intention not only gives us a powerful and enjoyable experience, it also has a tremendous impact on lowering levels of cellular inflammation -- the underlying cause of the chronic diseases that plague our society.
I believe that, when we support our digestion and microbiome that exists both in our gut and our soil, we elevate our health.
I received my master’s degree in functional nutrition from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, to compliment my skills as a health-supportive chef. I strive to help my community simplify their cooking routines, locate (or grow!) nutrient-dense ingredients, and adopt a more mindful, sustainable lifestyle in order to achieve their ultimate health goals!