Frequently asked questions

I'll clarify the best approach to healthy eating and weight loss. You'll get personalized guidance tailored to your needs, step by step, toward lasting health and weight management. By debunking nutrition myths, I give you a clear path towards your goals. Your role is to walk it as best you can, and I'm always happy to support you as needed.

I've worked with many clients managing conditions such as high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and digestive issues, and I'm happy to work alongside your doctor and medical team. I can also help you sort out which supplements, if any, you actually need.

Simply put, everyone has room to improve their diet, quality of life, and health.

It's particularly helpful if you're at risk (high blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar) or managing a condition such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or IBS. And if you just want to optimize your health, I'm here for that too. Lifestyle changes aren't easy, so support and reassurance that you're on the right path makes a real difference.

Diet plays a prominent role in many diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, but it doesn't guarantee a complete reversal or improvement of any condition. That said, a healthier diet brings significant improvements for most people.

See Dietary Consultations for the areas I focus on.

Email me at hello@bainsnutrition.com with specific questions about whether dietary changes may help your condition.

My services focus on promoting a healthier lifestyle and do not replace medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. For ongoing medical concerns, consult a licensed healthcare provider.

In an industry full of confusing advice, my goal is to be the last nutrition service you ever need. I take a science-backed, straightforward approach, and because it takes real commitment, I recognize my style might not suit everyone.

If after your first paid session you feel we aren't the right fit, let me know within 24 hours and I'll refund that session in full. (The 15-minute consultation is always free.)

For multi-session packages, the guarantee applies to the first session only. The value of a package is accountability, which means pushing through when the process gets challenging. Refunds aren't offered beyond the first session, but I'll always work with you to adjust your strategy so we meet your goals.

At this time my services are not billable to insurance (including MSP). This may change in the future; it's a work in progress.

You may be able to claim my services through a health spending account or similar. Check with your provider for details.

For dietary consultations, I can support you in the kitchen and on grocery trips on request. I'm also available for public speaking. See Services for more.

I welcome feedback. Email me at andy@bainsnutrition.com or mention it during your appointment.

All client information is kept confidential and used only to provide my services. I use secure systems to manage it, and only I, Andy Bains, have access to your session records. See the Privacy Policy for details.

Let me know if you'd like your file deleted.

Choose a session in the booking page and pick a time that suits you.

Online (via Google Meet), in person (13181 73A Ave, Surrey, BC, Canada V3W 8V4), or by phone. You choose when you book. Get in touch if you'd prefer another video service.

Sessions are offered in English and Punjabi.

Use the reschedule or cancel links in your booking confirmation email. If you booked by phone or message, call or text 604-442-8696, or email andy@bainsnutrition.com.

There's no fee to cancel or reschedule a paid session with at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations with less notice, and missed appointments, are charged 100% of the session fee.

Initial consultations are free, but if your plans change, please cancel so someone else can take the spot.

Bring any relevant dietary and medical records, a list of medications and supplements, and your questions. You're welcome to email notes or test results ahead of time to clinic@bainsnutrition.com.

We look at why a healthier diet can be challenging, how food choices affect you, and the reasons behind each change. The main principles usually take a few sessions. Then I put together your personalized next steps: a summary of what we covered, the changes that work best for you, recipes matched to your preferences, and a shopping list.

Check-ins are flexible. Some people like weekly or monthly updates to stay on track; others change overnight and reconnect later. Your needs set the pace.

One-on-one consultations are $140 per hour or $70 for 30 minutes, in Canadian dollars. Paid sessions are charged when you book.

To make sure we're the right fit, I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation by phone, video, or in person.

Phone calls about booking are free. Other calls are billed at the session rate, and I'll always let you know before any charges apply.

Public speaking is free for events open to the public. For other engagements, fees depend on audience size, topic, and duration. Contact me with your event details.

Let me know as soon as possible. Changes depend on availability, and extra time may be charged.

As many as you need. Many clients like bi-weekly or monthly follow-ups for support and accountability. Even when you know what to do, eating and living healthier can be hard. There's no shame in getting off track; what matters is picking up where you left off.

Call (see the call policy), text, or WhatsApp 604-442-8696, or email hello@bainsnutrition.com. You're welcome to message any time.

Message me about anything we covered in sessions: clarifications, requests for materials, or updates like food journals. New topics usually need more than a quick reply, so it's best to book a session for those.

I reply to active clients (anyone who has booked a session in the past 21 days) within 3 business days. If you haven't heard back by then, send a quick follow-up.

For everyone else, I reply as soon as I can, with active clients first.

You're welcome to call. If I can't pick up, leave a message or send a text and I'll get back to you. Calls about booking are free; for anything else, I'll always let you know before any charges apply.

The goal is a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, not a quick fix. Most clients see steady progress when they follow the changes we agree on, but everyone's pace is different: age, starting point, metabolism, hormones, sleep, and genetics all play a part. We'll set realistic expectations together in your consultation, and small, consistent steps work best in the long run.

Watch my video on the approach to weight loss →

It can be, but I start by understanding your current diet and preferences, then recommend changes that are easy to adopt and keep for life. If that isn't feasible, I suggest recipes that fit your preferences and needs.

Expect no portion control, fad dieting, or unnecessary supplements (I'll clarify what you actually need). You're encouraged to eat until you're full. If a strict plan is what you want, I can provide one, but I usually start with changes tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.

Most likely not, and you don't need to weigh anything either. The approach is eating healthier meals until you're full; if you're hungry, eat more (so always make leftovers!). Our bodies regulate hunger and weight well once the right food comes in.

Some clients do benefit from counting calories for accountability, and it can be very helpful when used correctly.

If you enjoy exercise, fantastic, but it isn't required. Many people find they naturally gravitate towards it as they get closer to a healthy body weight, with more energy and motivation to move.