What We Do
Be Balanced Nutrition is here to help educate, coach and inspire you.
We start with the foundations of nutrition, using "food as medicine" whenever possible, giving you the opportunity to reach your highest personal level of health and vitality -- all in a way that is flexible, supportive and empowering.
Our process involves looking at the whole person and then taking a personalized and synergistic approach.
Nutritional imbalances, digestive distress, inflammation, fatigue, blood-sugar balancing, food sensitivities, menu and meal prep, stress-management and sleep quality may be some of the (many) things we look at when working together. We also look at lifestyle and behavioral patterns that may no longer be supporting your well-being. We then co-create a holistic nutrition and lifestyle plan with you to suit your individual needs.
Balancing Our Ecosystem Within
Since the time of Hippocrates, humans have understood the importance of the gut's role in creating or preventing diseases. However, it is only recently that hard scientific research and studies have also come to this point of view.
We have an important symbiotic relationship with the bacteria that makes up the rich and diverse ecosystem in our gut. The health and balance of these bacteria, in large, will determine the state of our own health. These powerful microscopic soldiers help to strengthen and protect our immune systems while also playing a critical role in digestion, nutrient breakdown and absorption, brain health, mood and hormone balance as well as many other things. Through functional nutrition and lifestyle approaches, Be Balanced Nutrition can help teach you how to create an optimal environment for your microbiome to thrive. This, in turn, will support your own well-being and vitality.
"This (inner) garden is filled with bugs that determine more about your health and your emotional and mental wellbeing than you ever imagined!" - Dr. Mark Hyman
Getting to the Root- Functional Medicine Model
Too often we focus on quelling individual symptoms. For example, taking an over-the-counter pill for a headache or acid-reflux puts a medicinal band-aid on to relieve a symptom without ever finding out why you actually had the headache or reflux in the first place. Symptoms can be a warning sign of something potentially bigger that might be going on in our bodies, a "smoke alarm" of sorts.
Functional Medicine doctors look for the actual fire that is causing the smoke. They go beyond the individual symptoms, looking at the whole body using a systems-based approach (a combination of conventional and integrative medicine) to unearth the root issues – the real fire.
Functional Medicine Health Coaching focuses on a collaboration between the coach/nutritionist and client to form a wellness partnership. Together we create a plan that helps us to identify and work towards your health and lifestyle goals in a fun and positive way. This process can help to support and empower you to make lasting changes on your journey to better health and a balanced life.
Note: We regularly have cross-referrals with licensed medical practitioners for cases where a medical diagnosis is needed. We are happy to refer clients to medical practitioners, Integrative doctors, and Functional Medicine doctors that we work with if the issues are out of the nutrition and health coaching scopes of practice. Conversely, we receive client referrals from doctors who have seen the positive benefits of functional nutrition and health coaching support.
Services
Initial Intake
Initial Intake Assessment $135.00
Initial Intake Includes:
- Confidential Initial Health History Intake – an in-depth health and lifestyle interview --approximately 60-75 minutes
- Review of Food and Lifestyle Journal with an evaluation of daily nutrition, digestion, lifestyle & exercise.
- Nutrition and Symptoms Assessment Questionnaires and Analysis at the beginning and end of our sessions together.
- Wellness Mapping
- Report of findings, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, supplement recommendations if needed, and limited e-mail support.
*Note: Before your initial consultation, I will email you a couple of forms and a 3-5 day food journal. Please complete these and email them back to me at least 24-48 hours prior to your appointment.
I see clients in person or via Skype/Zoom. Appointments by Skype/Zoom need to please be paid in advance.
Follow-up Appointments
60 minute follow-up / $75.00
During the follow-up appointments, we will discuss your successes and challenges, re-take any essential assessments, discuss and work though any nutritional and lifestyle components that may be affecting your health and wellness goals.
30 minute follow up / $50.00
Eating for Health and Vitality 4 Week Course
Do you have some friends or colleagues that all want to make healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes?
This is a small group of 4-6 people. Please email me with your interest and we can book a start date.
In the 4 weeks you will learn to:
- Eat for optimal health and vitality
- Balance blood sugar
- Uncover hidden food sensitivities
- Optimise gut health
- Reduce sugar cravings
- Make healthy food swaps
- Create more balance in your life
- Save time with meal planning (examples of nutritious recipes are included)
Each person will also receive:
- 4 one-hour classes
- Class material
- Nutritious recipes
- 4 weeks of email support
- 30 minute private nutrition assessment before the course begins. Your health and lifestyle history will be reviewed and your goals discussed.
- 30 minute follow up private nutrition consultation at the end of the course where recommendations will be made based on your individual needs as you continue the journey to create balance and good health in your life.
Price for the 4 week course, materials, and two private counseling sessions for each person is $345.00
Group or Private 14 or 21 Day Detox
With our modern-day lifestyle, we are exposed to more environmental toxins, poor food choices, and stress. A detox program can help to give our digestive system, bodies, mind and spirit a much-needed break. When we provide our bodies with the necessary nutrients, and re-learn the skill of nurturing ourselves, we can turn on our fabulous natural detoxification mechanism. This detox is different because you will not go hungry. You will learn to listen to what your body truly needs.
A 21-day cleansing program, if followed correctly, can have many health benefits such as:
- Improved digestion
- More energy
- Clearing up brain fog
- Balanced moods
- A reduction in sugar cravings
- Balanced Weight (while this is not the main focus or a guarantee, it may be a bonus for some).
You will receive recipes, materials, personal support and guidance throughout the cleanse.
Email to inquire about future group cleanse dates, or if you would like to start a private 14-21 day cleanse.
Nutrition Talks for Groups/Businesses
Bring nutrition and lifestyle education to your place of business with our one hour health talks. Topics can include:
- Gut Health
- Eating for Optimal Health and Vitality
- Discovering Hidden Food Sensitivities
- Eating to Reduce Inflammation
- Blood Sugar Balance
- Reducing Sugar Cravings
- Fats and Carbohydrates, Myths and Truths
Price is based on the size of the group. Please email to enquire.
Additional Services
Menu planning $60.00
You will receive a one week menu plan tailored to your individual needs, including 3 meals per day plus 2 snacks and recommended liquids
Local Grocery Store Tour (60-75 minutes ) $135 1- 4 people
I offer local grocery store tours that assist with learning how to read labels and evaluate products. You will also learn time-saving tips for preparing healthy meals that work within your personal lifestyle. A few nutritious recipes will be included.
Pantry and Fridge Clean Out (local to me) 90 minutes $135.00
I offer a full pantry overhaul that teaches you how to remove foods with sneaky ingredients and hidden sugars, education on how to stock your pantry/fridge for optimal health and help with reading labels and evaluating products. A few nutritious recipes will be included.