Q1: Why packages rather than individual sessions?
A: The short answer is that miracles are hard to come by. Health concerns that can be mitigated through better nutrition do not go away as we start talking about them. The initial appointment allows me to make a thorough assessment and we get to establish a trajectory for your health journey. Once we do that, you have the choice of a 6-week package or a 12-week package. Scheduled appointments that are part of a package allow for a few aspects of the work we do together: accountability, continuity of our work to your better health, the unlimited email support in between sessions, and least but not last, better value for you. Once you are done with the package you chose, you can start booking single sessions as you see fit, or go for a package, either the same or another, if that’s a better fit.
Q2: Are you part of a professional organization?
A: I am indeed. I am a Health Coach Alliance (HCA) registered nutrition counselor.
Q3: Are your consulting services covered?
A: Yes, but not by all insurance companies. So far, the companies that cover the services provided by nutritionists include Manulife, iA Financial Group, GreenShield Canada, and ClaimSecure Inc. These companies, as well as a few smaller insurers, all require the client/employer to have chosen ‘nutritional counseling’ as a policy option.
Q4: Where do the sessions take place?
A: All appointments take place online via Zoom or other visual platform. I will provide all the instructions once you have booked your appointment. If you are unable to connect that way, or would prefer to chat over phone, that is an option as well. In the near future, I will be able to have in-person appointments as well. Please stay tuned for details.
Q5: What does your nutrition coaching involve?
A: I rely on the latest evidence-based nutrition science to create a roadmap that can help you find your way to better health. Because we are each unique and so is the way we respond to the foods we eat, my work involves identifying your concerns (the initial appointment), and then putting together a roadmap of sorts that can help mitigate said concerns. I believe in a food-first approach, so the tools I use include whole foods and, only when needed, supplements. Lifestyle factors are also considered and the ‘secret sauce’ – explaining the WHY in my recommendations. Everything is connected in our bodies, so changing only one aspect will only take us so far. Long-lasting nutritional changes work best in conjunction with other factors that affect our lifestyle.
If you’re into definitions, here you go:
‘A holistic/natural nutritional practitioner is a health professional who assesses health and vitality in the natural context of a client’s whole life experience, including their physical, emotional, social and environmental circumstances, and who uses nutritional choices, supplements, education and lifestyle modifications in a non–invasive way to empower clients towards self–healing, increased health and maximized vitality.’
Q6: Why the limited social media presence?
A: While I recognize the value of online connection and worthwhile information (always make sure you go to reputable sources), I am also aware of the fact that time is my most precious resource so I want to use it carefully. I am presently taking a break from posting on social media.
Limiting my use and presence allows me to spend more time doing the things that matter.
- Reading, so I can be provide my clients with the most updated information in nutrition science and physical fitness,
- Time with my family,
- Time outdoors including long hikes with our dog,
- Writing for my other website or freelance assignments,
- More reading (yes, I love it) and …
- Well, experimenting with food (the results are almost always edible and rather tasty).
Should anything change in my approach, you will be the first to know.