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 Medical Issues

In-person Calgary Dietitian or Online Nutritionist Support

If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you are searching for a Dietitian and are trying to sort out the best nutrition strategy and practical ideas about what, when, how much to eat to prevent or treat a medical concern.

As a Registered Dietitian team since year 2000, we specialize in helping you with personalized advice to achieve health without guilt or complexity. This means we won’t expect you to eat perfectly. In fact we promise to help you with a plan that saves room for your favorites and fits your schedule at home and on the go.

Our job is to make the transition to a healthy lifestyle as seamless as possible for you and your family.

While we support personalized nutrition counseling for a wide range of medical concerns, here are some of the most common health issues we see in our practice:

This is also a place where LGBTQIA2S+ and their friends and allies are welcomed and supported. 

The best part about one-on-one support with our trusted team is you won’t have to go searching for information on your medical issues. We’ll make sure we translate the latest nutrition research for your health concern into easy to understand education. We also then take it a step further to not only show you what to eat but how to actually put it all into a game plan you can live with for life.

Regardless if you are a junk-food-aholic and need a major lifestyle overhall, or just need a bit of fine tuning to ensure you are maximizing everything you can do for your health issue, we can help. You won’t find any complicated plans or nonsense advice here. Real strategies based on scientific evidence will guide the way.

As your co-pilots for a healthy lifestyle, let’s work to help you make eating easier.

Our 3 Nutrition Counseling Programs

Work with your very own Registered Dietitian / Nutrition Coach for the confidential and individualized support you need. Appointments are available at our local office or virtually by phone or video conferencing for individuals, couples or small groups.  Meet our diverse, experienced team here.

Program 1:

Learning

A customized program designed to help you make a fresh, fast start and learn how to change independently.

What’s Included:

  • Personalized nutrition counseling on your most important goals over a few appointments
  • Access to hundreds of our credible resources developed over 20 years from our collaborative team

Program 2:

Guided Change

A personalized program for those with health concerns or that have multiple goals and are committed to change.

What’s Included:

  • Detailed nutrition assessment and customized food and nutrition plan
  • Personalized nutrition counseling and support meetings typically spread out over 2-4 months 
  • Access to hundreds of our credible resources developed over 20 years from our collaborative team

Program 3:

Comprehensive Support

A personalized and highly supportive program for those with health concerns and bigger goals that understand that accountability and motivation is key for sustaining change.

What’s Included:

  • Detailed nutrition assessment and customized food and nutrition plan
  • Personalized nutrition counseling and support meetings typically spread out over 4-8 months
  • Optional access to customized one-on-one services such as:
    • computer analysis of your intake
    • tailored meal plans, shopping lists and recipes
    • virtual pantry assessment or in-person grocery shopping tour
    • virtual healthy cooking classes & instruction
    • collaboration with your care team (such as physicians, therapists, coaches and loved ones)
  • Unlimited text message support through our secure platform in between appointments
  • Access to hundreds of our credible resources developed over 20 years from our collaborative team

Personal Nutrition

success stories

"I am a psychologist in private practice and it is very important to me that my clients have the best care with other health care professionals. For that reason Health Stand Nutrition is my only source for exceptional Dietitians. Andrea and her team provide highly knowledgeable, compassionate, and real world support to my clients who require assistance with food lifestyle. I trust my clients to them and you would be in excellent hands making them part of your health care team."
Adele Fox, Psychologist
I came to Health Stand Nutrition at the advice of my psychologist. I was diagnosed with anxiety and tried many different avenues to get my mental health better, but nothing was working. I was malnourished and had been my entire life (age 37). My Dietitian took the time to explain things to me and help me understand just how important food is. Not only for nourishment, but how important it is to enjoy (and how fun and creative food can be). She understood all my concerns, she was very easy to talk to, and provided so many helpful tips. My mental health has done a complete 180 and I honestly can’t believe how much better I am feeling, simply because of proper nutrition and eating habits.
Lee-Ann Wells
“Health Stand Nutrition helped me change my fundamental approach to food. My Dietitian was warm, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. She taught me how to eat consciously, and without guilt. This was incredibly helpful because I had never thought in that way before. I learned sustainable strategies for shopping, cooking, and eating that I have incorporated into my life. It was definitely money well spent for me. The coaching was inspiring, action-oriented, and non-judgmental, and it made a sustained impact on me, even years later.”
Bruce Sellery
I wish more Dieticians understood the complexity of people’s relationship to food like you all do! My Dietitian was incredibly responsive and felt more like a food therapist than a Dietician, which is exactly what I needed.”
Alix Gordon-Moran
“I just went through my annual check up and my cholesterol levels couldn’t be any better (both LDL and HDL). Diet, exercise, and above all, fiber intake did the trick for me. Thank you so much!”
Ray Wah
I found my Dietitian warm, funny, and skilled at teaching nutrition concepts without the overwhelm. The general approach of each session was to mix science with emotion, which was exceedingly effective in helping me shift my perspective on food from one of anxiety to one of joy and curiosity.
Erin Kronstedt
I am a family physician who sees patients with a myriad of eating concerns – from wanting to know how to plan healthy meals for active families, to weight loss, to eating disorders, and so on. I cannot recommend the Health Stand team highly enough. I have worked with (and been to!) other Dieticians in the past and too often find that they just ask for food logs and make suggestions that are easily obtained online or in books. The Dieticians at Health Stand offer much more than just telling clients what they “should be eating.” In contrast, the team really does more of a counselling practice, and they work hard to help their clients learn more about why their eating habits may be off track and not optimal for them, as well as helping people to effect change at a deep level that, most importantly, is sustainable for lifetime health.
Dr. Deb Putnam, Family Physician
“I didn’t realize how strong my “diet mentality” was, and all the rules I had in my head about food. I was in a cycle of reward/punish/binge/cringe. I booked with your business very reluctantly, on the repeated advice of my doctor, to get my slowly rising cholesterol levels in check. I thought I knew everything about food, and my behaviour with food, but I was definitely re-schooled. My weight is creeping down, I feel good about my diet, exercise, body image, and lifestyle.
Amy Floyd
“The Dieticians at Health Stand Nutrition help you to take action on the science behind eating well by making it practical, understandable, and fun. Their office is cozy and not at all clinical or intimidating. I felt like I was sitting down with a really smart, caring friend who wanted to help me make the best choices for my lifestyle and food preferences. They really are the best in the business.
Marty Avery
“This is the first time I feel satisfied; my cravings have diminished dramatically, and I have a whole new relationship with food. I am eating guilt-free for the first time in my life. My energy has also dramatically increased and I feel great!
Rhonda Jenkins
“I came some time ago for a few nutrition counseling sessions as my blood sugar was a bit high.  I am happy to report that my blood sugar is back to normal as I have made big changes in my choices and portion sizes.  I have lost about 20 lbs. in less than a year and while I still have a ways to go, I am doing well.  Thanks for all of your help!!  I’ll apprise if I think I need any “tune up” sessions with you down the road.”
Denis Gagne
“My Dietitian did a great job of understanding the way I work and providing insightful comments for ways of rethinking food, preparation and planning. She was a great listener and extremely easy to open up to (very approachable). I really enjoyed how we managed to change habits, set a strong baseline with good food preparation and planning, and providing a different perspective on nutrition seemingly without trying. I now feel I have a great system in place that I can build from. I think I came in expecting to be told that in order to get to my goals, I should do x, y and z – and follow a, b and c meal plans or e.g. don’t eat after 9pm / stop eating bread etc. i.e. a more prescriptive approach. Instead what we did was to look at my relationship with food, using the way I think, and a few simple mindset changes – a hugely more effective process.” 
David Pickup
“When I first came to see my Dietitian, I was stuck inside my head and definitely feeling a post binge hangover. This was not an unusual feeling. The box inside my mind had some pretty stringent rules and a vision of the perfect me. It was a roller coaster ride of high's and low's. Eating "clean", obsessing over ingredients to "slipping up" and demolishing whatever was in the pantry. My life depended on a good eating day or bad eating day. Throughout our sessions, my Dietitian helped me navigate through the voices to a place of self-compassion. A truly soulful way of not only eating but living. Today I have invaluable tools that will be there for the rest of my life.
Sam K.

Online Course: The Pursuit of HealthinessTM

Watch These Videos by Our Practice Director

5 Things to Know About Hiring a Nutrition Coach

What Does it Look Like to See a Dietitian in our Practice?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do not use
1. What is your unique process?

Our Unique Process:

  • We first determine your food personality type and help you understand the science of food, nutrition, and what your body needs.
  • Then, we help you understand what to eat AND how to put it all into action at home and on-the-go for long term success.
  • Along the way we also help you understand how to achieve enough fun and flexibility to live a balanced life.
2. What makes your service different from other programs?
  • Professional & Established:  As one of the most established Registered Dietitian practices in Canada, we have pioneered the industry since year 2000. We are located in Calgary as well as serve the global community online. Our top referral source for nutrition counselling is by referrals from respected physicians, psychologists and health professionals that value our approach, professionalism and results. We have a spacious, confidential consulting office that will make you feel comfortable when discussing personal goals and concerns. Our office is centrally located with free parking.Our HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant virtual nutrition counseling services, online education resources, and online nutrition courses allow you to learn globally and seamlessly.
  • Customization and Follow-Up: Our services specialize in personalizing plans just for you. Since there are a million and one ways to eat, following a book, internet plan or a group program often will likely not address your own preferences and needs. We believe working one-on-one with each person is the best way to achieve success and ideas you can sustain for the long term.  We also know that in order for you to achieve results a single nutrition counselling session won’t work. Since we have worked with hundreds of people since the year 2000 we have set up our three programs to address your needs.
  • Qualified Nutrition Experts: All of our nutrition experts are experienced, credible, and university-trained. As Registered Dietitians (the only regulated and licensed health professionals in the nutrition field in Canada), we are held to ethical standards of practice). We make sure you are getting advice that is current, credible, and scientifically based. For more information on the training and legislation of our profession visit: the College of Dietitians of Alberta.  Note that while the word “Nutritionist”  is a protected title by law in Calgary, Alberta where we are located, this title may not be protected by law in your local area.
  • Added Value! Not only do we provide you with personalized nutrition counselling, you can count on us for many other added resources and tools we have developed over the years to facilitate learning. We are constantly updating our resource bank as well as subscriptions to research updates and databases to make sure you have the most current up-to-date information.  We work in a team environment to share best practices, experience and solutions.
3. Do I need a doctors referral to book services?

A doctor’s referral is not required to book an appointment. If you have complex medical issues it is ideal to have your doctor provide us with a referral note to update us on your medical situation so we can best take care of your needs. With your permission (signed) we can collaborate with your doctor, psychologist, coach or other health professional to ensure we are all working well as a team.

4. Is nutrition counseling covered by my insurance (and what to do if it is not)?

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only regulated and licensed health professionals in the field of nutrition in Canada, we are held to ethical standards of practice.

In the province of Alberta where we are located as well as many other provinces in Canada, Dietitians are classified as an “Authorized Medical Practitioner” as shown on the Canada Revenue Agency website. What this means is that you can save your receipts and supply them to your accountant for medical expense tax credit.

Many private medical insurance plans and health spending accounts cover nutrition counselling by a Registered Nutritionist/Dietitian. Check your plan to see what is covered for you. Since every insurance company has different policies, please be sure to check with them regarding coverage per session, per year and per family member. We do not direct bill to insurance companies but will provide you with a detailed receipt that includes our Registered Dietitian practice permit number, description of service, dates of counselling sessions and consulting fee breakdown per hour.

If your plan does not cover the services of a Registered Dietitian:

Employers:

  • Talk to your insurance broker and ask for Dietitians to be added to your employee health insurance plan.
  • Assess if your employee health benefit plan makes the most of nutrition services by downloading and sharing these resources with decision makers: download employer resources. 

Business Owners:

  • For a Professional Corporation or any Incorporation - the most tax efficient way to claim for medical expenses is through a Health Spending Account (HSA) or PHSP (Private Health Services Plan).
  • Paying for medical expenses with after tax dollars means you are requiring more pre-tax dollars to pay for these expenses.  An HSA simply allows you to shift the personal burden over to the corporation - the result being a tax deduction to the corporation, and tax free benefit to the employee.
  • There are many HSA providers in Canada - in the end they all accomplish the same thing.  Depending on your medical needs the add on features of HSA's is where the differences lie.
  • To discuss features and cost differences along with the flow of funds between personal and corporation CONTACT US so we can provide you with a referral to a trusted broker we work with to provide you with a range of options

Employees:

  • Ask your employer senior leadership team, union rep and HR director to add dietitian services to your employee health insurance plan.
  • We have drafted the following paragraph for you to cut and paste into a letter. We appreciate your support and voice to help with this!

To Human Resources Department or Union Representative:

My health is important to me and I want to benefit from the services a Registered Dietitian can provide. When you are negotiating our company’s renewal for medical insurance coverage for our benefits plan, I would strongly urge you to consider adding coverage for Registered Dietitians who are regulated health professionals under the Health Professions Act. For more information about the profession visit The Dietitians of Canada: https://www.dietitians.ca/employeebenefits  Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only regulated health professionals in the field of nutrition.  Dietitians are qualified to offer Canadians trust-worthy, science-based food and nutrition advice tailored to their health goals, preferences, and lifestyles.

Thank you for considering this important health issue.

Sincerely,

5. What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?

All Dietitians are Nutritionists (but not all Nutritionists are Dietitians).  

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only regulated and licensed health professionals in the field of nutrition in Canada, we are held to ethical standards of practice.  In some provinces including where we are located in Alberta, the word Nutritionist is also a protected title.  To be sure you are accessing advice from the most qualified nutrition professional, look for the initials RD or PDt (DtP in French) after a health professional’s name. 

Seeing a Registered Dietitian is one way you can be assured the nutrition education you are receiving is credible.  You wouldn’t ask a celebrity interested in home construction how to wire your basement, you’d ask an electrician. You wouldn’t ask your child's soccer coach who has an interest in health to provide you with medical treatment.  Apply this same thinking when it comes to nutrition advice.

Just like electricians, engineers and medical doctors, Dietitians are accountable to provincial regulatory bodies for the highest standards of education and ethical practice. Provincial regulatory bodies protect the public and serve as a point of contact for consumer complaints and malpractice. 

Titles such as Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Nutritional Practitioner, RONP, RNCP, ROHP, RHN, CNP are not the same as a Registered Dietitian and do not indicate the person is a provincially regulated health professional. These are often used by those who have completed much less intensive privately owned training programs that vary in length and rigor. 

To ensure your nutrition care provider is a Dietitian, look for RD or PDt (DtP in French) behind their name. Dietitian is a protected title across Canada, just like physician, nurse and pharmacist.  Nutritionist is also a protected title in Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

6. How much notice is required for rescheduling appointments?

Please help us to maintain the operation of our business on sound principles so that we may assure you and other clients uninterrupted service. Once you have made an appointment, this time is reserved for you, therefore AT LEAST 24 HOURS NOTICE on business days (Monday to Friday) must be given if rescheduling is absolutely necessary – otherwise the session will be counted in your program or you will be charged a cancellation fee.

7. What are the payment options for nutrition counseling services?

We have a variety of payment options available to accommodate your needs. Contact us for more information.

All professional services are CHARGED DIRECTLY TO THE CLIENT (we do not direct bill insurance companies). We prepare a detailed receipt with all the necessary information you will need when submitting a claim for reimbursement from your health spending account or health benefits with your insurance company.

Methods of payment include: cheque, debit card, MasterCard, and Visa. We also have online debit, MasterCard and Visa available on our secure website.  There are no refunds for services purchased.

8. What is your nutrition counseling program expiry policy?

Services purchased are non-transferable, non-refundable and expire after 12 months of the date of your first session in a program/package. The date of expiry cannot be extended should you not be able to complete your services and sessions. It is your responsibility to ensure you book your appointments and services within the allocated time you have to complete your program.

9. Can I work with you virtually instead of in-person at your Calgary Dietitian office?

Yes! We use a paid version of Zoom known as Zoom Healthcare for telehealth videoconferencing. It’s stable, private and a highly secure HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant type of technology used by hospitals and healthcare workers.

Even if you are inexperienced with computer technology you will be surprised how easy it is to use. All you need is a web camera on your computer. At the beginning of your appointment, all you will need to do is click on the website link we’ve provided you with to access our private Zoom room. Then at the start of your appointment your nutrition educator will permit access to begin the videoconference. We can provide you with a demo to show you how easy it is to use. You’ll love that you can see us on video and that we can share notes resources just like you were in our office.

Important: All our nutrition educators are registered with the College of Registered Dietitians of Alberta. This means they carry a license to work as a Registered Dietitian in the province of Alberta. With this license we are permitted to provide virtual dietetic practice as a Registered Dietitian in all provinces throughout Canada except BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and PEI where an additional specific license is also required. To help accommodate this requirement some of our Registered Dietitian team members also have registration with the College of Dietitians of Ontario, Saskatchewan Dietitians Association and the College of Dietitians of British Columbia.

IF YOU ARE FROM QUEBEC, PEI, MANITOBA OR OUTSIDE CANADA READ BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SIGN UP FOR OUR SERVICES:

For the following provinces in Canada (Quebec, PEI and Manitoba) as well as other global territories while we can’t see you as a Registered Dietitian, we can still work with you to provide nutrition education services that would not be considered medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and that would be provided for information purposes only. Please note that insurance providers may have different policies/criteria for reimbursement if the service is provided through virtual practice or by a nutritional specialist who is not licensed and registered to practice as a Dietitian or Nutritionist in the jurisdiction where you reside. Be sure to confirm your insurance coverage requirements prior to booking services with us.

10. Where is your office located and what are your hours of operation?

We offer nutrition counselling appointments between 8am to 5pm MST Monday through Friday.

Our HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant virtual nutrition counseling services, online education resources, and online nutrition courses allow you to learn globally and seamlessly. Learn easily from anywhere in the world.

Our address:

  • Suite 200, 5800-2 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2H 0H2.
  • Our office is located in Calgary in a central location across the street from Chinook Centre mall (just off of Macleod Trail on 58th Avenue and 2nd Street).
  • Please note that our office is on the second floor and is accessible only by stairs.
  • PARKING:  We have 2 FREE parking spots at the back of our building (spots #13 and #14 ONLY please) and there is FREE 2-hour parking on the streets in front of and beside the building.
  • TRANSIT: Our office is a few blocks (10-minute walk) from Chinook C-Train Station.
  • Download Our Office Location and Parking MAP
  • View our location on Google maps
11. Still have a question we didn’t answer?

Our friendly Dietitian team can give you a hand.  To ask a question drop us an email or phone our office.  

 

Ready to discover your food freedom?

Give our Online Nutritionists and Dietitians in Calgary a call to discuss your nutrition needs...

403-301-4106  |  1-800-268-9487

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