Question 1

What is the CNS credential?

Accepted Answer

Since nutrition is one of those fields with many blurred lines and dubious
definitions (what about health coaches, nutrition counselors, dieticians, etc.?), it's important to know what credentials your nutritionist has. Many more people are familiar with registered dieticians (RD) and their credentials and while a lot of what we do overlaps, there are real differences in what we do and how we practice. There is a place for all of us and our specialties. 
 
As found on the American Nutrition Association website (www.theana.org), "The Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential (CNS®) is the most advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners. Certified Nutrition Specialists practice science-based personalized nutrition therapy to power people to health. They are spearheading the transformation from population-based to personalized nutrition, and from disease care to authentic health care".
 
Those seeking this credential must obtain an advanced degree (graduate or doctorate) in nutrition by an accredited institution. They must also complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical hours as well as pass the rigorous exam set by the Board of Certified Nutrition Specialists.
 
This is the credential I have earned and am proud to represent.

Question 2

What does an integrative clinical nutritionist do?

Accepted Answer

An integrative clinical nutritionist works with you as a partner and a guide on your health journey. We work together to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and address them. Integrative nutrition sees each individual as a whole. As such your needs will be assessed based on an intake form that you fill out, the initial consultation, lab analysis, nutritional-focused physical exam, food journals, and more. Most importantly, I will work with you where YOU are.
 
Typically, the nutritionist will also collaborate with your other healthcare practitioners.

Question 3

What is Medical Nutrition Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is based on medical research focused on the relationship between diet and nutrition and how these affect health outcomes and disease. Here, nutrition is used in an individualized process AS PART OF treatment for medical conditions.

Both CNS and RD professionals are trained in the capacity to provide MNT to clients.
 
CNS and RD professionals are not MDs (unless they are also MDs!). Oftentimes, we work with doctors in treating the patient/client with whatever treatment is most appropriate.
 
Food and nutrients play a KEY role in your health and in managing disease. If you have a medical condition, officially diagnosed, nutrition therapy positively affects your treatment.

Question 4

How is your approach different?

Accepted Answer

My approach to nutrition is through an integrative and functional lens. Integrative nutrition focuses on the body as a whole where all systems are connected. The human body not only strives to heal itself on a regular basis but is completely capable of doing so, in most cases, if it is supported and given the chance to.

As a result, we'll look at your diet as well as other parts of your life, such as sleep, exercise, and stress, to uncover your health story and begin to weave it all together.  We'll work together to create personalized plans that will address imbalances and will help restore your and your child's health and wellness.
 
All personalized plans are evidence-based and focused on you. They won't be overwhelming and impossible to achieve. I believe that baby steps are the best path to success.

Question 5

Who needs to see an integrative clinical nutritionist?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, anyone who wants to. Specifically, clients usually seek a nutritionist after a recent diagnosis or after several tries at trying to gain more energy, more clarity, better sleep, clearer skin, more regular digestion, (and more) without success. Diagnoses can range from physical to mental ones, anything from IBS to depression, cancer to infertility, and anything in between.
 
I currently support women and children with their gut and mental health. I also have experience working with clients who are living with and recovering from cancer.

Question 6

How long will I need to see a nutritionist?

Accepted Answer

This depends entirely on you and the severity of your health concerns. The relationship between the nutritionist and the client is paramount to the success of your nutrition therapy (Endevelt & Gesser-Edelsburg, 2014).
 
The days of handing the client a packet of things to do/not do, and sending them on their way are behind us. That was standardized treatment. The evidence now shows us that time, trust, and a true partnership with your nutritionist are critical in establishing individualized treatment plans and following through with them. I want to help you get where you want to go.

Question 7

What happens in follow-up sessions?

Accepted Answer

The follow-up sessions are where the real work and real results are achieved. This is where you learn about yourself and what's working and what isn't. It's where you start to see patterns and habits and energy begin to shift. This happens because we revise and tweak your protocol to fit your life and the speed at which you can go.

Question 8

What can I expect from sessions with you?

Accepted Answer

You can expect a comfortable environment, free of judgment, where you can begin to navigate your way back to health. You can expect to be listened to and to play a pivotal role in the development of your unique and individualized treatment plan.
 
You can expect an approach with you, front and center so that you can finally succeed on your path to health, happiness, and pain-free wellness.
 
The goal is for you to be empowered in your health. I will help with guidance, plans, education, strategies, ideas, but eventually, in time, you will be able to do all of this on your own.

Question 9

What won't I get from sessions with you?

Accepted Answer

Well, you won't get a cookie-cutter approach to your health concerns. You won't get a menu plan/supplement regimen/laundry list of do's and don'ts after the initial consultation and then sent on your way. And, you and your symptoms won't get brushed aside ever.
 
If your question isn't answered here, please feel free to email me or book a free call.
 
Endevelt, R., & Gesser-Edelsburg, A. (2014). A qualitative study of adherence to nutritional treatment: perspectives of patients and dietitians. Patient preference and adherence, 8, 147–154. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S54799

Educator, Clinical Nutritionist & Health - Supportive Chef

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