A nutritionist focuses primarily on the impact of dietary changes. They will likely make you fill out a food diary and provide you with a calorie-focused meal plan. There are usually no further discussions into the individual’s life, or a focus on personalization and sustainability. it is also important to note that in many states, anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” regardless of their training or licensure.

While traditional nutritionists provide essential dietary and nutritional guidance, functional nutrition specialists delve deeper into the biochemical and environmental factors affecting an individual's health. A CIFNS spends time exploring the benefits and limitations of supplements, therapeutic diets, and biases in research before providing recommendations.

An integrative & functional nutrition specialist will also provide a food as medicine approach to nutrition while addressing other factors that impact health such as self-care practices, rest, movement, mindset and emotions. A full-body wellness approach is used to really understand the individual on a deeper level.

On an average doctor’s office visit, a patient spends only about 10-12 minutes actually speaking to their doctor. A patient often leaves the doctor’s office with information, but information that doesn’t translate into behavior changes. Doctors are given very little nutritional education on how foods affect the body, and this is where an integrative & functional nutrition specialist and health coach comes in.

A CIFNS plays a pivotal role in the greater healthcare team, filling the void that is often left by doctors who don’t necessarily have the time or credentials to provide nutrition and coaching guidance. Renae is a certified integrative nutrition health coach and a certified functional nutrition specialist with a masters in functional nutrition and a bachelors in baking and pastry science, so working with her is the best of both worlds.

I work closely with a Naturopathic M.D. who provides quality supplements, further lab testing, and food intolerance testing for individuals who are local to MA & CT. If you or someone you know is looking for this type of additional support, please feel free to message me and I will send you more information on next steps.

Time and time again, industries are marketing dietary approaches to wellness that offer over-generalized claims that every product will work for every individual. Unfortunately, for the consumer, this leads to money lost and long term failure as it relates to their health goals. While working with Renae, she believes in the concept of bio-individuality –-one person’s food is another person’s poison -- meaning what works for one person may do the opposite for another (and most likely will).

Renae takes her time getting to know you in a comprehensive way and meets you where you are now. In doing so, Renae’s focus is tailored to your needs, your goals, and your current life. This is not a temporary fix. Nor is it a “quick fix”. It is a lifestyle change and long term investment, so it must be custom made for YOU and as accessible and realistic as possible.

The program is either 3 or 6 months with weekly coaching calls, customized action steps, meal plans, recipes, grocery guides, habit trackers and weekly accountability check-ins to help you stay motivated and feel empowered.

The 1:1 coaching sessions and a powerful curriculum will uncover imbalances in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, career, relationships and sense of purpose. Throughout the program, individuals will be given personalized recommendations that will empower them to restore balance, release limiting beliefs and make long-lasting behavioral changes.

Every meal plan comes with custom recipes for a week’s worth of meals completely designed around your unique lifestyle, favorite foods, time constraints, and goals.

Recipes include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages, and of course, dessert. Every recipe includes a step-by-step meal prep guide, recipe notes for modifications, and a grocery list already made for you.

Because the recipes are curated by a functional nutrition specialist, you can expect the ingredients to come from clean sources, the recipes to be easy-to-follow, and complete flexibility with customizing the recipes according to what you want to eat and what you have in your pantry. There will be no calories mentioned, no weighing out of your food, and no “do not eat” lists. Just real, whole-food ingredients — the way it should be.

Yes, I offer varying payment plans according to your budget and what works for your schedule. I am very transparent with my pricing with no hidden fees. Too many times I see other wellness professionals not have their prices on their website and, to me, this is a red flag. I will always be honest and upfront about the initial investment for my programs and services and will do my best to work within your budget. If something is out of your budget, there may be an alternative to customize a program or service according to a budget that works for you.