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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why work with me?I'll clarify the best approach to healthy eating and weight loss. You'll receive a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs, guiding you step-by-step on the journey to lasting health and weight management. By debunking nutrition myths, I provide you with a clear path towards your goals. Your role is to walk it the best you can, and I'm always happy and available to support you as needed. I can also assist with medical concerns, diseases, supplements, sports nutrition, disordered eating, and more!
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Who can benefit from seeing me?Simply put, everyone always has room to improve their diet, quality of life, and health. It's particularly beneficial for those at risk (high blood pressure/cholesterol/blood sugars) or managing lifestyle diseases (heart disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.). If you're dealing with issues like IBS, food sensitivities, or disordered eating behaviors, my guidance can be invaluable. And if you're just looking to optimize your health, I'm here for you. Making lifestyle changes isn't easy, so having support and assurance that you're on the right path is not just beneficial but often necessary.
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Can you help with X disease/condition?While diet plays a prominent role in many diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, it doesn't guarantee a complete reversal or improvement of any condition. However, adopting a healthier diet often brings significant improvements for most individuals. Other diet-related conditions include skin health (eczema, acne etc.). Check my dietary consultations service for a more complete list. Feel free to reach out to me for any specific questions about whether making dietary changes may enhance your disease/condition outcomes. Please understand that my services, which are focused on promoting a healthier lifestyle, do not replace medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately. For ongoing medical concerns, I recommend consulting with a licensed healthcare provider.
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How does your satisfaction guarantee work?In an industry where customers are often taken advantage of, my goal is to be the last dietary/nutrition service you'll ever need. I take a straightforward approach to eating and living a healthy life, which may differ from what you had in mind. If this is the case, let me know, and I'm happy to provide you with a full refund. Additionally, I'm pleased to offer partial refunds if a specific session or part of a session falls short of your expectations. Your satisfaction is my top priority, and I stand by my service. This satisfaction guarantee applies to my weight-loss packages as well, but it's limited to the first month or the initial four sessions, whichever comes first. The strength of these packages lies in accountability, so easy withdrawal would defeat the purpose. If you find yourself unsatisfied, I'll do my best to adjust and meet your needs, though there's no legal obligation to do so, as outlined in my plan policies.
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Are you covered by insurance?At this time, my services are not billable to insurance policies (including MSP). This may change for British Columbia residents in the near future; however, globally, my services will remain a 100% out-of-pocket expense. You may be able to claim my services on health spending accounts or similar funding sources. Please contact your provider for more details.
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What other services do you offer?For dietary consultations, I can support you in the kitchen and during grocery trips upon request. I'm also available for public speaking bookings and counselling that go beyond diet. Check out my Services page for more.
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How can I provide feedback about your services?I welcome your feedback to continuously improve my services. You can provide feedback through email at andy@bainsnutrition.com or during your appointment.
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What measures do you take to protect my personal data?I am committed to protecting your personal information. All client data is kept confidential and used solely for providing my services. I use secure systems to manage and protect your data. For more details, please review my Privacy Policy on this website. Only I, Andy Bains, have access to your personal client-session data. Please let me know if you wish for your file to be deleted.
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How do I book an appointment?Appointments can be booked through this link. Simply select the service you need and choose a convenient time. Alternatively, you may call or message me at 604-442-8696. If you have booked a package with me, please use your unique booking link(s) or message me to schedule.
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How are sessions delivered?Sessions are offered online(through Google Meet), in-person (Surrey, BC, Canada), or over call. Please get in touch with me if you prefer another meeting service.
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How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?If you booked online, please use the reschedule or cancel button in your email confirmation. If you booked via phone or message, please notify me directly. Currently, there are no fees for rescheduling or cancellations. However, there is a no-show/missed appointment fee of 20% of the session. Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.
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What is your policy on missed appointments?If you miss an appointment without prior notice, a cancellation fee of 20% of the session cost may apply. Missing the complimentary initial consultation forfeits this free session offer. Please book a paid 30-minute session if you miss this appointment. Notify me as soon as possible if you cannot make it.
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How should I prepare for my appointment?Please bring any relevant dietary and medical records, a list of medications and supplements, and any specific concerns or questions you have. This will help me tailor my advice to your needs.
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What do sessions/appointments look like?In our sessions, I delve into why adopting a healthier diet can be challenging, how food choices impact us, and the underlying reasons for the changes we're making. Typically, the main principles are covered in a few sessions. Subsequently, we collaboratively develop a personalized plan, summarizing the discussed topics, outlining effective steps for optimal results, providing recipes tailored to your preferences, and offering a convenient shopping list. My aim is to simplify the journey towards your goals. Regarding accountability and support, the frequency of check-ins is flexible—some prefer weekly or monthly updates to stay on track, while others may flip the switch overnight and reconnect later. Your needs guide my approach, and I'm here to provide the support you require!
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How much do you charge?One-on-one consultations are priced at $110 per hour or $55 for 30 minutes. Prices are in Canadian dollars. Calls regarding concerns or questions unrelated to booking are charged $20 for the first 10 minutes and $10 for each additional 5 minutes (rounded to the nearest 5 minutes). I offer a free 20-minute initial consultation to discuss your situation, answer questions, and outline potential results. Call Charge Policy: Calls regarding bookings are free of charge. Calls addressing concerns or questions are charged at a minimum base rate of $20 for the first 10 minutes, and $10 for each additional 5 minutes (rounded to the nearest 5 minutes). Minimum Charge: $20 for the first 10 minutes Additional Charge: $10 for each additional 5 minutes (rounded to the nearest 5 minutes) Example: A 22-minute call would cost $40.00 ($20 for the first 10 minutes + $20 for the additional 12 minutes). Public Speaking: Public speaking engagements are free for events open to the public. For other speaking engagements, fees vary based on audience size, topic, and duration. Contact me with your event details for more information.
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What if I need to extend or modify my appointment?If you need to extend or modify your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible. Changes are subject to availability, and additional charges may apply for extended time.
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How many sessions do I need?Sessions are always as needed. Many clients prefer having bi-weekly or monthly follow-ups to stay supported and accountable. Even when you know what to do eating and living healthier can be challenging. There’s no shame in getting off track - what matters is picking up where you left off.
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How do I contact you?You can reach me by phone (see call policy), or via text, WhatsApp, or email at andy@bainsnutrition.com.
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When can I message you?You are welcome to message me at any time using the following channels: 604-442-8686 (text or WhatsApp) or email at andy@bainsnutrition.com.
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What can I message you about?You’re welcome to message me about anything related to information covered during our sessions, such as clarifications, requests for materials, or updates like food journals. If you have new topics or questions, please keep in mind that these often require more in-depth discussion than a quick response allows. In such cases, it’s best to book a session to thoroughly address any new topics or concerns.
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What is your typical response time?I strive to respond to active clients within 3 business days. My availability depends on my current client load. Please follow up if you don’t receive a response within this time frame. If you are not currently an active client (see details below), please note that while I make every effort to respond in a timely manner, my capacity may be limited. Responding to each inquiry involves reviewing and updating client files, which can be time-consuming. Therefore, priority is given to active clients. Active Clients: Clients who have booked a session within the past 21 days or have an active package (1, 3, or 6 months) are considered active until the end of the package period.
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What is your call policy?You are welcome to call me. However, as I am a solo practitioner, I may not always be able to answer immediately. I will do my best to return your call as soon as possible. Calls are occasionally missed due to spam filters, so please call back if you don’t hear from me within 3 business days. Calls regarding bookings are free of charge. Calls addressing concerns or questions are charged at a minimum base rate of $20 for the first 10 minutes, and $10 for each additional 5 minutes (rounded to the nearest 5 minutes). Call Charge Policy: Minimum Charge: $20 for the first 10 minutes Additional Charge: $10 for each additional 5 minutes (rounded to the nearest 5 minutes) Example: A 22-minute call would cost $40.00 ($20 for the first 10 minutes + $20 for the additional 12 minutes).
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How fast will I lose weight?In short, if you consistently follow the recommended guidelines, men may experience a weight loss of 2-3 pounds per week, while women may see 1-2 pounds a week. However, individual results vary due to genetic and environmental factors. Other factors include: age, sex, ethnicity, starting weight, metabolic rate, hormones, and sleep. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss realistic expectations and the factors influencing your progress. It's essential to understand that the journey can be gradual, but taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle is more sustainable and effective in the long run. Together, we can create a plan to guide you on the path to healthier eating, gradual weight loss, and lasting success! You can check-out the video below for more about my approach to weight-loss.
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Is this a meal plan/diet/program?It can be, but my approach begins by understanding your current diet and preferences. I recommend changes that are easy to incorporate and sustain throughout your life. If this isn't feasible, I can suggest recipes aligned with your preferences and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all meal plans/programs, my guidance ensures personalization to your advantage. Expect no portion control, fad dieting, or unnecessary supplements (I'll clarify your actual needs). You're encouraged to eat until you're full! My sustainable approach focuses on modifying your everyday meals to enhance their healthiness. If necessary, we'll replace less nutritious choices, ensuring a gradual shift towards healthier eating. In summary, while I can provide a strict plan if desired, I typically start with making significant modifications tailored to your preferences and lifestyle. Check out the video below to learn more about my approach to weight-loss.
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Do I need to count calories?No. You don't need to weigh anything either. My approach focuses on eating healthier meals until you're full. If you're hungry, you eat more (so always make leftovers!). We rely on our bodies' ability to regulate hunger and body weight once the right food comes in. That being said, some clients do benefit from counting calories as a means of accountability and it can be very beneficial when used correctly. The video below details my approach to weight-loss and how calories are just one part of the equation to losing weight.
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Do I need to exercise?If you enjoy exercising, that's fantastic, but it's not a requirement! Many people find that they naturally gravitate towards exercise as they get closer to a normal body weight (BMI). You'll likely feel more energetic and motivated to be active!
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