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frequently asked questions
Q: Which dietary theory does Inspire Nutrition teach? Do I have to become a vegetarian?
A: Inspire Nutrition focuses on bio-individuality, the idea that the same diet that is perfect for one person may be wrong for another. Christina’s programs teach clients to discover what works for them, emphasizing whole foods but not favoring one particular theory over another. I work with carnivores, pescetarians, vegetarians, vegans and anyone who loves to eat!
Q: What accreditation do you have and where did you receive your nutrition education?
A: I am accredited as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, a private national certifying body. I am a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s Professional Training Program and hold a certificate in Integrative Nutrition. I have taken an intensive two-week training program at the Natural Gourmet Cooking School in Manhattan. In June 2008, I will be attending the Food as Medicine professional training program sponsored by the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.
Q: What is a holistic health counselor?
A holistic health counselor recognizes that good health is about more than just eating the right foods. Holistic health counselors take a whole body approach that incorporates things that nourish you other than food, such as physical activity, lifestyle, and stress reduction.
Q: What makes Inspire Nutrition different?
A: First, when working with me, you receive special, personal attention. At Inspire Nutrition, I am completely focused on my clients. From having access to a lending library of books on health and nutrition, handouts, a free monthly newsletter, 24/7 online email support, special food and other giveaways at each session, you’ll be amazed at how close and connected you’ll feel by the end of your program and by how much you have learned and accomplished.
Second, you will make sustainable changes over a period of time. I work with my clients for 12 sessions over the course of 12 weeks, every other week for six months or once a month for a year, depending on their schedule. The 12 sessions allow you a chance to implement small changes and create new habits over a period of time. Anyone can give you a list of nutrition and lifestyle tips or create a meal plan for you to follow; however, these won’t work over time. Instead, I help my clients reach their goals for their health and nutrition and create a solid foundation from which they can grow and continue to make changes.
Third, you get practical nutrition training that you will use; we won’t just talk about food. You will gain new shopping skills, new cooking skills and new eating habits. You will learn about new foods you have never eaten before and you will be able to teach these skills to your friends and family.
Fourth, I follow the unique concept of primary food. Healthy relationships, physical activity, a fulfilling career, and spiritual practices all encompass primary food and are the basis of a satisfied and balanced life. Secondary food is what is currently thought of as nutrition. While it is important to find the right foods to nourish an individual, it is primary food that brings your life into balance, making what you eat secondary. My emphasis on primary food will surely teach you something new when learning to deconstruct your health concerns.
Q: Can you teach me how to cook healthy?
A: Yes! As part of the practical nutrition training you will receive, we will cook together. I also have monthly group cooking classes that are geared for people who want to drop in for a specific topic.
Q: What types of clients do you work with?
A: I work with men and women who are interested in improving their health and willing to try new things. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, let’s talk.
- Has your doctor told you that you need to make some changes in your life?
- Do either of your parents have a health condition like cancer, diabetes, or a heart disease? Are you interested in prevention?
- Are you confused about what to eat?
- Do you want to learn to cook healthy?
- Do you feel like you need more energy?
- Do you catch colds or sinus infections easily?
- Do you want to learn how to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grain and legumes, but don’t know where to start?
- Are you sick of being a junk food vegetarian?
- Do you want to learn how to eat less processed food and more whole foods?
- Do you want to learn how to cook balanced meals?
- Do you want to take your personal health to the next level?
- Do you want to learn more about organic, local and seasonal foods?
- Do you want to snack less late at night?
- Do you feel like you need to take better care of yourself?
- Are you sick of shopping for the same food over and over?
Q: Can you help me with a certain illness or disease?
A: While I cannot diagnose or treat, I can certainly give you suggestions of foods and lifestyle changes to try that might positively affect your condition.
Q: What is a healthy history consultation?
A: We will spend an hour going through your health history. In order to get a clear snapshot about your current health, I will ask you some basic questions about what you eat; your sleep, digestive and work habits; and your health and nutrition goals. The information is then used as the groundwork for a custom made program to create lasting change. You will also get a sense of how it would be to work together.
Q: Is it possible to eat healthy and not spend tons of money?
A: Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I show clients how to shop smart. One of the sessions I offer is a grocery store tour where I take clients on a trip to a local health food store. There, you learn how to make a great grocery list, what to watch out for on labels, and how to shop in the produce section as well as the rest of the grocery store. You will also be introduced to new foods and have an opportunity to ask questions about products you have always wondered about.
Q: I don’t have time to meet in person. Can we do this through email/phone calls?
A stressful, hectic lifestyle can take a toll on your health. If you decide to work with Inspire Nutrition, I prefer to meet with you in person to determine your unique needs. I develop a relationship with my clients and a relationship is best nourished by meeting in person. There are certain circumstances where we can work over the phone. Contact me for more information.
Q: How can I find out more information about Inspire Nutrition?
A: Visit Inspire Nutrition’s website at www.inspirenutrition.com or call Christina at 202-669-5330 for more information.
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