FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is holistic nutrition?
How is nutrition counseling different than a diet?
Is everyone put on the same diet?
How did you become a nutrition consultant?
How did all of this help you?
Have you ever had weight management problems?
Who will benefit best from your programs or consulting?
What is expected of the client?
Who is not likely to benefit from your consulting?
What if I am not an endurance athlete?
How can I get the most out of your program?
What happens in the initial session?
What happens in the subsequent session(s)?
What results can I expect from this work?
What is holistic nutrition?
Holistic nutrition is based on the belief that a properly balanced diet can help prevent future health problems. Using education as a primary tool, I emphasize supporting health and reducing disease risk, by approaching each person as a unique individual, and fully engaging you in the process. My holistic approach focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying causes of your health concerns.
How is nutrition counseling different than a diet?
A diet is often about deprivation. My healthy eating meal plans are about introducing you to a new and exciting way of eating that will eventually become an integral part of your everyday life. Every body, however, is unique and requires a different plan. Nutrition counseling will teach you the optimal way of eating for your unique requirements and conditions. It will empower you to be your own expert in recognizing which foods are best to eat and which foods are best for you to avoid.
I can take you from theory to practice, teaching you simple and delicious ways to integrate healthy eating into your lifestyle. As your health coach, I will guide you on how to incorporate whole, organic, local, seasonal, and minimally processed foods into your diet as the best source for optimal nutrition.
Is everyone put on the same diet?
I believe in biochemical individuality and I support personal preferences. There is no diet that is appropriate for all. Whether you are eating gluten-free, grain-free, Ketogenic, Paleo, Autoimmune Protocol, Mediterranean, macrobiotic, vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, raw, or mixing a bit of all directions…I will direct you to the best choices for you. I will also advise you on making dietary changes when indicated. The idea is that no matter what diet direction you decide to take, your plan should be based on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
How did you become a nutrition consultant?
I discovered holistic nutrition as a way to help me recover from my own health issues. During my first few years as a triathlete I developed many sports-related injuries. With continuous use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, I soon developed digestive problems that affected the quality of my life. I began researching ways of improving my nutritional basis, to both fuel my training and my recovery, as well as to heal my gut issues. That is when I discovered Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts. Through my education and my own healing path, I developed a passion for helping others with health and wellness.
How did all of this help you?
With the proper nutrition, I was able to correct my sports injuries and recover from the gastro-intestinal problems. Through nutritional support, I was able to train and complete a Half-Ironman triathlon distance without any medications. I now know exactly which foods hurt me and which food heal my body. I feel so much healthier, younger and more energetic than I previously did. Since 2008, I have not used any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. I continue to engage in endurance sports and I plan to be injury and pain-free for years to come.
Have you ever had weight management problems?
Since I discovered Eating 4 Health I have successfully maintained a healthy body weight for the first time in my adult life. From my late teens, to my mid 40s, I battled weight issues. My overeating, familial tendencies, pregnancies and the generally-accepted but misguided nutritional information I had at the time were the real problem. I would gain and lose the same 10-to-20 pounds per year, only to gain it back. All this dieting led to a lowered metabolism and subsequent additional fat gain.
Since 2008, my weight has been stable. I still gain and loose a few pounds here and there as I am human. However, the knowledge and experience I gained when I switched to eating a nutrient-dense, whole-foods based diet, combined with exercise and proper nutritional supplements, helped me reach and maintain a healthy weight since then.
Who will benefit best from your programs or consulting?
People struggling with weight management, digestive issues, systemic inflammation, chronic disease, as well as athletes desiring to improve performance and decrease pain will benefit from the right improvements to their diets. Motivated people who show up for themselves and take responsibility for being in the best possible health are the best! I love working with people who are interested in making a positive change in their lives, and particularly those who are willing to try something new and exciting in the kitchen.
What is expected of the client?
Whether you are new to healthy eating, or you have been passionate about this topic for years, you will benefit from my programs if you are willing to try new ideas, and put in the effort it takes to make lasting changes.
Who is not likely to benefit from your consulting?
This work is not a quick fix. It is not a crash diet, but rather a way of life. Individuals who are looking for a quick fix, or are not willing to follow through long-term, will not have good results. This approach is not suited for people who are ambivalent about making health a priority in their lives.
What if I am not an endurance athlete?
Anyone can benefit from a well-designed and well-balanced diet plan, no matter what their activity level is. Foods comes first, then exercise, and finally supplements — this is my Good, Better, Best philosophy. I will definitely encourage you to exercise for your own health if you are not already doing so. I will also discuss the best ways to exercise in order to lose fat and increase your metabolism. Whether you are trying to increase peak performance, feel better, or lose fat, I am here to motivate you.
How can I get the most out of the program?
Much of the success depends on you. Results may take time, depending on your individual issues. Follow the recommendations to the best of your ability, and at your own pace. Some people make significant changes right away, others incorporate changes more slowly. Sticking with the program, however, is the key to getting the most out of it.
What happens in the initial session?
During the intake process we discuss your dietary needs, concerns, and specific health issues. I evaluate your current nutrition status and make the initial recommendations. You leave with useful recommendations on where to focus , a carefully selected appropriate Well World meal plan, recipes and a grocery list to address and support your nutrition needs. If you need any lab work we discuss that at that time.
What happens in the subsequent session(s)?
We work together to develop goals and find ways that work for you to achieve them incorporating a variety of methods. I use individualized diet plans, educational materials, menu planning, recipes, cooking tips, supplement consulting, testing, virtual guided grocery store tours and pantry evaluations to help you achieve your health and nutritional goals. Weekly or biweekly phone consults and or Zoom meetings are built into the program. I encourage clients to consistently record their food logs which I review and monitor on my dashboard. Reviewing your food logs is the best way for us to evaluate your progress and provide support and accountability.
What results can I expect from this work?
Although it is hard to predict what you may achieve while working with a nutrition consultant or a health coach, past clients have accomplished one or more of the following. You can expect to see positive results if you stick with the program.
- Feel and look better
- Have more energy, focus and vitality
- Develop new lifelong habits that may reduce your risk of developing degenerative diseases
- Reach your weight loss goals
- Enjoy a healthy and confident relationship with food
- Feel confident and comfortable in your skin