Benefits Of Seeing a Dietitian Nutritionist
Have you ever wondered what it is like to see a Dietitian or Nutritionist? Today I am going to tell you the difference between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian. What they both do and what to expect from seeing one!
What Is A Nutritionist?
A nutritionist is someone who teaches others about general nutrition and what foods are supportive of health. In many U.S. states a Nutritionist does not need a college degree to talk to you about nutrition. In the other states there are some regulations around who can call themselves Nutritionist, mostly that they can not provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to clients in sessions, only a Registered Dietitian can work with these individuals.
What Is A Registered Dietitian?
A Registered Dietitian (RD) or sometimes referred to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is someone who has a Bachelor’s degree minimum if they completed school prior to 2023, or a Master’s degree minimum if they’ve graduated after 2023. They also complete a 1,000 hour supervised practice internship (unpaid I might add) with four rotations: foodservice, clinical (typically hospital setting), community (like WIC or SNAP) and professional leadership. Furthermore, a Dietitian must complete continuing education each year to expand their knowledge and stay abreast in the most current, science-based evidence for your nutritional needs!
What Is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
Nutrition based treatment provided by RD’s to their clients. Typically for conditions such as heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, eating disorder, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, weight loss, etc. Essentially a Dietitian is trained to provide the best step by step care and nutrition changes for these changes to last sustainably for a lifetime.
Choosing Between a Nutritionist vs a Dietitian
Now that you have the foundations for what both a Dietitian and a Nutritionist can help you with, you can make the educated choice on which one to see based off your unique individual needs and goals.
How To Meet With a Dietitian
Most private practice Dietitians will meet virtually with you (like me!) via a HIPPA compliant system so your information is safe and you can trust the care you receive. There are Dietitian’s that meet in person in their private practice, as well as in community or clinical settings, for which you will typically go through your doctor to gain access to them.
Work With Me
If you feel that you could benefit from with with a Dietitian I do offer virtual sessions lasting 30 minutes (follow up) or 60 minutes (initial session) in duration and meeting either weekly or biweekly. This provides time for nutrition education, check in’s on your nutrition goals and making any changes necessary. It is my job to make you feel comfortable, empowered and capable in your choices with food that align with the unique goals you have. I only use science-backed evidence to support my advice and we work at the pace you feel comfortable with making changes. Why wait any longer? Book your session with me here.
Benefits Of Seeing a Dietitian Nutritionist
Work With Me
If you feel that you could benefit from with with a Dietitian I do offer virtual sessions lasting 30-60 minutes in duration and meeting either weekly or biweekly. This provides time for nutrition education, check in’s on your nutrition goals and making any changes necessary. It is my job to make you feel comfortable, empowered and capable in your choices with food that align with the unique goals you have. I only use science-backed evidence to support my advice and we work at the pace you feel comfortable with making changes.
I work with men and women looking to lose weight, lose fat, build muscle, manage health conditions (like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and improve fertility), and pre and post-natal nutrition.
Why wait any longer? Book your session with me here.
