An initial consultation includes the following:

Introducing myself to the client and explaining how the session will proceed.

1. 1. 1. Starting with filling out a new client form together with the client which includes gathering general information about a person’s health and well-being which may be influenced through the following aspects:
         1. Nutrition
         2. Eating habits
         3. Lifestyle
         4. Medical and family history
         5. Emotional health (e.g., stress)
      2. Followed by some questions to get a better image of the client’s short-term and long-term nutritional and lifestyle goals.
      3. Anthropometric measurements will be asked/taken such as weight, height, and if needed blood pressure.

A healthy diet is a balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients to support your overall health and well-being. It is usually tailored to the individual while maintaining a variety of whole foods, limiting added sugars and salt, and drinking an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated.

A food allergy is when an individual’s body gets an abnormal immune response to food, symptoms can range from mild to more serious. These symptoms may include one or more of the following: hives, itchiness, swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, it may lead to an anaphylaxis (life-threatening reaction).

A food intolerance is a non-allergic adverse reaction to certain foods, often due to the inability to digest or process specific food components. Symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Contrary to food allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system and are not life-threatening.

The most known food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.

However, there are many other food allergies and according to the Food Standards Agency in the UK there are 14 major food allergens, please refer to their infographic (click on infographic).

You can ensure that you get enough vitamins and minerals through your diet by choosing whole foods (minimally processed) over ultra-processed foods and eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (unsaturated fats).

Drinking plenty of water since it will not only keep you hydrated but also help you absorb the nutrients received from food.

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates play a crucial role as a primary energy source for the human body and are recognized as the most efficient fuel for our physiological functions.

Natural sugars, abundantly present in fruits and dairy products, offer a wholesome and healthy supply of carbohydrates. However, issues arise when sugar undergoes extensive refining or processing, such as in the case of high fructose corn syrup.

Additionally, the inclusion of added sugars poses another concern.

Frequently, these sugars find their way into ultra-processed foods and beverages, where their presence serves as a preservative, even though the original whole food already contains a natural form of carbohydrates. Examples of this include commercial fruit juices, smoothies, iced teas, canned fruits, and yogurt.

It is important to be mindful of such refined and added sugars, as they may compromise the nutritional integrity of these products despite their seemingly healthy nature.

Tip: read the nutritional labels and ingredients list on food/beverage packaging to know if there are added sugars.