Pamela Groulx
Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant™
Phone: 403.561.8525 Email: pamela@mariaschmid.ca
Every aspect of your health relies on nutrition! Food becomes the fuel for your body to function, and the building blocks to support your physical structure. Just as premium fuel is necessary for optimal performance of a fancy sports car, you can enhance your performance (and health) with ideal nutrition customized for you. As a Holistic Nutritional consultant my focus on gut health ensures you get the most out of the food you eat - to help you look and feel your best.
Holistic Nutrition will benefit:
- sleep quality
- fatigue
- stress management
- weight management
- gastrointestinal symptoms (acid reflux, bloating, gas, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation)
- food sensitivities and intolerances
- skin conditions (helps reduce rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea)
- immune function, autoimmune conditions, cancer risk
- mood (eg. anxiety and depression)
- brain health
- cardiovascular health
- hormone balance, reproductive health, thyroid and adrenal glands
- respiratory system (asthma, allergies)
- nervous system
- pain and inflammation throughout your body
The inspiration for my career in Holistic Nutrition came from my daughter who was diagnosed with autoimmune conditions before the age of two. The improvements that we saw in her, mere weeks after adopting a gut-healthy protocol, ultimately motivated me to pursue an education in natural nutrition - and to help others! My deep understanding of physiology from my previous career in Nuclear Medicine and MRI allow me to piece together the intricate puzzle of each client’s health challenges and correct nutrient deficiencies through simple, delicious and nutritious food. For me, nutrition has become an integral part of being a mother, sister, wife, friend and dog owner. If you are interested in learning more, read on… and contact me.
What is Holistic Nutrition?
Holistic Nutrition is a natural way to improve health and wellness. This personalized, symptom-based approach uses the interconnections within your body, and lifestyle modifications, to promote health (Homeostasis). Specific nutrient suggestions target deficiencies that are at the root of your health concern, and sustainable results are achieved when the imbalance in your body is corrected. There are no side effects to eating good quality natural foods and the benefits are immeasurable.
What to Expect?
Intake forms provide me with a glimpse into your general health, lifestyle and habits. At the initial appointment we will discuss your main health concerns, symptoms you experience, and challenges you face, in a safe judgement free way. There are a number of common topics that often come up, we will explore the ones that are relevant, and those of interest to you, and I will offer specific recommendations to meet you where you are at. I base my recommendations on current research and science-backed methods. I am always happy to share my resources with you. Common topics to explore:
- acid reflux
- blood sugar regulation
- hormone balance
- pattern and schedule of eating
- healthy habits to improve digestion
- busting diet myths
- detoxifying your body and your home
- how nutrition for gut-health is different from general nutrition guides
Together we negotiate a plan to help you modify your diet and lifestyle. Then we work together while you implement the changes and experience the benefits. I am happy to meet with you in person, over the phone, via electronic meetings, or a combination of all of the above.
Offers
The Full Meal Deal - Customized Program
- 6 hours (variable depending on your goals) over the course of ~3months
- weekly or biweekly check-ins (phone or electronic meetings)
- ongoing support (text, email)
- nutritional assessment
- detailed summary of how your symptoms are related to gut health
- specific nutrient suggestions, foods that contain them, and how to include more of that into your life
- supplement suggestions (if necessary)
- strategies to improve your digestive function
- a plan - mutually agreed upon
- goal checklist to help keep you on track
- copies and access to all my handouts and resources that we discuss
- option to have your psychologist collaborate with me for the best possible results
A La Carte - options to add on:
- home detox
- meal plans
- recipes
- yoga poses that specifically benefit your condition
- shopping assistance
If that is too much to digest, try a smaller bite:
Appetizer - 45mins
- breakdown of a gut-healthy meal
- tips to improve digestive function
- top 5 easy additions for health (hint: they are probably already in your kitchen
15min Free - Introductory Call - A meet and greet available to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a diet?
No, this is not a diet. In my experience diets that involve deprivation, calorie counting and exercising more, don’t work for everyone. Healthy weight management involves balancing hormones, addressing toxicity within the body (and the external environment), and optimizing digestive efficiency.
Will I lose weight?
Eating a customized diet that meets your specific nutritional needs helps your body achieve a healthy weight. Whether you want to lose weight or gain weight, Holistic Nutrition can help.
Do I need to buy supplements?
I believe food comes first! My preference is to consume whole foods because there are synergistic benefits that come from the complex nature of food as it is intended. However, there are a few nutrients that are difficult to get adequate amounts of from food alone, in which case a supplement will be suggested. In specific situations supplements can be beneficial, typically they are used for a finite period of time and with a specific plan in place. I will explain my rationale and offer suggestions, the final choice is always up to you.
How is this different from a Dietician?
I am not medically trained to manage disease with diet, and I do not make recommendations based on the Canada Food Guide. My education and experience enable me to address the root of your health concern and to guide you to build health from a foundational level. This benefits all body organ systems and yields sustainable results. I base my recommendations on current medical research and science-backed methods. I use risk /benefit analysis and the decision to implement any of my suggestions is always up to you.
Insurance coverage?
Some packages will cover Holistic Nutrition services, but not all. I am not a registered member of the medical health system. Typically, Holistic Nutrition will be considered an alternative modality and partially covered under your Health Spending Account, if you have one.
What is the best diet? Keto? Vegan? Vegetarian? Paleo?…
I do not subscribe to any specific diet model. I think the best diet for you is unique - like you.
Will it be complicated or difficult to follow?
No. My suggestions are practical and simple, they have to be in order for you to implement them into your life.
Will I feel hungry? Deprived? Will I never have my favourite food again?
No. I aim to help you manage your satiety and cravings so that you are comfortable, while staying on track to meet your health goals. Deprivation is often met with a rebound effect - not helpful. I believe in meeting you where you are at and finding healthier foods / treats or combining foods to provide better balance. I have an extensive recipe file and collaborate with you to find foods that nourish your body and your soul.. I provide information, inspiration and support - the speed at which we progress and the direction are determined by you.
Is there collaboration between the psychologist and the nutrition consultant?
It is an option, but only if you consent. No discussion regarding clients occurs until we have their written consent. We offer this team approach because we appreciate the important role nutrition plays in setting the client up for success. Therapy and counselling will achieve faster and better results when the client is getting optimal nutrition.
How do you get in touch with me?
Please book your free 15min appointment online at https://mariaschmid.as.me/nutritional15min.
If you can’t find an appointment that works, or if you prefer to email me with questions, send them to
pamela@gut2health.com.