Why See a Dietitian?
Our list of common reasons people may benefit from seeing a registered dietitian
Diet is very personal, and it’s a field that is prone to claims of false expertise with little education and training. Unqualified nutrition advice can be unsafe, ineffective, biased, stigmatizing, unhelpful, or just untrue.
Dietitians are not the food police. We want you to enjoy food, feel your best and thrive in life without food taking up all of your time.
Here is our list of 16 common reasons people may benefit from seeing a registered dietitian. If your reason is not on this list, we encourage you to get in touch to see if we can help.
Nothing is wrong and you’re curious: If you want to know what healthy eating for you should look like, even with no overt symptoms, or wondering what diet information is true, it can bring a peace of mind to check in with a dietitian.
You want a better relationship with food: If food is taking up too much mental and/or emotional space, a dietitian can help alleviate the load.
You have been diagnosed with a chronic disease or condition: Managing and/or alleviating symptoms associated with chronic diseases and conditions can be done with proper nutrition guidance. If not done properly with a dietitian, symptoms may become worse.
Abnormal Bloodwork: Nutrition and lifestyle changes can decrease the need for medication and improve your quality of life.
You are dealing with thoughts or actions of disordered eating: Our dietitians are specialized in eating disorders and can either provide the help you need at an outpatient level or help you find the level of treatment you need.
You want help with meal planning: Dietitians can create meal plans or help you learn how to do it for yourself. Dietitians also typically have lots of great recipes and recipe resources.
You have digestive issues: Whether you have a diagnosed gastrointestinal(GI) disease or condition, or if your GI symptoms are causing you to be uncomfortable and/or causing a disruption in your daily life, a dietitian can help uncover the root problem and guide you on dietary changes for relief without causing nutritional deficits. Symptoms may include, but not limited to, abdominal pain, bloating, distention, gas, acid reflux/heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gagging or trouble swallowing.
You have been diagnosed or suspect food intolerances/sensitivities/allergies: Dietitians can navigate food intolerances/sensitivities/allergies while maintaining your nutritional needs so symptoms are not worsened.
You have concerns about your weight: While weight is not a determinate of health, unstable weight can be a sign of something else going on. A dietitian can help address weight concerns (trouble gaining weight, losing weight or stabilizing weight) while keeping your health the top priority.
You are either always hungry or never hungry: Hunger is a very important indicator of health. Hunger is normal and should be intermittent, regularly experienced and recognizable throughout the day.
You are experiencing fatigue even when you get a good night’s sleep: Nutrition plays a vital role in being energized and mentally clear.
You are often sick and/or injured: Your diet could be contributing to this. A dietitian can help fill nutritional gaps so you can better support your immune system and/or avoid injuries.
You are experiencing hormonal issues including but not limited to: Loss of menstruation, lack of sex drive, impotence or fertility issues. Nutrition plays an important role in hormonal stabilization.
You are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant: Dietitians help navigate supplementation, foods to avoid, and nutritional and lifestyle needs for conception, pregnancy, post-partum, breast feeding and baby.
You want to improve athletic performance: A dietitian can educate and guide you in dietary changes for improved performance and faster recovery.
You are feeling frustrated or lost with feeding your family: Everyone is on a different diet, the kids are too picky, you’ve become a short order cook. A dietitian can help streamline this task so everyone is eating healthfully and peacefully.