Frequently Asked Questions

Your first session lasts 60–90 minutes. Deborah will review your medical history, current eating habits, lifestyle, activity level, and health goals. She'll take anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, waist circumference) and may ask to see any recent lab results you have.

You'll leave with an initial assessment, clear nutrition goals, and a preliminary plan to get you started right away. You do not need to prepare anything specific — just come as you are.

If you have any of the following, bring them along — they're very helpful but not compulsory: recent blood test results (HbA1c, lipid panel, kidney function, full blood count), a list of any medications or supplements you're currently taking, and a rough idea of what you typically eat in a day.

If you've had any hospital visits or specialist consultations related to your condition, a summary or discharge letter is also useful.

You can book in three ways: fill in the online booking form on this website, send a WhatsApp message to +254 758 151 952, or call or email directly. Deborah or her team will confirm your appointment within 24 hours and send you any preparation notes.

No referral is required. You can book directly. However, for clients with diagnosed medical conditions (diabetes, CKD, cancer, etc.), Deborah often works in collaboration with your treating physician — and having a referral letter or recent test results will make your first session more productive.

Initial consultations are 60–90 minutes to allow a thorough assessment. Follow-up sessions are typically 30–45 minutes. Specialised sessions (e.g. programme planning for organisations, or complex multi-condition cases) may be longer and are quoted separately.

Deborah recommends a follow-up every 4 weeks for the first three months — enough time to see meaningful progress and make plan adjustments. Once you've reached your initial goals, monthly or quarterly check-ins are usually sufficient.

Between sessions, WhatsApp support is available for quick questions, food swaps, and accountability check-ins.

In-person sessions at Lifecare Hospital Migori are available Monday to Saturday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Online sessions may have additional flexibility including some early morning or early evening slots — mention your preferred time when booking and Deborah will do her best to accommodate.

Absolutely — and it's often encouraged, especially for children, elderly clients, or anyone whose food is primarily prepared by someone else. Having the caregiver or family cook present means the dietary changes can actually be implemented at home. Just let Deborah know when booking.

Yes — this is a deliberate part of Deborah's practice philosophy. All meal plans are built around locally available, affordable Kenyan foods you can find at your local market or supermarket. She avoids expensive supplements and imported superfoods wherever possible.

Your plan will use familiar ingredients like githeri, sukuma wiki, sweet potatoes, sorghum, sardines, eggs, and local legumes — adapted to meet your nutritional targets. Just tell Deborah your typical food budget and she'll work within it.

Yes. During your assessment, Deborah will ask about your food preferences, dislikes, allergies, intolerances, religious dietary requirements (e.g. halal), and any cultural food practices. Your plan will be built around what you can and will actually eat — not an ideal list of foods you'd never touch.

In-person clients receive a printed copy at the clinic. Online clients receive a professionally formatted PDF delivered via WhatsApp or email within 24–48 hours of their consultation. The plan includes your weekly menu, a shopping list, brief preparation notes, and key nutrition targets.

The goal is sustainable, not perfect. Deborah builds in flexibility and teaches you food substitution principles so you can navigate situations like eating out, attending events, or dealing with food availability constraints. Aim for 80–90% adherence — that's where results happen. WhatsApp support between sessions means you can always ask about a specific situation.

Absolutely. Nutrition is one of the most powerful — and most underused — tools in managing chronic disease. The evidence is especially strong for diabetes (HbA1c reduction), hypertension (blood pressure reduction via DASH diet), chronic kidney disease (slowing progression), obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Many of Deborah's clients have reduced medication dosages under their doctor's supervision after committing to a structured nutrition plan.

Deborah regularly manages Type 1 & 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity, anaemia, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, GERD), malnutrition, thyroid disorders, and maternal/pediatric nutrition needs. See the full Conditions page for details on each.

Yes — and this is how it should work. Nutrition therapy is most effective as part of a collaborative care approach. Deborah does not replace your physician; she works alongside your medical team. She can also write a nutrition care note for your doctor if needed, and will flag any clinical concerns that require medical attention.

Yes — and Deborah is trained to account for drug-nutrient interactions. She will ask about all medications at your first session and design your plan to complement rather than interfere with your treatment. If you are on insulin or blood pressure medication and your diet changes significantly, she will advise you to monitor and communicate with your doctor, as your dosage may need adjusting as your body responds.

Most clients notice meaningful early changes — more energy, better digestion, reduced bloating, more stable blood sugar — within 2–4 weeks. Visible body composition changes typically take 6–12 weeks, depending on your goals and starting point. Lab markers (HbA1c, blood pressure, creatinine) often show improvement within 3 months of consistent adherence.

Deborah sets realistic, clinically guided timelines during your assessment so you know exactly what to expect and by when.

Slip-ups are a normal part of the process — not a failure. Deborah's approach accounts for real life: social events, cravings, busy weeks, and cultural food occasions. If you're struggling, reach out on WhatsApp — that's what the between-session support is for. The goal is long-term sustainability, not short-term perfection.

Deborah tracks multiple outcome markers at each follow-up: body weight and measurements, energy levels, sleep quality, digestive symptoms, and any relevant lab values. She uses these together — not just the scale — to assess real progress. You'll always know where you stand and what to work on next.

Consultation fees vary depending on the type and duration of session. Please contact Deborah directly via WhatsApp or the contact page for current pricing — she keeps fees accessible and is happy to discuss options based on your circumstances.

Payment is accepted via M-Pesa, bank transfer, and cash (in-person only). For online clients, payment is typically made before the session via M-Pesa or bank transfer, after which a confirmation and appointment details are sent.

Some nutrition services at Lifecare Hospital Migori may be accessible through NHIF or private health insurance, depending on your scheme and the nature of the referral. Please inquire directly at the hospital or contact Deborah to confirm what may be covered under your plan.

If you need to reschedule or cancel, please do so at least 24 hours before your appointment via WhatsApp or phone call. This allows Deborah to offer the slot to another client. Late cancellations or no-shows on prepaid sessions may be subject to a rescheduling fee.

Online sessions are conducted via WhatsApp Video Call, Zoom, or Google Meet — whatever platform you're most comfortable with. After booking and payment, you'll receive a link or contact request from Deborah at your scheduled time. The session is exactly the same as in-person: a full assessment, goal-setting, and a plan delivered digitally after the call.

Yes. Deborah will guide you through self-measurement before or during the call. You'll need a bathroom scale (or access to one), a measuring tape, and basic information like your current weight, height, and waist measurement. She'll walk you through how to measure accurately so the data is useful.

Yes — online sessions are open to Kenyan diaspora and international clients. Please note that meal plan recommendations will still prioritise locally accessible foods where possible, though Deborah can adapt plans for clients based in the UK, US, Gulf states, and elsewhere. Payment for international clients is via bank transfer or mobile money equivalent.

No problem. If video is unstable, the session can continue as a regular WhatsApp voice call or even via text chat if needed. Deborah is experienced working with clients across different connectivity situations in Kenya. Just let her know in advance if you're in an area with limited data access.