Functional Nutrition, as defined by the Functional Nutrition Alliance (FxNA), is a personalized, root-cause approach to health that focuses on the unique needs of each individual. It goes beyond generic dietary advice and considers the interconnectedness of body systems, lifestyle, environment, and genetics. Functional Nutrition aims to identify and address the root causes of symptoms rather than just managing them, using food, lifestyle modifications, and targeted support to restore balance and promote long-term wellness.

Functional Nutrition differs from traditional nutrition in its root-cause, systems-based approach to health. While traditional nutrition often focuses on general dietary guidelines and symptom management, Functional Nutrition looks at the whole person, considering factors like genetics, environment, lifestyle, and gut health to create a personalized plan.

Functional Nutrition is a personalized, root-cause approach to health that focuses on the unique needs of your body. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all diet, it helps you understand how food, lifestyle, and environment impact your overall well-being and what changes will best support your health goals.

Here are some ways Functional Nutrition can help:

• Improve Digestion & Gut Health – Reduce bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities by identifying the right foods for your body.

• Boost Energy & Reduce Fatigue – Balance blood sugar, support adrenal health, and fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods.

• Support Hormone Balance – Address imbalances related to stress, metabolism, and reproductive health.

• Manage Chronic Symptoms – Find the root causes of inflammation, headaches, joint pain, skin issues, and other ongoing health concerns.

• Optimize Mental Clarity & Mood – Support brain health, improve focus, and stabilize mood through targeted nutrition.

• Create Sustainable, Healthy Habits – Learn how to nourish your body in a way that feels good, without restrictive diets or calorie counting.

By working with a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor, you get customized guidance to help you feel your best—whether you want to improve digestion, have more energy, balance hormones, or simply create a healthier lifestyle that works for you.

We work with anyone dedicated and interested in improving their nutrition, health, and well-being. This includes:

• Individuals and families seeking personalized guidance to meet health goals, manage dietary needs, or create balanced meal plans.

• Schools, after-school programs, and community organizations interested in engaging nutrition courses or workshops for students, parents, or staff.

• Groups of any size looking for motivational or educational talks on nutrition, body positivity, mental health, and wellness.

• Clients who want hands-on support, including grocery shopping, meal planning, or even in-kitchen guidance to build sustainable habits.

1. Start with a FREE 20-Minute Discovery Call We’ll connect for a brief chat where I’ll answer your questions, explain our services, and determine if we’re a good fit for working together on your health journey.

2. Complete Our Comprehensive Intake Form After our session, I’ll send you our detailed intake form, which you can complete at your own pace. This helps me get to know you better and understand your unique needs.

3. Health History (Timeline) Session We’ll dive deeper into your (or your child’s) health history during a dedicated, hour-long session. This ensures I have a complete picture of your health journey and current concerns.

4. Nutrition Counseling Session We’ll discuss your challenges, review our personalized recommendations, and create a clear plan for your next steps during this hour-long session.

Functional Nutrition is not a quick fix—it’s about uncovering the root causes of your symptoms and clearing the "muddy waters." This process takes time and ongoing support, which is why we typically follow up with counseling packages or individual sessions, depending on your needs.

Yes! We work with clients across the globe via virtual sessions, so distance isn’t a barrier. If you’re in or near Santa Cruz, California, we also offer in-person meetings.

Results vary depending on your unique body, lifestyle, and goals. In functional nutrition, we focus on addressing root causes, so some changes—like improved energy, digestion, or mood—can happen within a few weeks, while deeper, long-term shifts may take a few months. This isn’t a “quick fix”. Consistency and collaboration are key.

We offer a sliding scale to make our services accessible to everyone. While we don’t currently bill insurance directly, we can provide receipts for you to submit to your provider if needed. More details on costs will be made clear during or immediately after your Discovery Call based on the selection of services.