What Does a Nutritionist Really Do, and Do I Need One?

If you're training at a high volume, consulting with an RD who doesn't have a sports background is not what you need as they might not understand the rigors of training for enduro races.

A board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, which requires an additional 2,000 hours of sports-specific nutrition training, has the acronym CSSD.

When you're going to see a nutritionist, you should have a goal in mind, whether that's gaining strength or losing weight.

Once you've picked a nutritionist who seems aligned with your goals, write a list of your questions and what you hope to achieve beforehand. Keep a food log, or snap pictures of everything you eat, ahead of your appointment to ensure your dietitian can get a good view of your eating habits.

...at the first appointment with a nutritionist.

• The eliminator: Telling you that you may never eat something. It can trigger a disordered relationship with food and is not rooted in science.
• The pill popper: Be careful of anyone selling a product in addition to following their plan. The best way to get nutrients is through a varied, whole-food-based diet.
• The one-size-fits-all: Be aware of someone who likes only one style of eating, like vegan or keto. A good nutritionist will be well versed in a wide array of diet patterns.
• The therapist: If a dietician thinks you need extra help, they should be recommending another expert, not overstep boundaries.

A good nutritionist will go through your current diet, discuss nutrition basics, and work together to set realistic goals.

You should be able to get answers to your specific questions and a rough action plan. Expect to book a follow-up.