Why see a dietitian?

Hint: more than just for weight loss!

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Starting with the basics, what is a dietitian? In short, the nutrition expert. What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

A dietitian (registered dietitian/registered dietitian nutritionist) is someone who has specialized their education in nutrition. They have completed their education through an accredited program with standardized courses, an internship of 1,200+ hours of supervised practice and then passed a national board exam. There are many avenues for specialties within the career of a dietitian, such as medical nutrition therapy (disease management/prevention through nutrition and lifestyle, food management (cafeterias, restaurants, living communities), and food science. Dietitians are trained in multiple areas (including clinical nutrition, public health and food management) throughout their schooling/internship and then they have the opportunity to concentrate on one facet through their internship experience and advanced education. In 2024, a master’s degree will be required to become a dietitian. Dietitians are nutrition experts and understand interactions of food and the body in a variety of circumstances, including in athletes and the demands a sport requires.

A nutritionist can technically be anyone. While there are many certifications out there, there is no credentialing body (dietitians are governed by a national organization and must pass a national board exam). Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist with no education or credentials depending on what state you live in. When seeking help with nutrition, make sure you see a “RD” or “RDN” next to their names to ensure that you are getting the best (evidence based/research driven, and up to date) information regarding nutrition.

Now that we have the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist, what can a dietitian help you with? In short, anything food related. This can range from gaining weight, losing weight, improving health, pre/post workout fueling, preparation for an event, GI issues (IBS, IBD, food allergies/sensitivities, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, etc), supplements, food products, high blood pressure, low blood sugar, diabetes (type 1 or type 2), eating while traveling, family nutrition/picky eating and many more topics. There is a lot of information out there regarding nutrition, and inevitably a lot of misinformation. Working with a dietitian can help you sort out not only what is correct and current but also what is best for you specifically.

What does working with a dietitian look like? That is very dependent on the person. In general, the first appointment is all about getting to know you and what you are currently doing as well as what your goals are and how nutrition plays a supporting role in those particular goals. A few action items are always given as a starting spot and to get the ball rolling. Follow up appointments are where the main education/goals/plans/action happens, as nutrition is a reactive thing. Your ability to follow through on the action items as well as your body’s response to them guide the next steps and what else needs to be done. This may change week to week or just season to season depending on what your issues and goals are. Schedule an appointment to get started!