I’ve had the odd person comment on the name of my practice. Some think it’s pretty funny. “Ox? Do you reduce the level of ox meat in my diet?” Nope. Personally, I’m a fan of meat, because most meat is very low oxalate.
“Coach? Aren’t you a nutritionist?” Yep. I am a certified holistic nutritionist. But I’ll always think of myself as a coach too, because coaches help you to be your best.
So, what’s the rationale for the name? Well, here are my reasons:
- It’s short. I definitely debated “Low Oxalate Coach”, and may yet secure that name as a web URL. But many people don’t even know how to spell oxalate! I see the spellings “oxilate” and “oxylate” all the time. So I kept it short and easy to spell by being called “Low Ox Coach”.
- I’m your coach FIRST. While a good low oxalate diet is all about the need for nutrient dense, healthy foods done right (which is the realm where nutritionists work) I’ll always be your coach. When you are not feeling like you understand, I’m going to get you the information you need. When you are short on optimism, I’m going to help you see the progress you’ve made. When oxalate dumping (we’ll talk more about that) is kicking your butt, I’m going to remind you that you’ll come through. I’ll always think of myself as your coach, because it’s all about making sure that I support you to make the changes you need to make.
- I’m the only one! I admit it; I just like the name. It makes me feel a bit like Tigger, who was also the only one.
So, all fun aside, the reason you might want me to be your low oxalate coach is that I understand the road ahead. I’ve been down it myself. I’m old enough to have (a few) grey hairs, and that wisdom and patience is critical to your healing. I also have enthusiasm and optimism for your healing!
Perhaps most of all, I’m passionate about a healthy diet, and I’ve worked with many (if not most) of the main ones that people are using to heal. I know how to overlap oxalate with even very complicated dietary regimens and allergies. I take my time and don’t assume you need a one-size-fits-all solution, because you are unique. While this might mean you don’t have a fully developed menu plan out of the first appointment, you will have your first few steps (keeping in mind we can’t start too many things too quickly or we won’t know what’s working), likely some suggestions for items to get for future steps (like supplements, or other products), possible recipes, and links to other resources that may help you as you get started.
My goal is to help you get where you want to be. And after all, my tag line is “Change your diet; change your health!”