Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holistic Health Trina's approach to nutrition?
Trina takes a personalized, science-based approach to nutrition that looks at the bigger picture rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation. Your health history, nutrition, lifestyle, goals, current concerns, and available health information are considered together, with blood work, biomarkers, and Live Blood Analysis incorporated when appropriate. This allows Trina to connect the dots and develop practical nutrition and lifestyle recommendations tailored specifically to you.
What are Trina's qualifications?
Trina brings together a strong background in science and healthcare with specialized training in holistic nutrition. Her undergraduate education in science and extensive experience working in healthcare provided a foundation in human health, patient care, and a conventional healthcare setting before she expanded her training into holistic and personalized nutrition.
She is a Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner (RHNP), Live Cell Microscopist, and Certified Metabolic Balance Practitioner. Today, she combines this background with nutrition assessments, blood work and biomarkers, Live Blood Analysis, and individualized nutrition strategies to provide a science-based, whole-person approach to health and nutrition.
Do you work with specific health concerns or symptoms?
Yes. Trina works with clients experiencing a wide range of health and nutrition concerns, including digestive issues and bloating, low energy and fatigue, metabolic and weight concerns, hormonal health, brain fog, stress, sleep, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. She also provides specialized nutrition support for athletic performance and recovery.
Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, Trina considers your nutrition, lifestyle, health history, and available health information together to help identify areas where personalized nutrition and lifestyle support may be beneficial.
How is Trina's approach different from a standard nutrition plan?
It’s not simply about being told what to eat. It’s about understanding why your nutrition needs to be different in the first place.
Trina looks at the bigger picture- your health history, symptoms, eating patterns, lifestyle, goals, and available health information to understand the factors that may be influencing how you feel. When appropriate, blood work, biomarker testing, and Live Blood Analysis can provide additional information to help guide a more individualized approach.
Instead of giving you a generic meal plan or list of foods to avoid, Trina connects the dots between your health and nutrition to create practical recommendations built around your body, your needs, and your real life.
What is Live Blood Analysis?
Live Blood Analysis involves taking a single living drop of blood from the finger-tip which is then placed under a powerful microscope. The image is then displayed on a screen for both the practitioner and patient to view.
Blood transports oxygen, nutrients and other life-giving agents throughout the body to maintain health.
It is also the medium for detoxification, delivering cellular waste to the liver and kidneys for elimination from the body.
Blood can, therefore, serve as a predictor of health and provide an indication of illness well before symptoms appear.
This method of analysis is different from the usual laboratory tests that quantify the levels of certain components in a sample of blood. Live blood screening gives an indication as to the QUALITY of an individual’s blood – an important foundation of preventative healthcare showing the effects that diet, lifestyle and stress can have on our well-being.
Studying the shape and functioning of blood cells and plasma with a microscope can show signs of:
- Poor digestion/ poor food combining.
- Weakened immune system
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Bowel and Liver toxicity
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Increased cholesterol & crystal formations
- Poor circulation
- Heavy metal accumulation
- Presence of parasitic / fungi / bacteria forms.
And so much more.
What is the difference between traditional bloodwork and Live Blood Analysis?
Traditional bloodwork is processed in a laboratory and measures specific biomarkers such as blood sugar, cholesterol, iron, thyroid hormones, liver enzymes, and vitamin levels. It produces numerical results that can be used by your healthcare provider to diagnose or monitor medical conditions.
Live Blood Analysis provides a different perspective. A sample is viewed under a darkfield microscope in real time, allowing Trina to observe the quality, appearance, movement, absorption, and interaction of the blood cells.
The two approaches can complement each other. Traditional bloodwork shows measurable biomarker levels, while Live Blood Analysis provides a visual assessment that can help guide more personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
What makes the Metabolic Balance Program different?
Metabolic Balance is a highly personalized nutrition program built around your individual biochemistry, not a generic meal plan. Your health history, current concerns, body measurements, and 35+ blood biomarkers are analyzed to create an individualized food plan designed specifically for your body and metabolic needs.
The program guides you through a structured nutrition process while you work one-on-one with Trina to implement your plan, track your progress, and make sustainable changes along the way. Your program includes comprehensive blood testing, your personalized metabolic plan, ongoing coaching and follow-ups, and tools to help monitor your progress.
The goal is to provide a clear, structured approach to eating that supports metabolic health, weight management, energy, and overall well-being while helping you better understand the foods and eating patterns that work for you.
Can you help with athletic performance and recovery?
Yes. Trina provides personalized sports nutrition support for athletes looking to improve how they fuel, perform, and recover. Nutrition strategies are tailored to the individual athlete, their sport, training schedule, performance demands, body composition goals, and lifestyle.
Support may include pre- and post-training nutrition, game-day fueling, hydration and electrolyte strategies, recovery nutrition, meal timing, and practical meal and snack planning to help athletes consistently meet the demands of training and competition.
Is your approach focused on restrictive diets?
No. The goal is not unnecessary restriction or following a generic list of foods to avoid. Trina focuses on creating a personalized approach that works with your individual health needs, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
Depending on your needs or the program you choose, there may be times when specific foods, portions, or eating patterns are adjusted more intentionally. When structure is recommended, there is a purpose behind it. The overall goal is to help you build a way of eating that is practical, nourishing, and sustainable long term.
How do I know which service or program is right for me?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting started. The right service depends on what you’re looking to understand and the level of support you need.
Live Blood Analysis can be a great starting point if you’re looking for a visual baseline and personalized insight. A Nutrition Consultation provides a more comprehensive look at your health history, current concerns, nutrition, lifestyle, and goals, while Metabolic Balance offers a more structured, biomarker-driven approach with an individualized nutrition program.
Still not sure where to start? Book a Discovery Call. It’s an opportunity to briefly discuss what you’re looking for, ask questions, and determine which service or program may be the best fit for you.
What happens during an initial nutrition consultation?
Your initial consultation is an opportunity to take a deeper look at your health, nutrition, lifestyle, and goals. Before your appointment, Trina will review your intake information so your time together can focus on the areas most relevant to you.
During the consultation, you’ll discuss your health history, current symptoms and concerns, eating habits, digestion, energy, sleep, stress, lifestyle, and goals. Recent blood work or other health information can also be reviewed when available to provide additional context.
From there, Trina will help connect the dots and identify areas where nutrition and lifestyle changes may provide support. You’ll leave with personalized recommendations and clear next steps based on your individual needs.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
Preparation depends on the service you’ve booked. For a nutrition consultation, you’ll be asked to complete your intake forms beforehand so Trina can review your health history, current concerns, nutrition, lifestyle, and goals. If you have recent blood work, lab results, or a current list of medications and supplements, you’re welcome to bring those as well.
For Live Blood Analysis, please arrive well hydrated and avoid eating for approximately 4 hours before your appointment. Water is encouraged.
If you’re beginning the Metabolic Balance Program, specific instructions for your blood work and initial assessment will be provided before you get started.
Are appointments available virtually?
Yes! Nutrition consultations, coaching, and follow-up appointments are available virtually. Live Blood Analysis must be completed in person because the samples are collected and viewed in the clinic.
Are your services covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your individual insurance policy. Most extended health plans or health spending accounts may reimburse eligible nutrition services, laboratory testing, or other health expenses.
A detailed receipt can be provided; however, coverage cannot be guaranteed. If reimbursement is important to you, contact your insurance provider before booking to confirm the requirements of your plan.