What is functional nutrition?

Functional nutrition is in the same family as functional medicine. It is a personalized systems-oriented approach that looks beyond the symptoms causing discomfort in an effort to identify the root of the problem. Functional nutrition embraces food as a tool to support balance and proper physical function. Compared to traditional nutrition therapy, functional nutrition focuses more on the individual and considers lifestyle factors that could affect food choices. Functional nutrition offers a more holistic approach to enhancing a person’s well-being while providing more nuanced care.

What is a functional nutrition counselor or coach?

Functional nutrition counselors or coaches are trained wellness professionals who help guide individuals on their health and nutrition journeys. We work within a functional medicine model that has been customized for nutrition and lifestyle counseling. This model uses modifiable diet and lifestyle factors, the things you have control of every day, to make a difference in your health. A few principles borrowed from the functional medicine model that guide me in my work with you are:

• You are unique. You are not a statistic. You are an individual with a particular history, body, and lifestyle. You have strengths, challenges, experiences and goals that are unique to you. Thus, you do not fit into a formula or “single bullet” approach. I will meet you were you are and create a personalized plan with you. A big part of my job is to help you tease apart what is true for you so that we can help you overcome your obstacles and meet your goals.
• We are looking for the root cause of your discomfort. Our goal isn’t to just quiet symptoms, we want to understand why you are experiencing them so that we can create more sustainable relief.
• Everything is connected. There are so many factors inside and outside of your body that contribute to your health, energy, mood, metal clarity and performance. We will look at all of them and prioritize what will have the biggest impact when creating your plan.

A functional nutrition counselor is a key component in unlocking the power of nutrition and lifestyle in your quest for better health and performance.