When to hire a registered dietitian and how much it costs
Are you overwhelmed by the wealth of information available on social media around nutrition, health and various fad diets? It may be time to consider hiring a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who can guide you through the process of creating a healthy lifestyle – that works for you. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics confirms that RDNs have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, followed by completing an accredited internship and passing a national examination. And the truth is, many dietitian’s don’t stop there with their education. They continue on to get their Masters in Nutrition or complimentary subjects such as communications, psychology and business among others.
I chose to focus on culinary arts and nutrition because I believe the best way to eat healthy, is to make your food taste good. After all, flavor drives our eating decisions most of the time!
You can read more about me here.
When is the right time to turn to an RDN
Trying to lose weight or managing health with healthy food choices is a universal struggle that we’ve all experienced at some point. You may have heard that weight loss simply comes down to burning more calories than we consume, but it’s not that simple. Our bodies are complicated machines with individual reactions to food.
It’s time to consider working with a dietitian if:
- Postpartum has taken a toll and you want to fee like yourself again.
- Emotional eating has become significant hurdle to overcome.
- Genetics and hormones have made it challenging to lose weight.
- “Quick fix” products and crash diets have not delivered on their claims.
- You’ve gained and lost the same 20 pounds for years.
- You put in the time at the gym but you don’t see any changes.
- You’re not sure where to start with a nutrition program that will be effective.
- You are at a healthy weight, but you want to feel more toned and build muscle.
- You want feel energetic as you go through the day!
- You’ve tried diet plans, cleanses, meal prepping and pills but nothing seems to meet your personal needs.
- You need a plan that will get you results for the long term!
The key to successful weight loss is patience, consistency, and giving yourself grace. With dedication and willingness to put in the work and make realistic lifestyle changes, anyone can achieve their health goals. TRUST ME.
If you have food allergies, dietary needs, or a specific medical conditions such as heart disease or high cholesterol, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from an RDN. They can advise and develop a nutrition plan tailored to your needs, including creating personalized meal plans, guidance for grocery shopping, and providing nutritional counseling that focuses on habit building to support your health issues.
How do you find the right person for your needs?
If you are not sure where to start looking for an RDN, social media, the academy website, and referrals from your primary doctor can be great options to explore. When you hire an RDN, you can be sure that they have clinical experience and are a credentialed nutrition professional as a result of their training. Dietitian’s are the nutrition experts.
You may be surprised to know that dietitians work in a variety of industries that include:
- Clinical work in the hospital with adults and children that have a variety of disease states
- Long-term care facilities working with elderly and rehab patients
- Supporting athletes in sports nutrition
- Working with shoppers to choose healthy products at the grocery store
- Writing for your favorite health and food publications
- Recipe development for food companies
- Private practice within a variety of spaces including weight management
- Virtual dietitians can offer a variety of services including group programs
- And many more…
In addition to their training and experience, RDN’s also stay up-to-date on the latest research and guidelines in nutrition. This means that they can provide accurate and evidence-based advice to help you reach your health goals. They can also work with you to develop personalized meal plans based on your specific dietary needs and preferences.
What to expect when working with me
I work with women who are motivated to build habits to achieve a healthy weight as well as a positive mindset around food.
After enrolling in the initial six week orientation program, also referred to as a 6-week round, I will learn about your medical history, nutritional needs, and health goals with a new client intake form. Then we talk strategy to support your goals, which may include intermittent fasting, carb cycling, custom macros, workout and meal plans, recipes recommendations and hydration goals. It’s tailored to your specific medical conditions or stage of life (including pregnancy and post partum)and may include advice on meal planning, food groups, and nutrient-rich diets to ensure a safe and healthy relationship with food. Basically we will create a nutrition plan based on your unique needs so that you can feel stronger, energized and ready to take on whatever comes at you!
When you hire an RDN (like me) you can feel confident knowing you are in the hands of a knowledgeable and experienced professional. You want to ensure you find an RDN who is a good fit for your personality and someone who can help motivate you to create and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Be sure to find someone who you can build a good relationship with, as follow-up visits are critical for long-term success.
Instagram is a great way to get to know your future dietitian a little better, and learn about their philosophy. Check out my instagram here!
While scrolling, beware of fad diets and quick fix solutions. Working with a dietitian will help you steer clear of them and teach you the best way to lead a healthier lifestyle – for good!
How much does it cost to work with a dietitian?
The cost of working with a registered dietitian can vary depending on a number of factors such as location, expertise, and number of sessions.
On average, the hourly rate for a registered dietitian in the United States is around $100-$200 and generally there is an initial longer consultation with a series of follow ups. That said, many insurance plans cover the cost of consultations with a registered dietitian, so it’s important to check with your provider to see if these services are covered. In addition, some companies offer their employees access to registered dietitians as part of their wellness programs, so it’s worth checking with your employer to see if this is an option.
I work with clients virtually, the cost of the initial 6-week program is $249, and $99 a month thereafter if they choose to keep working with me. There’s no doubt about it. The cost is an investment in your health – and you are well worth it. As my mom always says, if you have your health – you have everything you need.
I hope to chat with you soon!
