Question: What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

Answer: Nutritionists usually work with individuals, providing information and self-help techniques that enable their clients to improve their own health and prevent disease. Dietitians generally work with foods in an institutional setting (hospitals, nursing homes and schools) and with large groups of people. Traditionally, dietitians do not believe in fasting, detoxification, herbs or the use of nutritional supplements above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).

Nutritionists generally believe in detoxification, herbs, homeopathy and using nutritional supplements at levels different from the RDA. Nutritionists come from many different groups and represent contemporary nutritional concepts. Nutritionists are more holistically trained and use education as a primary tool and emphasize building health through the use of whole foods and therapeutic lifestyle changes. Dietitians and the American Dietetic Association have been around for a long time and generally espouse traditional nutritional concepts.

Both Nutritionists and Dieticians use scientific research as a basis to support their positions.

Question: Who Benefits from the Services of a Nutritionist?

Answer: *An Individual, family or group who:

  • Wants to be involved in promoting personal good health or the health of others.
  • Recognizes that improving personal lifestyle is important to raising personal health levels.
  • Wants to feel well, to experience increased energy and to improve overall health.
  • Wants the freedom to seek quality care that can result in high-level wellness; the kind of care that will sustain productivity and the quality of life into the later years.
  • Desires more than today’s standard level of health under attack from pollution, stress, denatured food, toxins and other variables
  • Is more interested in dealing with causes than effects and with the overall person, rather than specific parts or areas.
  • Is willing to change unhealthy aspects of lifestyle in order to achieve improved health goals
  • Seeks health care that involves preventative, non-invasive, individual oriented principles and techniques.
*taken from the National Association of Nutrition Professionals

Question: What can I expect from a first visit at MaxLife Therapies?

Answer: The Initial Consultation is a 60-minute appointment for individuals and a 90-minute appointment for couples and/or families. During this time we will conduct an in-depth Health Assessment based on Intake Forms and Questionnaire’s that you will complete prior to the appointment.

Most Initial Consultations include a Body Composition Analysis, which uses the bioimpedence method to determine muscle/fat mass, cellular health, metabolic activity and other important markers for health. www.biodyncorp.com

With this information we can effectively identify areas that we can address while under my care. This may include irregularities with body systems that are contributing to your symptoms, a family history that would require preventative measures, or nutritional deficiencies that may benefit from specific nutritional plans or supplementation.

Question: How often will I need to see you for Nutritional Counseling?

Answer: This varies for each individual, however we suggest a minimum of 3 visits comprising of the Initial Consultation and two follow-up visits of either an hour or ½ hour in length. You are an integral part of determining how often we should meet thereafter, based on your needs, your resources and your available time.

Question: Do you consult with people outside of Denver?

Answer: Absolutely!  With internet and phone-consult capabilities, clients worldwide are able to take advantage of our consulting services. Soon out-of-towners will be able to participate in the classes taught at our clinic by viewing online modules.

Question: Do you work with other healthcare professionals when designing a program?

Answer: We are trained to recognize the need to consult with other qualified professionals in other specialties. When the client’s needs require assistance in those areas of expertise traditionally and legally set aside for others, we will encourage and support the individual in seeking other qualified help. Please refer to the Resource Center of this site for a list of other qualified healthcare professionals.

Question: Do you believe in dietary/nutritional supplements?

Answer: The short answer is yes. The long answer is that it really depends on the individual and what his/her diet and lifestyle may suggest. Most people, however, eat a poor diet. Studies show that the average diet in the U.S. consists of too much fat, too much sugar, not enough fiber, and not enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Since the majority of meals in the U.S. are currently eaten in restaurants or "on the run" it makes good sense to take supplements to fill in the gaps in our diet.

It is important, however, to remember your individuality and discuss your needs with a professional healthcare practitioner. First and foremost, it is important to improve the quality of your diet, and then take a supplement as a nutritional insurance policy.

Question: Do you believe in the Atkins Diet or other high protein, low-carb diet plans?

Answer: We believe there is a place for “higher” protein diets when there is a medical need, although I do not promote high protein, zero carbohydrate diets as a general protocol for weight loss. The body needs a sensible balance between lean sources of protein, healthy fats, and high-fiber sources of carbohydrates. It is our job to determine what these ratios are for your specific physiology and desired results.