Functional medicine, also know as integrative medicine, is a practice of medicine that is designed to search for root causes of chronic problems, not simply treat symptoms. In this way, we see the body as a whole web of connected systems, that both provide for and rely on each other to be in balance to function optimally.

Functional nutrition is an off-shoot of that, where the focus is using nutrition to really hone in the health of the body. This can be to fix deficiencies, to avoid food triggers, to maintain optimal gut health, to repair the digestion and absorption of the nutrients we take in, etc.

First of all, this plan will be tailored just for you. NO “one-size-fits-all” approach here. Everyone has unique genetics, physical and nutritional needs, health concerns, and goals. Most “diets” don’t work because while one may be good for one, it is not always good for all.

Second, I am here to be your advocate, your support, and your coach. When you feel like making poor choices, let me know and we will discuss why that is and what kinds of choices you CAN make! Having someone on your side to help you is incredible valuable, and I didn’t realize that until I needed one myself. Don’t feel shame for wanting help! Trust me when I say that when you reach your goals, you will be happy that you did!

Third, you will not have to purchase special food products for each meal from a secret company for lots of money. You will be buying real foods, from wherever you normally buy foods to use in your cooking. I will simply teach you how to shop wiser, and introduce you to more from your produce dept!

Lastly, this is a wellness program. We do focus a great deal of attention on nutrition as I believe that your health can be shaped a great deal by the fuel we put in our bodies. However, we also look at your sleep, your exercise, your stress management, and your social supports to make sure that you are living your best life (not just eating the best looking plate).

The short answer is it depends. We don’t all start at the same place, and each of us have different goals for where we want our finish line to be. This means that everyone’s journey will look different, and we will all be on a different timeline.

Your timeline will be influenced by your current health, your goals, your current diet and lifestyle habits, your motivation level, your tolerance for change, your current stress levels, etc. So. Many. Things.

However. You are in the drivers seat of them all. And I will be riding shotgun for the coolest roadtrip!

Two big take-aways here…

You are special, and your needs and timeline does not need to be compared to any fad diet or 10 day weight loss attempt. This is your health and it is a journey that is no one else’s. If it takes you 6 months, or 9 months or whatever to reach your goals, but you reach them, that is AMAZING! Let’s celebrate! Lifestyle changes are not easy and not a quick fix!

Secondly, no matter where you are starting your journey from, what health issues you come into this with, how bad your symptoms are….your journey to improvement begins with the first step in the right direction. Don’t ever feel like you are “too far gone” or you have too many bad habits. We work together, track your progress, and keep working to move you toward your goals, no matter how long that takes.

It is so easy to compare yourself to others, to someone else’s instagram post, or to get discouraged by how long it takes for you to do “X” when it only took “so and so” THIS long. Let me encourage you. This journey is for you. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable for us both, and you are not on anyone’s time clock but your own! The only thing to do now is start!

It is my belief that most everyone should start out with improvements in their diet. I use food as medicine for the most part, and what that means is that I believe that the best nutrition comes from food itself.

That being said, there are certainly some times and conditions where supplementation would be beneficial. The nutrient density of our foods is not as high as it once was, and there are some conditions where people would be in greater need of some supplements. So I do recommend supplements on a case by case basis with each client. The purchase of any additional supplements are voluntary and not mandatory.

If I recommend any supplements, I do research products for purity and quality standards. The supplement industry is not regulated the same way drugs are regulated, so it is important to know they are free of heavy metals, able to be absorbed (and beneficial) to the body, and held to standard of purity that are claimed on the bottle.

Any product that I would offer you would be lab tested and held to the highest standards. This would be on a case by case basis. Again, this would be a voluntary charge to you, if applicable and desired, and not required for any service. I do offer discounts to my clients through my supplement dispensary called Fullscript if you are interested.

Functional nutrition coaching is an” out of pocket” medical expense for most people, which means that you will not be reimbursed by your insurance company. Most insurance companies do not cover nutrition counseling services, and I am not set up to bill for those services as such.

However, I am happy to work with clients to provide invoicing so they can submit those directly to insurance for billing, or to health savings accounts if allowed by your plan. I encourage you to explore any options you may have! I am also happy to partner with any practitioner on your medical team.

Fees- Knowing that you are investing your time and money into this program, I provide you top-notch service with hours of preparation, and education, research into specific topics, session notes, recipes and tips, and a 24/7 food tracking app. Having a coach, means I am as invested in your health as you are! Session fees incorporate the time we spend together during session, the time beforehand in preparation and research, the time to compile your personalized plan going forward after each session, the documentation of it via notes, and finally any follow up time via messaging, food journal review, lab work review or other pertinent material (if applicable) prior to the next session. Fees are payable before the session for this reason. I want to focus on your health journey, and not the transaction logistics during our valuable session time!

I have set up invoicing and billing directly through my electronic medical records, Practice Better, which allows you to pay via credit or debit card for your services.