FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian is food and nutrition expert with a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program and who completed a supervised clinical practice requirement, passed a national exam, and continue professional development throughout their careers.

Dietitians use Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), which is a personalized nutrition-based treatment plan to help people prevent and manage diseases. MNT combines nutrition education and behavior change counseling to produce lasting health outcomes.

What is the difference between a registered dietitian and nutritionist?

While all dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dietitians. Registered Dietitians are board-certified nutrition experts. Only dietitians have the education and training to practice Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and provide nutrition prescriptions to manage chronic diseases.

Why do I need a registered dietitian?

A registered dietitian will help you make sense of nutrition information, dispel myths, and correct and misconceptions about certain diets and foods. Also, a registered dietitian can help make a personalized meal plan, share insight on current food trends and research. A registered dietitian provides support and accountability; change is difficult and making changes on your own can be daunting. Many people find weight loss more effective with regular accountability.

What is your approach to weight management?

Most people know what to eat for good health, but getting the brain to want to eat healthy is a challenge. I help you understand that weight loss is not easy, but with the right approach, weight loss is possible and maintainable.

I use the approach of small changes make a big difference. We live in an instant gratification society and most people get frustrated if results do not happen quickly. One small action may seem insignificant at first, but it allows you to gain the momentum needed to continue or maintain changes. The brain can also handle small changes very well!

I also meet you where you are on your health journey and together, we create a plan that realistically fits your lifestyle and makes you feel successful. I do not believe in restriction or trying to overly control your food choices. I provide accountability, but I also provide the guidance and education so that you feel confident on your own making lasting nutrition changes.

I also use a whole health approach—health and weight management are also connected to physical activity levels, stress management, social connection, and restorative sleep. Therefore, I also provide guidance on how to improve these areas of your life.

What can I expect on my first visit?

First, you will tell me your unique nutrition story—any information that you want to tell me or information that you think is relevant so that I can understand how you got to where you are. This also helps me determine your challenges and struggles, and so that I can help you make realistic goals. I will also review your medical history and your most recent lab work (if you have it). Then we create a realistic plan to start moving you in a forward direction.

Can I do anything to prepare for my first visit?

It would be helpful to see your most recent lab work or at least if you know your most recent lab results for blood glucose, A1C, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.  

Also, please remove any misconceptions you have about Dietitians – it is natural to feel that sharing your eating or drinking habits will lead to judgement. I can assure you that is not true. I approach food and nutrition in a non-judgmental, evidenced-based, patient-centered way. I understand that food is so much more about fuel – it is comfort, culture, tradition, and social life.

No matter you are on your weight loss or health journey, you will leave our session feeling empowered and confident.

How many times should we meet?

I recommend at least a three-month commitment if you want to experience a noticeable health difference. With my recommended nutrition and physical activity guidance, three months is normally enough time to have a clinically significant improvement in weight, blood sugar (fasting blood sugar and A1C), cholesterol, and blood pressure. In three months, you should also notice a significant improvement in energy levels and quality of life.

If you are trying to lose weight, I recommend you meet with me monthly until you reach your weight loss goals.

Does insurance cover the appointment?

I work for a nutrition telehealth company called Nourish. If you are under 65 years old and have healthcare coverage through one of the major insurance companies, you will be covered for our visits.

If you are 65 years and older, and are covered under Medicare, then Medicare will only cover the cost if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Therefore, general nutrition or weight management will not be covered.

If you want to schedule an appointment with me at Nourish, here is my direct link:

If you want to meet with me privately (not covered by insurance), please see my Rates page.

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