Frequently asked questions

CNP stands for Certified Nutritional Practitioner and is a designation from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. A CNP has completed a diploma in Applied Holistic Nutrition. The knowledge and scope of a CNP is in the area of holistic nutrition and includes topics many areas such as nutritional pathology, human anatomy and physiology, Ayurveda, Psychology of Disease, Nutrition through the Lifespan, and Symptomology.

A CNP works with clients to help them improve their overall health using natural foods and products. Working with a holistic nutritionist is complementary to your primary healthcare providers such as a physician or a naturopathic doctor.

As a CNP, I can provide my clients with customized nutrition and lifestyle support to help them feel their best.

Some of my services include:

• Completing an in-depth evaluation of a clients’ lifestyle and nutritional status
• Introducing healthy eating habits and healing foods
• Providing recommendations on nutraceuticals products (supplements, vitamins, minerals) that could optimize a client's health status
• Creating personalized meal and grocery plans
• Providing guidance on stress management skills
  
  

I see clients that are dealing with:

• Auto-immune and inflammatory illnesses (arthritis, alzheimer’s,
  cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, lupus, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s
  thyroiditis, and celiac disease)
• Cancer prevention and recovery from cancer treatment
• Digestive health (bloating, IBS, reflux, food sensitivities, inflammation,
  SIBO)
• Hormone imbalances (fatigue, weight gain, PCOS, infertility, endometriosis,
  fibroids, PMS, stress, and insomnia)
• Nutritional and dietary counselling for mood, pain, weight loss, athletic
  performance and brain health 

As a nurse who has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, I have seen the sickest individuals.

Here are some of the ways my nursing background helps me as a nutritionist:

• I am well-versed in various medical conditions and how they affect the body.
• I am skilled in assessing client's needs and monitoring progress.
• I frequently collaborate with physicians, naturopaths and other professionals to create comprehensive plans that will help my clients meet their health goals.
•  As a nurse, I was trained to handle emergencies and think critically under pressure. This experience has been can be valuable for me when I am dealing a clients with a complex health situation.

My services include:

• Nutritional guidance and support
• Weight management counselling and support
• Recipes and meal plans for all types of diet (vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo)
• Supplement recommendations
• Lifestyle guidance and education
• Sleep hygiene including tips for falling and staying asleep 

My mission is to work with clients so they stop chasing their symptoms and help
them get to the root of their health issue

Yes, I can provide meal plans and grocery lists based on your dietary needs and health goals. 

Yes, all my consultations and follow-up appointments are available virtually. Doesn't matter where you are in the world! 

The primary differences between a holistic nutritionist (like me) and a dietitian revolves around the education, certification, and their approach to nutrition.

Both a holistic nutritionist and a dietitician emphasize the importance of  diet in a person's overall health. The difference is that a holistic nutritionist typically uses a whole-person approach that also considers the emotional and psychosocial components of the individual as well. There is also consideration for adding in alternative modalities and natural remedies when they are helpful.

A holistic nutritionist will also consider practices such detoxification, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes into their advice to clients.

When choosing a holistic nutritionist, make sure this person has certified credentials such as CNP (Certified Nutritional Practitioner) from a designated school of nutrition.

The role of a holistic nutritionist is to look at the whole person. This includes examining a person's diet/nutrition, but it also means looking at other components such as the type of habits and lifestyle a person has, their exposure to toxins over their lifetime, as well as acute and chronic stressors.

A holistic nutritionist typically has a "root cause" approach, which means that they want to help you better understand how the issue you are dealing with started. It can be very helpful to consider the possible root causes of a particular health issue as often that is where the solution resides. 

Yes, many extended health benefits do cover the work of a nutritionist. You will need to check with your coverage.