FAQ

Initial consultation:Your first session focuses on reviewing your health history and forms, identifying your main concerns, assessing your current eating habits, and establishing your goals. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan of action with practical recommendations for you to follow until our next session.Follow-up consultations: Follow-up sessions focus on reviewing your experience between appointments, addressing challenges, and building on your progress. We’ll establish new goals and make adjustments to your recommendations as needed. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about food, exercise, or other areas of your health. Each session gives you practical, personalized steps to focus on before we meet again.

Yes. This means that I can see you no matter where you are located! Be assured of the same high quality coaching experience via virtual consultations from the comfort of your home or office.

Are you struggling to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight and often feel confused and overwhelmed? Or, have you lost weight in the past but struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I help you build a sustainable relationship with food and habits that last.

It is important to integrate gradual changes you can keep up over time, not quick fixes. That usually includes regular balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, movement you enjoy, enough sleep, and ways to manage stress. Looking at your personal challenges will be key in tackling future potential set backs. The goal is to do things differently then you did in the past, and be realistic about your expectations but also your potential!

A cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. In adults it commonly ranges from about 21 to 35 days, though this varies. If your cycle is very irregular, missing, or has changed suddenly, your doctor can assess it.Below is based on a 28 day cycle:Menstruation: Days 1-5 Early part of the cycle, when bleeding occurs.The uterine lining sheds. Estrogen and progesterone are low. Some women experience lower energy, cramps, or fatigue.Follicular: Days 1–13From the first day of menstruation up to ovulation​.FSH stimulates follicle development while estrogen rises as the egg matures. Some women notice improving mood and energy.Ovulation: Around Day 14Around the middle of the cycle.A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of an egg. Estrogen peaks shortly before ovulation, and a smaller rise in testosterone may occur. Some women notice increased libido or energy.Luteal: ​Days 15-28After ovulation until the next period.Hormone levels change. Progesterone rises, along with a smaller increase in estrogen. Both decline if pregnancy does not occur. Some women notice changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or digestion in this phase. ​​

I do not order or interpret tests. Food sensitivity tests are not considered a reliable tool, and they should not be used on their own to decide which foods to eliminate. Allergy and stool testing are ordered and interpreted by your doctor or an allergist, and food allergies, celiac disease, and other digestive conditions are assessed by them as well. If you already have test results that your doctor has reviewed, we can talk through meal ideas that fit around their guidance on allergies or health conditions. A simple food and symptom journal can also help you notice patterns to bring to your doctor.

Metabolism is the set of processes your body uses to convert food into energy. Metabolic health describes how well those processes are working, usually reflected in markers like blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

You’ll focus on implementing your new recommendations and goals between appointments.I’ll review your food journal and provide personalized feedback on your meals to help you stay on track and make adjustments when needed.If you have questions or comments between appointments, you can reach out to me for guidance and support.I'd love to hear from you!

Stress is widely recognized as something that can influence sleep, appetite, and well-being, and some women notice cycle changes during stressful periods. Persistent changes should be assessed by a doctor.

Yes. For an additional charge to your session, I can visit you in your home. This will give us a chance to go through your fridge/pantry, and conduct our session in the comfort of your home.

Food plays an important role in supporting metabolic health by helping regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and energy levels. A balanced, whole-food approach that includes adequate protein, fibre-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of plant foods such as fruits and vegetables can support healthy metabolic function and reduce the risk of metabolic conditions.

Gradual change is generally considered safer and easier to maintain than rapid weight loss, and the right pace is different for everyone. I don't promise specific results or timelines, and my goal is steady progress you can sustain. Clients who take a deep interest in their health (beyond weight), and are invested in bettering their mindsets, and bodies, usually will experience positive changes in their body composition.

Ongoing digestive issues can be frustrating to manage, especially if past attempts at help haven't brought lasting relief. I take a root-cause approach to gut health, helping you identify triggers, rebuild gut balance, and creating a plan of action that is personal to you without endless elimination diets.

Bloating can come from many things, including how fast you eat, large meals, certain fibre-rich or fermentable foods, swallowed air, constipation, stress, and medical conditions. Passing gas is a normal part of digestion. A food and symptom journal can help you notice patterns.

Yes, I will provide you with a receipt after each session. I am a member of the ANPQ. Insurance coverage will under the category ''Naturopathy''. Alternatively, you may be eligible for extended coverage under ''nutritional counselling'' if you do not have naturopathy coverage. If you do not have insurance coverage - you can potentially claim these services as an expense on your tax return. Contact your accountant for more details.

General habits that many people find helpful include eating a variety of soluble fibre-rich foods, drinking fluids through the day, moving regularly, and keeping consistent meal and sleep routines. Add fibre gradually, since a sudden increase can cause gas and bloating. If constipation is persistent or severe, please speak with your doctor.

Many factors can affect weight, including sleep, stress, medications, hormonal changes, activity levels, and medical conditions such as thyroid concerns. Plateaus are also common. If your weight has changed unexpectedly or you're doing everything "right" without results, please speak with your doctor, and we can look at your daily habits alongside their guidance.

I will guide you through the food and lifestyle changes that support healthy blood sugar, a strong cardiovascular system, and a healthy weight, with a focus on prevention so that you can feel confident about your long-term health.

No. Weight is one piece, but people of any size can have metabolic concerns, and many people at a higher weight have healthy markers. Energy, blood work, sleep, and how you feel day to day matter just as much.

Diagnosing and treating medical conditions is the role of your doctor. I can support your health concerns and goals alongside the care you're receiving.

Yes. I offer consultations focused on energy, sleep, stress, and eating habits during this transition. Questions about hormone therapy should go to your doctor.

Some people find that eating smaller meals, eating slowly, managing stress, avoiding lying down immediately after eating, and identifying trigger foods can help reduce symptoms. Including mucilage-rich foods, such as root vegetabels, squash, oats, and chia seeds may also help soothe the digestive tract. Frequent or severe heartburn should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Your metabolism is influenced by factors such as muscle mass, activity levels, nutrition, sleep, genetics, and age. Supporting your metabolism starts with eating enough nutrient-dense foods and protein, incorporating strength training (building muscle is key), staying active throughout the day, and prioritizing quality sleep. Rather than relying on “metabolism-boosting” ingredients or supplements, focus on sustainable lifestyle habits that support your overall health and energy expenditure.

Do you struggle to truly enjoy food? Years of restriction can leave you trapped in "good" vs. "bad" food thinking, making every meal feel like a decision to defend. I'll help you let go of the guilt and build a relationship with food that supports how you want to feel, both physically and mentally.

During your first initial assessment, I will assess your current eating and lifestyle habits and discuss your short and long term goals. We will discuss what has and has not worked for you in the past. This will allow me to get to know you and your past experience with food, exercise, food likes/dislikes, and much more. A plan of action will be sent to you post-session. During your follow up sessions, we focus on accountability. Together, we will review your experience between sessions, discuss any challenges, and answer questions. I will discuss new goals for you to focus on before our next appointment.

Yes. These medications are prescribed and monitored by your doctor, and coaching can sit alongside them. I can support everyday habits such as regular meals, hydration, movement, and building routines you can keep. Please tell your doctor about any changes in how you eat or feel, and never stop or change medication without medical advice.

Your doctor is the right person to diagnose and manage any medical condition. I can support your healthy habits through a holistic approach such as meal quality, movement, sleep, and stress, alongside the care you're already receiving.

Restrictive approaches like elimination diets and the low-FODMAP diets are not part of my recommendations. They can leave out important foods, do not support the body's digestive function, and aren't meant to be long-term. Please talk to your doctor first, since symptoms can have medical causes that need to be ruled out.

The number of consultations you need depends on your individual health concerns, goals, and needs. Some clients may only need a few sessions to address straightforward goals, while others benefit from longer-term support to explore their concerns more deeply, review progress, and make adjustments along the way.Cost, time, and insurance coverage are also important considerations. I work with each client’s insurance limitations and budget to create an approach that is realistic and accessible.

Yes. Your doctor prescribes and monitors your medication, and coaching can sit alongside it. Please never stop or change medication without medical advice.

It all starts with your mindset, which shapes your habits. Shifting it is often the key to unlocking whatever's been blocking consistent action. From there, I'll help you make better food choices that align with your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

If weight loss or difficulty gaining weight is unexplained, please see your doctor first, since it can have medical causes. From there, we can focus on regular meals and snacks, easy-to-eat whole foods, and routines that make eating more manageable.

Many people find maintenance harder than losing weight, and regaining is common. This is why building healthy habits is foundational to weight maintenance. Ongoing check-ins allow us to make tweaks along the way, and address challenges getting in your way. We build a plan for the long term and adjust it as your life changes.

A true food allergy involves the immune system, typically producing IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies in response to a food allergen. Reactions can occur within minutes and range from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Even tiny amounts of the food can trigger a reaction.A food intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting or processing a particular food or one of its components. Symptoms often include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhea and may depend on the amount consumed. IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies are sometimes associated with food sensitivity testing, but IgG responses to foods are generally considered a normal sign of exposure or tolerance, not a reliable indicator of food intolerance.

I offer healthy-eating guidance and ideas that support your pregnancy needs as well as postpartum support. If you have a medical condition in pregnancy, your doctor is the right person to consult for individualized advice.

Yes. Many health plans provide coverage under naturopathy, and I provide receipts under that category.

Traditional meal plans often aren’t helpful for creating lasting changes in your eating habits. Instead, I provide a personalized plan that includes a 3-day menu with complete meal ideas.If we identify specific foods or ingredients that may benefit your diet, I will incorporate them into your menu so that you can see how to build a meal in a realistic way.All recommendations are personalized to your individual concerns and goals. Throughout our work together, we will focus on understanding what foods energize you, satisfy you, and make you feel your best.

Solule fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds provide food for beneficial gut microorganisms. Fermented foods, such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir, and certain fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, may also be included if tolerated. Variety and consistency are generally more useful than relying on one “superfood.” Supplementing with probiotics can also be beneficial.

Supplements are part of my recommendations when appropriate. Any supplements recommended are personalized to each client, taking into consideration their health history, current medications, existing medical conditions, and individual needs.

Yes. Many women notice changes in weight or body composition during midlife and after having a baby. See our Women's Health page for more on life transitions and prenatal and postnatal wellness.

No. My approach is built around balanced, sustainable eating, not restriction.

If your disordered eating is in the past and you feel stable, we can focus on gentle, non-restrictive habits with no calorie counting or strict rules.  I use a non-restrictive, judgment-free approach and will refer you to other professionals when needed. If you are currently experiencing disordered eating, you will likely need support from a therapist or a registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders, and I would work alongside that team instead of in place of it. Weight-focused goals are not appropriate in that case.

My programs are educational based (which means, you will need to set aside some reading time). I provide you with the tools to take action on a week by week basis. My approach is less about micromanaging, and more about getting back to some fundamentals. I believe it is important that the foods you eat accommodate YOUR lifestyle. Whether you have a busy home life, have limited hours in the day, or don't know how to cook. You don't need to feel defeated because you can't fit into a box, that never works out well.Ongoing consultation support is included so that you are never alone on your journey.

Yes. I offer gentle, gradual support for weight management with no crash diets and no pressure to "bounce back." Please check with your doctor or midwife before changing your eating or activity, especially if you're breastfeeding.

This is a reserved designation for professionals graduating from The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I typically evaluate the client's health needs and provide a recommended food plan, which includes nutrient-dense whole foods, lifestyle and supplements recommendations. *Disclaimer* I am not a registered dietitian (R.D), or nutritionist.

I can support your everyday habits like regular meals, key nutrients, hydration, and rest which may contribute to breast milk supply. Concerns about milk supply, latch, or pain are best addressed by a lactation consultant, your midwife, or your doctor.

Researchers are studying how gut bacteria may play a role in how the body processes hormones such as estrogen, and this is an evolving area of science. Fiber-rich foods support gut health and digestion in general, so a variety of plant foods is a sensible everyday habit.

Please book a free discovery call with me by navigating to my contact page. Book a date and time in my calendar that is convenient for you. During this call, we will discuss your health concerns and objectives. I will discuss my services and suggest a plan that will suit your personal needs.

The body's stress response involves hormones such as cortisol. Ongoing stress can affect sleep, appetite, mood, and energy, and some women notice changes in their cycle during stressful periods. Persistent changes should be assessed by a doctor.

You will have access to your online program which include: Audio lessons and action steps that are strategically planned to make it easy for you to learn and implement new habits as we move along together. I will provide you with resources such as meal planning guides, shopping lists, and handouts that you can download or print for your convenience! You will receive access to BONUS recipe collections that I've put together just for you! They include delicious, low sugar, whole food meals so that you're never left wondering what to eat! We will schedule follow-up consultations following each module. *Upgrade Yourself* Learn how to lose weight sustainably & maintain a healthy weight long-term. This program contains 10 modules. *Update Your Habits* This is a shorter program that establishes the foundations of your dietary needs to support weight loss. It contains the first 4 modules of the Upgrade Yourself program*.

1. Better Nutrition 2. Create Balanced Meals 3. Planning Ahead - Menu Planning 4. Deconstructing Sugar & Carbohydrates 5. Boost Energy & Metabolism 6. Set up Your Gut & Beat The Bloat 7. Detox Naturally 8. You're in Control (Hunger & Cravings) 9. Identify Your Patterns (Lifestyle & Food) 10. Mindset & Social Strategy