FAQs
Do you take insurance?
Yes! I am in network with several insurance companies including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare. I can see patients virtually in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Virginia.
If your insurance does not cover nutrition counseling, I would be happy to provide you with a Superbill that you can use toward a Health Saving Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), or for tax purposes.
What should I expect in a session with you?
Every session is individual and specific to your goals at that moment. An initial session focuses on learning all about you! Your healthy history, eating patterns, exercise and sleep habits, concerns, and goal setting. Follow up sessions allow us to review your progress and explore ways to overcome barriers to your goals.
You can expect non-judgement, empathy, and compassion in every session.
I may recommend books, articles, podcasts, videos, etc to provide bonus information in a different context.
Meal planning and menu planning can be incorporated into sessions when appropriate and are tailored to your nutrition needs and lifestyle.
Why work with a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
Simply put, an RD is a nutrition expert.
RDs are trained in the sciences and evidenced-based nutrition, required to obtain at least a bachelor’s degree, perform 1200 hours of supervised practice, pass a board exam, and complete continuing education.
An RD is a nutritionist; however, NOT every “nutritionist” is an RD!
I understand the complex relationship between health and nutrition. There is no one size fits all approach to nutrition.
I will make recommendations specific to you, your health, your culture.
What is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive Eating is an evidence-based, holistic approach to honor and restore your innate awareness of how to provide your body with the nourishment it needs.
It is NOT a diet, but rather a set of principles to guide you through the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of eating and honoring your body. This approach was pioneered in 1995 by registered dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch in the book Intuitive Eating, which is currently in its fourth edition.
Intuitive Eating does not mean giving up on your health. On the contrary, research has demonstrated the many health benefits of Intuitive Eating. These include:
Improved blood pressure, blood sugar control, cholesterol, and inflammation markers; lower risk of eating disorders, and greater psychological health; improved dietary intake (Van Dyke & Drinkwater, 2014).
Decreased disordered eating behaviors, body dissatisfaction, and weight-biased internalization; increased body appreciation (Burnette, 2020).
Lower symptoms of depression, poor self esteem, and unhealthy weight controlling behaviors (Hazzard et al, 2020).
I’m not sure if Intuitive eating is for me. How long will it take?
That’s ok! There is no judgement. You may be doing some parts of Intuitive Eating and not even know it.
Whether you are young, old, an athlete, pregnant, or just wanting to improve your relationship with food and your body, the principles of Intuitive Eating are applicable to any stage of life.
Even if you have health conditions, Intuitive Eating can work for you. This is where the expertise of an RD is helpful!
We are all born Intuitive Eaters; however, this voice can be diminished by the noise of diet culture that permeates through TV, movies, social media, family, etc. This starts from a very early age for some people and can be tough to change.
Keep an open mind, be curious, stay patient, and be kind to yourself. Just like learning any new skill, it takes practice!
What if I want to lose weight?
First, there is no judgement. It makes sense so many people want to lose weight because diet mentality is prevalent in society and healthcare, unfortunately. However, 95% of diets fail, weight cycling is harmful to your health, and you are left feeling like a failure.
Letting go of weight loss may seem scary. Instead, focus on behaviors that you can change such as honoring your hunger, feeling your fullness, moving your body in a joyful way, and practicing gentle nutrition.
Imagine how you would feel if you didn’t carry that expectation of weight loss.
Would you feel lighter? More confident?
Would you feel healthier if you focused on strength and stamina instead of weight loss?
Would you feel like a good example for your kids, family, loved ones?
I can help you! Start your health journey today.