Meet Paula Nelms

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Nelms and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, what is the most important factor behind your success?
When I think about factors that contribute to the success of my brand, I would have to say there are two. (1) My knowledge runs very broad and deep. I was that annoying student in graduate school who read all of the extra research and went down all of the unrequired “rabbit holes” to exponentially increase my understanding of human biochemistry and anatomy, as well as how the nutrients from our foods benefit our physiology. To this day, I still go down those rabbit holes when I am researching a case. It is my goal with every client to understand their medical condition(s) as well as possible so that I can not only provide effective personalized recommendations to get them feeling better, but also explain to them their condition in terms they can easily understand. (2) I have personally experienced and maintained significant weight loss and health improvement over time. I have lived it and know what it takes to be committed and consistent. I know the struggles and obstacles that arise when attempting lifestyle change, and I am able to provide my clients with incredible amounts of support as they embark on their own health journeys.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner. I began this career after successfully navigating a significant weight loss, dietary change, and lifestyle transformation seven years ago. This lit a fire within me to help others, and I returned to graduate school to earn a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. I also became board-certified in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). I opened my private practice 18 months ago.

In terms of percentages, about 90% of my work is helping individuals improve many different types of chronic disease. My therapeutic tools are whole, real foods, supplements (when needed), exercise, and overall lifestyle improvement. These are the most powerful tools we have for influencing health. Most of my clients also have some sort of weight-related goal, either for loss, gain, or maintenance, so this is usually part of the conversation as well.

What sets me apart –

(1) Working with me is an extremely personalized experience. I spend a great deal of time with my clients, and this allows me to get to know them, their health concerns, and their motivations for change on a deeper level. I bundle the first two appointments, with the first lasting 90 minutes and the second 60 minutes. At the first appointment, I perform an extensive intake and provide nutrition education. All the things. At the second appointment, my clients receive a very thorough, personalized, and evidence-based therapeutic plan with recommendations. I provide follow-up support as needed at a schedule and pace that works best for my clients.

(2) As a functional medicine practitioner, my aim is to discover the root cause of disease in each of my clients, rather than just put “band-aids” on their symptoms. Building a timeline of their dietary and medical history often allows me to figure out what triggered their condition or disease. Once I figure that out, the therapeutic process becomes a little easier.

(3) I educate each client about their conditions/diseases in terms that they can understand. The majority of my clients arrive at my office, and they know their diagnosis, but they don’t really know what it means. Sadly, most healthcare practitioners don’t explain what’s going on. It has been my experience that most people are grateful to understand what has gone awry in their bodies, and how my recommendations can potentially make them feel better.

(4) I teach clients how to meal plan, meal prep, and cook as needed. Cooking lessons take place in a client’s home or at my office. Research informs us that the top reason given for not eating healthier is not lack of time (surprisingly), but lack of ability and confidence in meal planning and cooking. Learning these skills positions my clients to take ownership of how they are eating and places them on a path for greater long-term health.

(5) I am able to order most labs for my clients when needed or desired. I can order basic labs if they don’t wish to run them through their doctor. I can also order and interpret many other kinds of labs that rely on blood, urine, stool, saliva, breath, hair, and genetics. In many cases, these advanced labs give so much more information about a client’s health than we would have otherwise.

(6) I am a generalist and have a great deal of experience with most medical conditions and diseases – gastrointestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune, thyroid, adrenal, chronic fatigue, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, food sensitivities, brain fog, ADD, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s, hormone balance, long-COVID, and cancer, among many others.

(7) I give workshops and webinars as requested, for children and adults.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a foodie, so if my best friend were visiting, we’d dine at at least one nice restaurant. In Dallas proper, I like HG Sply on Lower Greenville. I also like Deep Sushi in Deep Ellum. Hopefully, she’d visit while the Stars are in the playoffs, and we’d have to attend a game at AAC. I also like live music, so we’d check for bands in town that are playing at AAC, the Kessler, the Majestic, House of Blues, or Toyota Music Factory in Irving. We would most likely visit the Dallas Farmers Market to get some fresh veggies and fruits, and cook one meal at home. Finally, we might visit the 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – I became obsessed with this place when I visited a few years back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many people have contributed to my success, but I’d have to say that one of the most important is my work partner, Dr. Asa Hadsell of Main Street Chiropractic in Rowlett. We are currently separate entities, but we collaborate and bounce ideas off each other almost daily. He has believed in my abilities, discussed them with whoever would listen, and provided incredible support as I figure this whole thing out.

Website: https://nelmsnutrition.com

Facebook: Nelms Nutrition, LLC

Image Credits
Dallas McNeal, Ken Herman