You are looking to make some diet changes this year. Maybe you need help with losing a few pounds. Or your doctor told you that your blood sugar is a bit higher than it should be. You want to talk to a professional in nutrition to help you get a personalized, effective plan. But, how do you find a one on one nutrition coach? Should you just Google “nutrition coach” and call the first person that comes up? Here are some of my tips for finding the best nutrition coach for you.
What is a Nutrition Professional?
There are many different types of nutrition professionals out there. Clinical Nutritionists, Integrative Nutritionists, Certified Nutrition Specialists, and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. There are also many doctors, physicians assistants, naturopaths who practice nutrition and call themselves nutritionists.
It is no wonder the public is confused about how to find a nutrition coach! That is a lot of different titles!
Here is what you need to know, the term “nutritionist” is not regulated. There is no specific schooling someone needs to go through to use that title. A nutritionist is technically not allowed to give anything but general nutrition advice. They are not trained in medical nutrition therapy or using nutrition to help manage and treat a disease.
If you want general help or just tips on healthy eating, working with a nutritionist may be fine. But, if you have any medical conditions that need dietary management or need help losing weight, I strongly encourage you to work with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN).
What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a highly trained nutrition professional who has completed a certain amount of education and training. These professionals are accredited by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The coursework to become an RDN is rigorous. It requires a 4-year degree, with many courses in human nutrition, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry.
RDNs must also complete a one year internship and must pass a difficult exam to gain licensure. This is the only nutrition certification that requires this much training and education. RDNs are considered the highest level nutrition experts. An RDN can help with any aspect of nutrition from weight loss to the management of complex diseases using diet and lifestyle change.
To find an RDN in your area, I would recommend starting with a few databases that list local professionals. These include:
* This is my primary recommendation as it ONLY lists RDs, the others lists many different nutrition professionals.
These databases allow you to search by zip code and find the one that is best for you.
My One on One Nutrition Coaching
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Mokena, Illinois who uses an integrative and functional nutrition approach tailored to your unique needs. I view health from a “whole person” standpoint. I look at your medical history, goals, habits, current intake, exercise, symptoms, motivation, and stress. I may require lab testing, depending on what I discover in our initial assessment.
Based on all this information, I create an individualized nutrition plan for you to help you confidently guide your food choices. This may include dietary recommendations, supplements, and a plan for follow up. Clients are always part of the planning and goal setting process.
My one on one nutrition coaching services can be either virtual or in person. Book a free discovery call today. I also offer a group program called Body Revive that teaches you how to optimize your health in just 28 days. Sign up here to get on the waitlist.
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