Frequently Asked Questions
To begin with, there is an abundance of conflicting information out there in regards to nutrition and health, and many people are unsure of where to begin. Do I eat low-fat? Are all carbs bad? Do I really need organic? My primary goal at “a nourished life” is to educate people on what is right for them and weed out the foods causing chaos in the body. I take a holistic, integrative approach to nutrition, utilizing the principles of biochemical individuality and behavior management.
Prior to or during our first meeting, your health history will be reviewed, and we will walk through detailed questions discussing your nutrition habits and lifestyle factors, beginning to uncover the source of the problem. Together we will develop a plan to help you achieve them. This may include dietary changes, stress management techniques, supplements, exercise, and overall lifestyle changes.
While I work with those experiencing a variety of health problems, my expertise and passion lies within helping those with chronic health issues (Lyme, autoimmune, etc). I work with clients both one-on-one and in group sessions, creating personalized programs. I love educating people via workshop and classroom settings (former middle school teacher here!).
A dietician has at minimum a bachelor’s degree and has sat for a national board certification in dietetics. They typically follow the USDA guidelines for all things nutrition related. I have a master’s degree in health and nutrition education from a university that takes a more holistic approach. I do not typically follow USDA guidelines as I believe that is a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, and individuals have different needs. Instead, I take into consideration your lifestyle, overall health, and health goals before suggesting any nutrition protocols.
A licensed ND is very similar to an MD, in the sense that they have prescribing rights and are bound by insurance and restrictions. I am not. I do not prescribe, I do not diagnose, and I do not treat. Doctor is derived from the Latin word docco, which means to teach. I am an educator who is here to help guide you towards wellness.
No. I’m not a proponent of diets. Weight loss happens when inflammation is minimized. So while a diet won’t be something I suggest, lifestyle changes are. We will first look at your current eating habits and determine just how much you should be eating daily. Ultimately you may be changing up some dietary habits, and your foods choices will be better adjusted to fit your needs.
To be all in! No, seriously. If you have changes that need to be made for health reasons, fitness goals, or just general concerns, you will have to be motivated to make the necessary changes. Nutrition and lifestyle changes oftentimes require behavior modification, so we will work on ways to keep you motivated and reaching your goals.
I am not able to sadly, however have had a lot of success with FSA/HSA cards. I always suggest checking with your HSA/FSA or insurance company first.
