We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabrielle Grandell, BSc, FMCHC, CLT a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gabrielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In 2011 everything shifted. I was sitting in the hospital, reviewing yet another patient’s food log, diagnosis and symptoms, trying to figure out why the conventional approach wasn’t working. I had done everything “by the book”—perfect meal plans, calorie counts, and encouraged her to take her recommended medications—but she wasn’t getting better. Most of the patients were not getting healthier, in fact. Their symptoms would improve temporarily, but the real, deep healing? It just wasn’t happening. As I sat there, I had an overwhelming feeling: There’s something missing. I realized that focusing solely on calories, macros, and generalized guidelines wasn’t enough. The symptoms that the patients were presenting with were sending signals that required a deeper understanding—beyond the traditional nutrition advice I had been trained to give.
That was my turning point. I started researching beyond conventional dietetics and discovered functional medicine nutrition. It was like a lightbulb went off. Functional medicine nutrition looked at the root causes—what was happening in the body to cause it to lose function, not just what was showing up on the surface. From that moment on, my approach changed. I saw whole, complex beings with unique stories, and I began to investigate their health from the inside out. Shifting from a clinical nutrition and dietetics in the hospital to a functional medicine nutritionist was the moment I truly understood the power of holistic healing. It wasn’t about meal plans based on outdated science anymore—it was about truly understanding the body’s interconnected systems and empowering clients to heal at the root level. I discovered that that’s where the magic of real transformation happens.
Flash forward to almost 5 years ago, I decided to start my own company. Starting my practice in 2020, right as the world was thrown into chaos, was definitely a journey that required a lot of perseverance and faith. It was one of those moments where I had to truly understand my assignment—my purpose—and stay committed to it, no matter what. I knew that people needed support more than ever, especially as health became such a global focus, and I felt deeply called to offer an alternative to the fear-based, symptom-chasing model of mainstream medicine. It wasn’t easy—there were moments of doubt and challenge, of course—but it was also the perfect time to build something I believed in. I wanted to create a practice that stood for something counter-cultural, that prioritized true healing and addressing root causes, not just managing symptoms. In a way, the timing couldn’t have been better because people were looking for answers beyond the traditional medical system, and I was ready to serve them. Through it all, I stayed dedicated to my vision: supporting others in reclaiming their health and connecting the dots between the physical and spiritual aspects of wellness. Looking back, I’m proud of the perseverance it took, but even more so, I’m grateful for the opportunity to build something meaningful during such a pivotal time.
Gabrielle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach also known as The Gut Goddess, and I have been serving in the world of nutrition and dietetics for the past 17 years and under the Functional Medicine paradigm for the last 12 of those years. I believe that the further we get from nature, the closer we get to disease. I educate that it is our birthright to live in a body we love and that is healthy in order to serve our unique and divine purpose in the world. I focus on helping people transform their health by bridging the gap between science and spirituality rooted in my own deep passion for nutrition and all things natural and a desire to address the causes of chronic digestive issues and autoimmune conditions, which are often misunderstood or overlooked by conventional medicine.
One of the major turning points in my journey was recognizing the deep issues of malnutrition and overconsumption that plague our society, compounded by the corruption within the pharmaceutical and food industries. I saw firsthand how these systems often prioritize profits over people’s well-being, leaving many disconnected from the nourishing, natural foods and holistic care that truly support optimal health. In my practice, I provide personalized nutritional counseling, functional testing, and holistic lifestyle guidance, all designed to help my clients achieve vibrant health. I specialize in working with those struggling with digestive disorders, such as IBS, IBD, leaky gut, and SIBO, as well as autoimmune conditions, which are deeply interconnected with gut health. I merge evidence-based functional nutrition with holistic and natural practices that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I believe true healing requires more than just treating symptoms; it involves cultivating a deeper understanding of one’s body and finding harmony between modern science and ancient wisdom.
I am most proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients—helping people regain control over their health and watching them thrive brings me so much joy. Whether it’s clearer skin, a stronger body, balanced energy, or finally overcoming years of digestive distress, the success stories I’ve been part of keep me motivated every day.
For anyone curious about my work, here’s what I want you to know: as the Gut Goddess, I’m all about empowering you to take charge of your health by addressing the root causes of imbalance. I aim to create a space where wellness is not just a physical journey but a holistic one that nurtures your soul. If you’re dealing with digestive or skin issues, or autoimmune conditions and looking for a natural, sustainable way to heal, I’m here to guide you on that path. I believe that when we heal ourselves, we become more aligned with our greater mission, and I’m committed to helping others achieve this profound balance. I see people virtually and, in my office, and you can live anywhere and work with me.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the traditional Food Guide Pyramid approach I was taught in college. We were taught about calorie counting, portion sizes, and the importance of grains at the base of the pyramid, as if everyone’s bodies would thrive by following the same rigid structure. I walked out of school ready to apply these rules—but reality quickly showed me something different. While working in a hospital, I saw firsthand that many patients were suffering from overconsumption and malnutrition at the same time. They were eating plenty of calories, but they were still nutritionally depleted. What I’d learned about food in college simply wasn’t matching up with the real-world health issues I was seeing. People weren’t just lacking “portions” of food—they were lacking the right nutrients, and the pyramid wasn’t designed to address that. I recognized that we needed to put more emphasis on the quality of our food not just the quantity.
Another major turning point came from seeing how medications were overused in an attempt to treat everything. Patients were given pills for digestive issues, blood pressure, inflammation, you name it—without anyone addressing synergy: how food, lifestyle, and the body’s systems all work together to heal from the inside out. I realized quickly that medications alone weren’t fixing the root problems. This led me to explore a holistic health approach through functional medicine nutrition. I had to completely unlearn the idea that food is just fuel or calories. Instead, I learned that food is medicine and information for our cells, that every person’s nutritional needs are unique, and that healing the body isn’t just about controlling portions—it’s about addressing root causes, optimizing digestion, managing stress, and recognizing how interconnected our systems are. That unlearning process was difficult, but it’s been the foundation for how I practice today—focused on functional nutrition, where the goal is sustainable healing, not temporary fixes. It was a journey of letting go of outdated concepts and embracing a more holistic, person-centered approach to health.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
I’ve definitely thought about this question and whether I would pursue becoming an MD if I had it all to do over again. There’s no denying that becoming a medical doctor often carries more weight in the eyes of the public and the medical establishment. The title commands respect, and it would give me greater access to influence within the traditional healthcare system where I could disrupt the status quo. Having “MD” next to my name would likely open more doors and make it easier for some patients to trust my approach right off the bat. However, I ultimately chose to focus on functional medicine nutrition for a very specific reason: I wanted to go deep into understanding the power of food, lifestyle, and holistic healing. Being a functional medicine nutritionist allows me to focus entirely on the root causes of health issues without being restricted to the pharmaceutical-driven model that many doctors are pressured to follow. I’m passionate about transforming the medical and healthcare field from the ground up, not by prescribing more medications, but by educating people on the healing power of nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes.
It’s not always easy; I know that some clients may initially feel more confident working with an MD. But the respect and trust I build with clients come from showing results—helping them heal through functional, personalized nutrition and giving them tools that make lasting changes to their health. I believe true transformation in the medical establishment and healthcare industry comes not just from credentials, but from shifting the way we approach health altogether. So while becoming a doctor would offer a certain level of credibility, I chose this path because it aligns with my core mission—to empower people to take control of their health by addressing the root causes and using food as medicine. I believe this is the real key to revolutionizing healthcare, and I’m excited to be part of that movement from the nutritional perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gabriellegrandell.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellegrandell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063565931753
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-grandell-bsc-fmchc-clt-46874a13a
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvKI_pz-8DUsCY_oQ6KYw4g
Image Credits
Danielle Doby
Tim Drake
Adam George