Frequently asked questions

Do you offer weight-loss counseling, and can you help me lose weight?

No, we do not offer counseling specifically focused on weight loss. However, we respect your decision to pursue weight loss, as we believe in everyone's body autonomy.

As weight-inclusive dietitians, our primary focus is on supporting you in making behavior changes related to your nutrition and lifestyle, to promote overall health and protect your relationship with food. It's important to recognize that weight itself is not a behavior. While weight change may occur as a result of these behavior changes, it is not the primary focus, nor can we guarantee or promise any specific outcomes regarding your weight.

Numerous research studies have consistently demonstrated that engaging in restrictive diets and adopting rigid eating patterns can lead to negative consequences such as preoccupation with food, increased cravings, weight cycling, yo-yo dieting, feelings of guilt and shame around eating, and poorer quality of life. Instead, we emphasize the importance of focusing on health-promoting behaviors rather than fixating solely on the number on the scale. This approach can yield numerous benefits regardless of any specific changes in weight.

Do you accept insurance?

Our Nourished Bodies is currently in-network with American Specialty Health, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna Commercial Health, and Aetna Medicare. Otherwise, if you have insurance coverage, some insurance companies may reimburse for Medical Nutrition Therapy provided by an out-of-network Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Please confirm with your insurance company what your coverage includes. I am happy to provide you with a monthly superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Depending on your benefits, you may be able to receive a full or partial reimbursement for our sessions together.

When calling to verify your out-of-network nutrition counseling benefits, be sure to ask:

• Are visits to an “out-of-network” Registered Dietitian Nutritionist reimbursable? Refer to Medical Nutrition Therapy procedure codes 97802 and 97803.

• Ask about diagnosis code Z71.3 and if it’s covered as preventative.

• Is there a limit to the number of visits?

• Is a physician/provider referral required?

• Do I have a deductible to meet before insurance pays?

How much does it cost to work with you?

Our current rate is $100 for all initial and follow-up sessions. Please see more information about current pricing here.

How long can I expect to work with you?

It varies from client to client! Some individuals initially come for nutrition counseling with specific goals in mind, and after six months, we may reach a point where we take a break. On the other hand, some clients who used to meet with us weekly have reduced their frequency as they've gained more skills and support.

If you decide to cancel, please provide written, email, or verbal notice before ending the program. If there are remaining sessions at the time of termination, they won't be refunded but can be rescheduled for a later time that suits the client or can be forfeited.

Due to financial concerns, I am unable to afford eating disorder care at this time. What should I do?

Organizations such as the Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association and Project Heal provide financial assistance and free diagnostical/clinical assessments.

At Our Nourished Bodies, we have limited sliding scale spots available, and offer pro bono care through Project Heal. Email us for more information!

What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian? aren’t they the same thing?

All Registered Dietitians are Nutritionists. However, not all Nutritionists are Registered Dietitians. Anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist and there is no legally recognized qualification or educational standard. However, the title Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is reserved for those who have completed the rigorous academic and practical training established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and fulfill continuing education requirements set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (more than half of RD/RDNs have a Master’s degree) in an accredited nutrition-related area of study

• Complete an extensive supervised practice of at least 1200 hours including rotations in clinical dietetics and community/public health nutrition

• Pass a comprehensive, national registration exam

• Complete a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years

• Uphold the Code of Ethics established by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and the Commission on Dietetic Registration, which guides dietetic practice

Where are you located?

We are located near Loma Linda, California however we do not currently have availability for in-person sessions. You can work with us virtually from the comfort of your own couch!

I am not located in California. can I still work with you?

Yes! We also serve clients in Utah, Tennessee, Arizona, Colorado, and Michigan. Nutrition coaching and intuitive eating coaching are available nationwide and internationally. Please email us for more clarification.

What is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive eating is about reconnecting with your body's innate wisdom and trusting its signals of hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. It encourages you to listen to your body's needs rather than following external rules or restrictions.

It promotes a non-diet mentality and rejects the idea of labeling foods as "good" or "bad." Instead, intuitive eating encourages unconditional permission to eat all foods, honoring your cravings and preferences without guilt or judgment.

The principles of intuitive eating involve honoring your hunger by eating when you're hungry and choosing foods that both satisfy you and provide nourishment. This includes paying attention to the taste, texture, and enjoyment of food.

It also involves recognizing and respecting your fullness cues and learning to recognize when you feel comfortably satisfied rather than overly full. This requires slowing down and savoring each bite, being mindful of how your body feels during the eating process.

Intuitive eating encourages body respect and body acceptance. It focuses on developing a positive body image and recognizing that your worth and value are not determined by your size or shape.

Finally, intuitive eating promotes finding joy in movement and engaging in physical activity that feels good to your body, rather than exercising as a means of punishment or compensation for eating.

Can you coordinate with my therapist, doctor, or other member of my team?

Yes! We would be happy to help coordinate your care among all of your treatment providers and encourage this as best clinical practice.