Frequently Asked Questions

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Quite likely!  We are in network with most BCBS and Cigna plans, including the BCBS State Health Plan.  Most of their policies cover nutrition counseling at 100% as part of health care reform.  This is constantly changing so double check with your insurance carrier to see how they currently cover "nutrition counseling".  We also offer individual "out of pocket" rates for those who have insurance carriers that do not cover our services.

It is variable but first time appointments in the office typically run 60-90 minutes.  Follow up appointments are typically 45-60 minutes.  We try to keep our schedule flexible so there is no rush to finish while respecting your time as well.

Whatever works best for you, your schedule, and your needs.  We don't require a set schedule of appointments, instead we create a customized plan for each client.  For reference many of our clients meet once every 2-4 weeks in the beginning and then stretch out visits as they become more comfortable with the diet changes.  

There are many reasons but the simplest explanation is this:  There is only one dietary pattern shown to not only halt but in many cases reverse heart disease, our number one killer in the USA.  When applied to most other chronic disease states very positive results follow too.  We feel at this point in time to NOT promote plant based eating and education would be irresponsible.  It's plant based, not plant exclusive, so the goal isn't 100% plants, just FAR more than the average American intake hovering around 6% of our diets.  There is plenty of room in between.  Factor in the drastically reduced/improved monetary/environmental and global impact that plant based eating provides and the question quickly becomes why not plant based?

Not likely.  Results can certainly happen quickly but the underlying principles and patterns are designed to be adopted for lifelong use.  "Diets" typically overpromise results and almost always underdeliver, especially in the long haul in terms of healthfulness. That's not what we are about.  Instead, we help you make lifestyle and dietary changes that are permanent, sustainable, and rooted in the current and best available balance of evidence based science.

We are glad you asked!  The difference can be subtle but is very important to draw a distinction between the two.  While there is a lot of overlap, a plant based dietary plan focuses on quality, minimally-un processed plant foods such as beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.  A vegan diet can contain these foods too but does allow for a lot of hyper processed plant based foods.  Potentially healthier for the planet but not necessarily for human health.  Here's a classic example: Oreos, beyond burgers, and french fries can all be "vegan" but certainly would never be considered health promoting short or long term.

That's up to you.  We encourage a whole foods, plant based centric dietary pattern in order to be the healthiest you can be.  This parallels where much of the current understanding of optimum human nutrition resides.  That means that the majority of what you're eating should come from whole plant based foods.  That doesn't mean that you have to give up meat, eggs and dairy 100% unless you want to, or have a medical condition that warrants such action.  We focus on helping clients realize and solve how to ADD in the healthiest foods as part of your regular routine rather than focusing on what to cut or restrict.