When should I see a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

States vary with their specific requirements, but to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, you must complete: 
  • Possession of at least a bachelor’s degree with a major course of study in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, or food management.
  • Successful completion of 900 hours of pre-professional planned and continuous supervised practice in dietetics or nutrition.
  • Successful passage of the dietitian exam offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Unlike nutritionists, registered dietitian nutritionists must be licensed. Unfortunately, even though there are great nutritionists, just about anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, which is one of the reasons to see a dietitian. You can be sure they have proper training. 

When should I see a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

1.  Medical Conditions

People that have various medical conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, digestive disorders, food allergies and diabetes are major conditions that dietary intake can greatly affect. With heart disease, people may need to intake lower sodium and saturated fats. With kidney conditions, people may need to lower their intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorous foods. With diabetes, people may need to alter their carbohydrate intake to avoid spikes and dips in their blood glucose levels. People with Crohn's disease and IBS can have very different needs to avoid constipation and bloating Dietitians can set up a plan to help people with these conditions control them better. 

2. Weight Control 

Whatever your goal with weight control, to gain or to lose, a dietitian can help you get the right amount of calories so you can safely meet your desired weight. Also, seeing a dietitian when you are on a weight loss plan can ensure that you are still getting the necessary nutrients. It can be difficult to consume all of the vitamins and minerals you need for your health when you cut calories to lose weight. Similarly, people who are trying to gain weight may fall short in some nutrients if they are relying heavily on processed foods for calories. A dietitian will be able to provide you with a plan that will give you both the right amount of calories and the right amount of nutrients while you are working to reach your goal weight.

3. Sports Nutrition

If you are trying to fine tune your meal plan for athletic performance, seeing a dietitian in addition to your trainer can be very helpful. A dietitian can assess for adequate hydration and nutrients for proper body function. Dietitians can ensure that you are getting enough protein for muscle growth and repair or enough carbohydrates for glycogen store replenishment. Calcium is important for bone health and muscle contraction. These are just a few examples of the nutrition needed for athletic performance. Seeing a dietitian and going over your goals with them will help you get a plan for how to meet your specific nutrient requirements for improved athletic performance.

4. Overall Wellness

You don’t have to have a specific goal to see a dietitian. You may just want advice on how to eat healthier. A dietitian can look over your current diet and see where you need to make changes and show you any unhealthy patterns in your eating. They can also provide you with ideas about healthy foods to include in your diet. While seeing a dietitian when you don’t have a specific goal may seem unnecessary, establishing healthy eating patterns can help you ensure long term health. It is better to see a dietitian for help with healthy eating before you develop medical conditions.

Need a Dietitian? 

Contact Natalie Hofmeister MS, RDN, LD/N at Lifestyle Nutrition Consulting


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