FAQ's
What is a holistic/functional nutritionist?
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Functional nutrition focuses on the individual and the root causes of the disease - not the disease itself. Instead of only addressing the symptoms, a functional nutritionist looks for potential causes and addresses those. This is a very personalized approach in which lifestyle, genetics, diet, and other factors are examined as possible causes of the disease or condition. Using specific dietary and lifestyle changes, a functional nutritionist will customize a unique plan that will guide the individual towards wellness.
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Do you only address nutritional needs?
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Functional nutrition isn't just about food. Because there are many factors that contribute to the health of an individual, nutrition can only be one part of the problem or solution. During the course of our work together, we will explore stress levels, sleep quality, lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and other factors that may be contributing to a disease state, and we will alter them to help restore health.
Do you work with insurance?
At this time, I do not work with insurance companies. However, affordable payment plans are an option for those who need to pay over time.
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Do you have a payment plan?
Nutrition therapy packages do have payment plans available. Classes, workshops and meal plans require payment in full at the time of purchase.
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Can I pay for your services with my flexible spending account?
If you acquire a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your physician, the costs of my services may be covered by your FSA or HRA. It's important that you contact your FSA provider before your first appointment to ensure coverage. Also, depending on your FSA debit card, you may be required to pay for your services with a personal debit or credit card and seek reimbursement from your FSA provider. Please contact me for any necessary documentation your provider may need.
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Your prices are too high. How do people afford to work with you?
Understandably, cost can be a concern for some people. However, when you work with me, you are hiring a medical professional with significant training and expertise in nutrition. My hourly rate is lower than industry standard. That said, the average American spends $60 per week in restaurants annually. Many of my clients have found that they actually save money when working with me, simply because they no longer rely on restaurants and convenience foods for their meals.
Do you offer testing and bloodwork evaluation?
Yes! All therapy packages include a set of comprehensive tests. Additional testing may be required.
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Will you work with my doctor?
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Yes. If you are under the care of a physician to treat your condition, I will work with him/her to help you heal. Conventional doctors have very little expertise in nutrition. Working together in our areas of specialty can create a strong foundation for healing.
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Do you believe food can heal, or do you still rely on conventional medicine to treat prevent/treat disease?
I absolutely believe the power of food to prevent and help heal disease. As a holistic/functional nutritionist, I work to treat the root causes of conditions and diseases. I have seen the power of lifestyle and nutrition radically change people's lives when they have run out of traditional options.
I believe that the choice to pursue conventional or alternative medicine is a distinctly individual choice, and it is not mine to make. If a client chooses to pursue conventional treatment, I will not undermine that choice, and I will use my expertise to strengthen the body' as it undergoes treatment and fights the disease.
It's important to understand that I am not a doctor, and I do not diagnose disease. If a client is pursuing alternative treatments from a functional practitioner, I will establish a nutrition and lifestyle plan that aligns with the treatment prescribed.
My expertise helps the client, regardless of treatment choice, use nutrition and lifestyle to fortify the immune system so that the body can fight against disease.
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Do you help with weight loss?
In most cases, weight loss is a secondary benefit to nutrition and lifestyle treatment. At this time, I do not see clients solely for weight loss. However, if weight loss has been deemed necessary by a physician to treat a specific condition/disease, I'm happy to help.
I do see clients who need to gain weight that has been lost due to medical condition or a disease.
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Will I need to significantly alter my lifestyle?
Yes. It is important that you are ready to make these changes before scheduling your first appointment. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to great health, and it will take time and effort. However, you will find that, as these changes become a regular part of your life, they are easier to maintain.
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How much time will I need to spend cooking?
You will need to prep and cook real food. Initially, the amount of time spent cooking may be significantly different than the amount of time you've spent in the past, but as you improve in skill and knowledge, it should typically take 30-45 minutes a day to prepare your meals.
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I don't know how to cook and/or I don't have time to cook. Will this impact my progress?
Yes. However, skills in the kitchen can be learned, and typically, clients already have the basic skills to make healthy meals. Most people do have time to cook with some lifestyle modifications; it's usually a lack of desire to cook that prevents success.
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Will you provide me with recipes and meal plans?
Yes. While some clients prefer to adapt their favorite recipes or remove them during course of treatment, most find it beneficial to have a dedicated meal plan. I partner with a platform that allows me to customize meal plans and provide recipes with ingredients designed to promote healing for your specific condition. Meal plans, shopping lists and alternative recipes for personal customization are also included.
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What is your cancellation and refund policy?
To cancel an appointment, a 24-hour notice is required or a $25 cancellation fee will be incurred. Once a program has been purchased and the initial appointment is conducted, the package is non-transferrable and non-refundable.
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What if I believe I need help beyond your three-month or 6-month plan?
You can continue treatment after the initial three-month program. A-la-carte appointments or another program can be purchased, based on your specific treatment needs.
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How soon can I expect to see changes?
Healing takes time, and it is directly dependent on the effort of the client. Minimal effort will produce minimal results. Conversely, maximum effort will produce changes more quickly. It is important to remember that change happens from the inside out. Initially, these may be changes on a cellular level, and not as obvious. However, at the end of your program, you will be able to see improvement.
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Where is your office?
All appointments are conducted via HIPPA-Compliant video services.
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