What Can A Dietitian Do For Me? Q&A
When you're browsing the web or scrolling through social media, you come across individuals with a lot of different titles pertaining to our nutrition and health - registered dietitian, health coach, nutritionist, wellness expert, the list goes on. So, what exactly is a registered dietitian? Think of the registered dietitian (RD or RDN) as the gold standard when it comes to nutrition knowledge. As RDs, we’ve worked for our knowledge! For someone to call themselves an RD, they have to meet the following criteria:
- Obtain a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university or college and course work accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (effective January 1, 2024, a minimum of a master’s degree will be required).
- Complete an accredited supervised practice program, totaling a minimum of 1,000 hours.
- Pass a national examination.
- Complete continuing professional education requirements.
There’s a lot of education and hard work that goes into becoming an RD, which is why RDs are truly experts in diet and nutrition. At Nutrition for Longevity, our RDs specialize in nutrition counseling to help you meet your health goals.
What should someone expect from nutrition counseling?
Nutrition counseling is a collaborative counselor-patient/client relationship. The RD’s role is to provide education, develop skills, serve as a motivator, and most importantly, help to establish a plan that works best for you. As RDs, we understand that no one size fits all, so we want to get to know you to create an individualized treatment plan.
What kind of information should someone disclose with their registered dietitian?
Registered dietitians are judgment-free, so please feel free to share as much as you’re comfortable with. There is no such thing as oversharing. When it comes to your nutrition and overall health, everything is relevant. Of course we’re interested in your diet history, dietary patterns, but we’re also interested in your everyday life. The more information we have, the more we’re able to provide personalized support.
How should someone prepare for an appointment with a registered dietitian?
Before meeting with a registered dietitian, think about your goals and what you’d like to get out of meeting with an RD. The RD is there to serve you. If you have certain goals in mind, then we can work together to create action steps to achieve them.
What are some conditions that a dietitian can help with?
A registered dietitian can help with a range of conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, food allergies and intolerances.
How do I know if nutrition counseling is right for me?
If you’ve been considering nutrition counseling or you’re ready to make a change, then nutrition counseling is right for you! Even if you’re just curious about meeting with a registered dietitian, know that we’re here to help you in a way that works for you.
Check out our introductory dietitian consult bundle that includes (1) Initial 40 minute video call and (1) Follow-up 20 minute video call, unlimited chat, and online support modules.
