What’s unique about working with a nutritionist? Why not just go to my doctor?

Making change is notoriously difficult when it comes to the way we live. If it was that easy to just “eat more veggie and exercise”, then we really shouldn’t be so "unwell” as a society. While prescription medicines can give immediate relief of your symptoms, if you don’t address the root issue, the body will find a way to get your attention. Doctors often don’t have time to sit with their patients to create a realistic and actionable plan. This is where a nutritionist comes in. During our initial consultation, I will help you see the connection between the dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to your symptoms. Free of charge. I offer this for 2 reasons. One, I love the process of analyzing the unique puzzle of an individual’s health. Two, I want to offer anyone who is willing to commit to their health the knowledge to work towards a healthier life.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and dietician?

While both professions promote healthy living, there are some key differences between the two. Dieticiens often are found in medical settings such as hospitals and treat specific medical conditions through nutritional therapy. Whereas nutritionists work privately as well as in wellness and fitness settings, and their work centres around supporting people in making long term dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health.

For me, I chose the latter because of my love for cooking. Every client I work with gets a unique plan because while we could all benefit from eating more vegetable, if it is not enjoyable and tasty, it is not the client’s fault that they can’t follow through. Whatever your guilty pleasure it - Mac and Cheese, instant noodle, fried chicken, you name it and I will healthify it for you.

How do I know if a nutritionist is good?

This one is tricky. While I had do a lot of studying, sit through many 3 hour long lectures, write real life case studies as well as pass a standardized board exam in order to become certified. The title “nutritionist” unfortunately isn’t regulated in Canada. This means that anyone can technically call themselves a “nutritionist”. This is a major contributing factor to why the internet is filled with self certified “professionals” promoting the magic of “lemon water cleanse” promised to “detox a year worth of toxins.” But on the opposite end of that, this industry is filled with skilled and insightful professionals with a proven track record of happy clients who’s lives have been changed because they decided to work with a nutritionist. So how do you find someone like that for yourself? I think one of the fastest ways is to see how they sell to you. Are they promising you immediate results? Do they say they can “cure” your diabetes? Do they swear by the magic of one specific diet/cleanse/food? I believe nutrition can 100% support act as preventative medicine and can play a major role in alleviating health condition symptoms. However, any qualifying practitioner will tell you that it is not one size fits all, nor can it replace modern medical interventions.

What’s your credential?

I received my culinary diploma from Ecole Ducasse (Paris France) where I trained for 1200+ hours in addition to a 3 months internship at a one Michelin restaurant (400+hrs)

I received my Registered Holistic Nutrition certificate from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, entailing 2000 hours of study material in addition to real life case studies

I know how to be healthy, I just don’t have time, can you still help me?

100%. If you don’t have time to “be healthy”, then perhaps we could redefine together what “being healthy” means. Most people can benefit from drinking more water and sleeping more. So why is that most of us are severely dehydrated and sleep deprived? Working with a nutritionist is similar to working with a life coach. You know yourself the best, my job isn’t to tell you what to do but to listen and to give you the resources and support you need in order for you to move closer to your goals.

If you are reading this, then you are for the very least, considering some support in feeling better. I am confident that I can help you create a more realistic version of a healthy lifestyle that works for you. Also, did you know nutrition can play a major role in your productivity? ;)

What’s the best diet?

I don’t know who first started promoting weight loss diets with the slogan “no pain, no gain”. I for one will never tell my clients to suffer through a “steamed broccoli and chicken” diet just to lose whatever weight that will come right back after they go back to their normal eating. Sure, I can fill up this whole page about how some body types functions better with more carbs while others with fat, but at the end of the day, a nutritious diet is one that doesn’t demonize a specific micro/macro nutrient. I see diets are like fashion, everything’s been done and are constantly recycled over time. Having tried many unfortunately stupid diets myself, I am a firm believer that the best diet is the one that you can stick with for life. One major goal of my program is to help you become more attuned to your body’s signals and to adopt a diet with food what makes you feel good in the long run.

Will you work with my trainer/family doctor/counsellor?

Contrary to what some people may believe, we are not anti-doctors! In fact, nutritionists often collaborate with other health and wellness professionals, including doctor, therapist and trainers. The more people you have in your corner, the better!

Who should work with a nutritionist?

For some, a doctor’s visit is often followed by a short period of attempting to “eat healthier” because of your chronic condition due to irregularity with your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone, etc. However, as it is often the result of long term dietary and lifestyle choices, the solution also lies in long term dietary and lifestyle changes. Working with a nutritionist takes the pressure off of you to research and plan out a new lifestyle. In my lifestyle coaching program, you will be given support every step of the way from customized meal plans to habit building techniques.

For others, the annual doctor visit is merely an assessment of “is there something that needs my immediate attention”? But here’s the thing, the absence of disease is not the same as being healthy. Connecting with a nutritionist can help you identify risk factor early on and serve as preventative medicine. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather eat good food than take medicine.

I can’t afford to see a nutritionist, is it covered by insurance?

Some insurance plans do cover naturalpathic practices such as acupuncture and nutritionists! However if this is not a possibility for you, please still reach out. I operate on a sliding scale for individual in need of support and is struggling with financial resources.