
Frequently Asked Questions.
What Services are available?
I am a wellness coach with a flexible approach incorporating several modalities which can be tailored to the specific needs of each client. My holistic perspective is client-centred - I enjoy the immense privilege of joining with my clients on their journeys to improved health and wellness. As a result, my process is very flexible and designed to be unique, developed together during the discovery and assessment phase of my client sessions, with a different mix of knowledge, techniques and experiences for each client.
What Areas of Service are available?
Metabolic and Nutritional Therapy
What is metabolic health, and why does it matter?
Metabolic health is the body’s ability to produce and use energy efficiently. When your metabolism is balanced, your hormones regulate properly, your brain functions more clearly, and your body is more resilient against disease. Poor metabolic health—driven by blood sugar instability, insulin resistance, and inflammation—contributes to conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Supporting your metabolism is one of the most powerful ways to improve both physical and mental health.
How is this different from a diet plan?
This is not about restriction, willpower, or one-size-fits-all rules. My approach blends therapeutic nutrition (low-carbohydrate and ketogenic strategies) with lifestyle practices like nervous system regulation, circadian health, and ancestral rhythms. Together, these support both brain and body. The focus is on sustainable healing, not quick fixes.
What’s the difference between a low-carbohydrate diet and a ketogenic diet?
Both reduce carbs, but they work differently:
Low-carb diets lower blood glucose, which helps with weight loss and blood sugar management.
Therapeutic ketogenic diets are designed to lower insulin, the master hormone that drives metabolic and mental health. Lowering insulin is key for reversing insulin resistance, supporting brain function, and addressing conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver disease, and more.
A trained coach can guide you into nutritional ketosis safely and effectively, helping you overcome common challenges and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Can this help mental health conditions?
Yes. Nutritional and metabolic therapies are showing promise in supporting depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and cognitive decline. Brain health is whole-body health—by addressing metabolism, inflammation, and energy balance, many people find improved mood, mental clarity, and stability. These therapies can complement (not replace) psychiatric care.
Do I need to stop my medications to work with you?
Not at all. In fact, it’s important to keep your primary care provider and/or psychiatric prescriber involved as you make dietary and lifestyle changes. Blood pressure, blood sugar, and psychiatric medications may need to be adjusted as your body responds to healing. I always recommend working in partnership with your prescribing clinicians.
Do I need to give up sugar forever?
For many people, removing sugar, flour, and processed foods creates freedom rather than restriction. That said, every person’s path is unique. My role is to help you find the approach that works best for your body and goals, and to give you tools for navigating cravings, emotions, and triggers along the way.
What if I’ve tried keto before and it didn’t work?
That’s a common story. Many people struggle because they didn’t have proper support or tried to do it with incomplete information. The therapeutic ketogenic lifestyle is very different from trendy “keto” versions online. With proper guidance—including nervous system support, mindset shifts, and personalized adjustments—it often becomes much more effective, sustainable, and life-affirming.
What’s the first step?
The best place to start is with a free 30-minute discovery call. This gives us time to connect, talk about your needs, and see if my coaching is a good fit for you. From there, you can begin with an initial consultation. see service page for available options *****LINK TO SERVICES PAGE
👉 Book your free discovery call
From sugar addiction to keto monitoring and beyond, I offer a range of services.
Sugar Addiction and Detox
What is sugar addiction?
Sugar addiction goes beyond simply liking sweets—it’s a cycle of cravings, loss of control, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back. For many people, sugar lights up the brain in the same way as addictive substances, driving overeating, mood swings, and even anxiety or depression.
How do I know if I need a sugar detox?
You may benefit from a sugar detox if you:
Struggle with constant cravings or “food noise.”
Feel out of control around sweets, bread, or processed foods.
Use sugar for comfort or stress relief.
Experience mood swings, brain fog, or energy crashes after eating.
Have health issues like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, or obesity.
What happens during the 30-Day Quit Sugar Challenge?
This program combines education, accountability, and compassionate support. You’ll receive daily challenge videos, weekly coaching sessions, and access to community support. Together, we address cravings, triggers, detox symptoms, and emotional eating patterns while building skills for long-term freedom.
What’s the difference between the 30-day and 90-day programs?
30-Day Quit Sugar Challenge: Focuses on breaking free from sugar and flour, resetting your metabolism, and learning foundational tools for recovery.
90-Day Program: Provides extended coaching, support, and practice in creating a sustainable sugar-free lifestyle. It’s ideal if you want deeper transformation, relapse prevention, and more time to rewire your relationship with food.
Will I need to give up all carbs forever?
Yes, no maybe! The program helps you eliminate addictive sugars and processed foods that keep cravings alive. Depending on your goals and health conditions, you may continue with a low-carb, ketogenic, or carnivore plan—or reintroduce whole-food carbs in a way that feels balanced and supportive.
What if I’ve tried to quit sugar before and failed?
You are not alone. Sugar addiction is powerful, and willpower alone is not enough. The difference here is support + strategy: you’ll learn nervous system regulation tools (like breathwork, EFT, and vagus nerve exercises), pattern-interruption techniques, and compassionate mindset shifts that help you succeed where past attempts may not have worked.
Do I need medical supervision?
Yes. If you’re on medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental health, your provider may need to adjust them as your health improves. I strongly encourage working in collaboration with your primary care provider or prescribing clinician during this program.
✨ Call to Action
Are you ready to break free from sugar and discover what life feels like with clear energy, stable moods, and freedom from cravings? 🍓✨ Book your free 30-minute discovery call to explore if the Sugar Addiction Detox is right for you.
Circadian & Ancestral Health
What is circadian health?
Circadian health refers to supporting your body’s natural 24-hour rhythms—your internal “clock” that regulates sleep, hormones, digestion, metabolism, and even mood. When our circadian rhythms are aligned with light, dark, activity, and rest, our bodies function more efficiently and our minds feel clearer. When they’re disrupted (through late-night screen use, irregular meals, or lack of daylight), it can contribute to fatigue, insulin resistance, anxiety, depression, and other chronic conditions.
Why is circadian rhythm so important for mental health?
Your brain relies on circadian signals for mood regulation, sleep quality, and neurotransmitter balance. For example, poor circadian alignment can lower serotonin and melatonin while raising cortisol—patterns linked to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Simple practices like morning sunlight exposure, reducing blue light at night, and keeping regular sleep/wake times can be profoundly healing for mental well-being.
What is “ancestral health”?
Ancestral health draws from the wisdom of how humans lived for thousands of years—closer to the rhythms of nature, eating unprocessed foods, moving regularly, and resting more deeply. It’s not about “going backwards,” but about reclaiming what our bodies are biologically designed for: nutrient-dense foods, time outdoors, strong community, and natural movement. When we live more in sync with these principles, our metabolism, immunity, and mental health thrive.
How do circadian and ancestral practices work together?
Circadian health and ancestral health overlap beautifully: both emphasize light, nature, movement, nourishment, and rest. Living with these principles helps regulate hormones, reduce stress, improve metabolic balance, and strengthen resilience. They offer a framework that heals the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—while reducing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes, obesity, and depression.
What are some simple practices I can start today?
☀️ Morning sunlight: Step outside within an hour of waking.
🥗 Meal timing: Eat your main meals in daylight hours, and avoid late-night snacking.
🌙 Evening wind-down: Dim lights and reduce screens after sunset.
🌿 Nature connection: Walk barefoot, breathe fresh air, or spend time under the trees.
🏃 Movement: Incorporate natural, daily activity (walking, stretching, gardening).
😴 Rest: Prioritize consistent bed and wake times to support deep sleep.
Do these approaches really make a difference?
Yes. Small, consistent changes in circadian alignment and ancestral practices can profoundly affect sleep, energy, metabolism, and emotional resilience. Many people find they sleep better, think more clearly, and feel more balanced within weeks of making these shifts. Over time, these habits build the foundation for lasting physical and mental health.
✨ Call to Action
Curious about how circadian and ancestral practices can transform your health and well-being? 🌞🌿 Let’s explore together—book your free 30-minute discovery call.
Lifestyle, Mindset, and Self-Care
Why are lifestyle, mindset, and self-care important for health?
True health is more than lab results or medical diagnoses. The way you sleep, eat, move, handle stress, and care for your emotional well-being directly impacts your physical and mental health. By supporting these foundations, you build resilience, improve mood, balance hormones, and strengthen your ability to thrive.
What kinds of practices are included?
I use a variety of supportive tools and modalities, such as:
Circadian rhythm alignment for better sleep and energy.
Breathwork, meditation, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to regulate stress and calm the nervous system.
Vagus nerve toning for emotional balance and resilience.
Journaling and reflective practices to deepen self-awareness.
Nature connection and mindful movement to restore harmony in body and mind.
Compassionate boundary-setting and joyful self-care to protect and nurture your energy.
Do I need to commit to a strict routine?
Not at all. Self-care and lifestyle changes should feel supportive, not overwhelming. We explore practices together and choose what fits naturally into your life. Even small, consistent shifts can create meaningful transformation over time.
How does mindset play a role?
Your mindset shapes how you respond to challenges and opportunities. By cultivating resilience, self-compassion, and gratitude, you create more clarity and confidence in daily life. This helps reduce stress, quiet negative self-talk, and opens the door to healing and growth.
Can this help with mental health struggles like stress, anxiety, or burnout?
Yes. Many clients find that simple practices—like improving sleep, practicing mindful breathing, or spending more time in nature—make a profound difference in reducing stress, improving mood, and building a sense of calm and stability. These practices can complement other treatments you may be using under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
✨ Call to Action
Are you ready to feel more grounded, resilient, and at home in your body and mind? 🌿✨ Book your free 30-minute discovery call to explore how lifestyle, mindset, and self-care coaching can support your well-being.
Forest Therapy
I offer in person and virtual experiences, for individuals and groups. Spending time in nature can help boost your recovery in many ways. Register via Forest Bathing Finder as below, or email me at marydonna@marydonnawhyte.com. please visit my Forest Therapy page for more information about the benefits of this healing practice.
How do I book and pay for my nature immersion experience?
Nature immersion experiences are booked and paid for via Forest Bathing Finder. Click on the “Book Here” button once you visit the site.
Please email marydonna with questions.
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What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is the practice of immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest with mindfulness and presence. It’s not about hiking, exercise, or covering miles—it’s about slowing down, engaging the senses, and allowing nature to calm and restore your body, mind, and spirit.
How does Forest Bathing support health and well-being?
Research shows that spending mindful time in nature can:
Lower stress hormones and blood pressure
Improve immune function
Support mental health by easing anxiety and depression
Enhance mood, focus, and creativity
Restore a sense of calm, grounding, and connection
In addition to these measurable benefits, many people experience a deeper spiritual connection and renewed sense of belonging when practicing Forest Bathing.
Do I need to be fit or experienced in meditation?
Not at all. Forest Bathing is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or meditation background. The practice is gentle, slow-paced, and guided to meet you exactly where you are.
What happens during a session?
A guided session typically includes:
Gentle invitations to engage your senses (sight, sound, touch, smell)
Time for mindful walking, stillness, or sitting
Opportunities for quiet reflection or journaling
Optional sharing circles to deepen the experience
Each session is unique, shaped by the season, the forest, and your own inner landscape.
How is this different from just taking a walk in the woods?
While walking in nature has its own benefits, Forest Bathing is a structured, intentional practice guided to help you slow down, tune in, and fully receive the healing gifts of the forest. Think of it as the difference between eating mindlessly and savoring a nourishing meal—both feed you, but the mindful approach allows for deeper restoration.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and an open heart. Journals, mats, or blankets can also be helpful for moments of stillness.
✨ Call to Action
Come experience the quiet power of the forest and discover how nature can restore balance to your body, mind, and spirit. 🌿 Book a discovery call to learn more about upcoming Forest Bathing sessions.What is forest bathing and what happens on a walk?
Forest bathing is heart-centered guided immersion practice in the forest or other natural environment. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, which translates to “Forest Bathing”, meaning bathing in the healing atmosphere of the forest. We meander slowly, enjoying the simple pleasures of the moment. The destination is “here’, rather than “there”. We usually travel less than one mile. Walks are typically 2 to 2.5 hours, although can be longer if desired, and are adaptable for people of all ages and abilities.
How does a remote walk via zoom work?
On a remotely guided walk, you can be in your home, back yard, or your favorite place in nature. If you cannot be outside, please have an item from nature nearby (a sea shell, plant, flowers), and/or be seated so you can look out a window.
Download the Zoom APP on your phone. You do not need a wifi connection, however, you will use your mobile data if you are not on a wifi connection and you join via the Zoom app.
Make sure you have a fully charged device with cell service and perhaps bring a backup battery power-pack if you have one.
Consider bringing earbuds or headphones. They are not necessary but if you would like to put your phone in your pocket they may make it easier.
What to bring/wear on a forest bathing walk
Wear comfortable clothing, layers and appropriate for the weather, a hat, and walking shoes/hiking boots. We will be moving slowly, and often be in stillness, so temperatures may feel cooler than expected, even on a hot day.
Hiking pole(s) or walking stick
Umbrella and or rain poncho/jacket if rain is in forecast
Something to sit on - (therm-a-rest, yoga mat, small towel/blanket, plastic bag, a small portable stool/camp chair)
Tick/insect repellent, sunscreen
A backpack or tote back to carry your items
Water, and a small snack for yourself
for remote walks: ear buds and a charging device if you have one
Can I schedule a special experience with a group of my friends or family?
Yes! Customized walks and packages are available, created for your unique desires and needs. Please email marydonna (at) marydonnawhyte.com.
Energy Medicine & Akashic Record Reading
What is Intuitive Energy Medicine?
Intuitive Energy Medicine combines modalities like Reiki, chakra balancing, energy clearing, and Akashic Record readings to support nervous system regulation, emotional clarity, and spiritual alignment. Think of it as a gentle, holistic way to restore energetic harmony to your body, mind, and spirit.
How can an Akashic Record reading be helpful?
An Akashic Record reading invites compassionate guidance rooted in your soul’s deeper wisdom. It can help you uncover patterns, clarify life purpose, release emotional blocks, and access insights that support healing, personal growth, and alignment with your highest path.Plant Spirit Medicine & Aromatherapy
Do I need to believe in energy or spirituality for this to be effective?
Not at all. These sessions are open and accessible to all. Many clients describe it as deeply calming and grounding—even if they’re new to these practices. The intention is always rooted in respect, clarity, and presence.
Is this meant to replace traditional therapy or medical care?
No. These sessions are complementary and healing by design support your emotional and spiritual well-being. They are not substitutes for medical or psychiatric treatment. I encourage working with your healthcare providers when appropriate.
How can this support mental & metabolic health?
Energy modalities like chakra balancing and Akashic readings help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and support emotional resilience. When paired with metabolic and nutritional therapies, they offer a holistic path toward lasting clarity, calm, and healthier energy rhythms.s this meant to replace traditional therapy or medical care?
Is this meant to replace traditional therapy or medical care?
No. These sessions are complementary and healing by design support your emotional and spiritual well-being. They are not substitutes for medical or psychiatric treatment. I encourage working with your healthcare providers when appropriate.
Call to Action
Ready to explore this healing space and align with your deeper wisdom? Let’s walk the path together.
👉 Book your free discovery call to see if Intuitive Energy Medicine or an Akashic Record reading is right for you.
Aromatherapy & Plant-Spirit Medicine
What is Plant-Spirit Medicine?
Plant-Spirit Medicine is a deeply intuitive approach that invites you to connect with the energetic and healing essence of plants though essential oils, botanical tinctures, flower essence alchemy, herbs, and flowers. These plant allies can support balance, emotional release, grounding, and spiritual connection in gentle, personalized ways.
How does Aromatherapy support healing and well-being?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils - concentrated plant extracts supports healing by influencing both the physical body and the subtle energy system. Through the sense of smell, essential oils may impact mood, help reduce stress, support nervous system regulation, and more. On a subtle level, aromatherapy can harmonimze chakras, balance meridians, and enhance the aura, promoting overall well-being.