You have Questions? I have answers.

No, I am a Clinical Nutritionist (CN). I have a graduate degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport (regionally accredited school) and I have passed the Board Certification Nutrition Specialist (BCNS℠) exam.  My education, professional and personal experience has prepared and equipped me with the required training to provide the best quality nutrition recommendations and advising to clients and communities.  As a candidate, I am in the process of completing 1,000 hours of  supervised experience to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®), which is considered a nationally recognized credential, an advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners.

Education and experience is relatively similar for a CN and a RD, with graduate level requirements and a specific number of supervised hours required for both.  However, the pathways of a CN and a RD are different, and a CN has the option to pursue a CNS®. The major difference between a CNS and a RD in Texas, is that a CNS is not provided with licensure, whereas in other states, there is an option to obtain a license with this credential.  Licensing and certification requirements for a CNS and a RD vary by state. For more information, see link below.   

When I provide a nutritional analysis, it is based on a funcional versus conventional perspective.  When providing an assessment, I evaluate several areas of an individual that may have an influence on their overall health, such as their diet, anthropometrics, lifestyle, culture, environment, health/medical history, stress levels, and lab work. Health and Nutrition can only improve when there is balanced state between the mind, the spirit and the body.  Thus, a "wholistic approach" focuses on evaluating the individual as a whole, rather than just on one area such as nutrition. 

Unfortunately, today we live in an environment where nutrients are depleted due to various factors.  While I do not believe supplements should replace food, I do believe some supplements are necessary for some individuals in some cases.  My recommendations are based on a personalized nutrition analysis.

I do not accept insurance because that places limitations on the kind of quality preventative health care I can provide to clients.  Since my approach is wholistic, I have the flexibility to work with clients based on their needs without the limitations of conventional methods covered by insurance.  This type of service is a long term investment, one that may save you thousands of dollars from hospital visits, physician visits,  and medications.   

The goal is to discover what your "sweet spot" is with nutrition.  My consultations are very personalized and I take the time to listen to the client's priorities, needs, and preferences.  While "finding the root cause" is important, I believe the focus should be shifted a bit.  The body is too complex to get to the root of certain health issues when there exists too many unknown factors, and when science is always evolving.  Therefore, I prefer to focus on what we can do today, with the information we have today.  This can change daily, weekly, monthly, even yearly depending on the stage of life.  I will not sugarcoat it, because for some it may take longer to see results and that is okay.  Together we come up with a plan that works best for you and making adjustments as needed. That is your "sweet spot."