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What Does a Nutritionist Really Do, and Do I Need One?
A successful first visit
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.
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Nutrition advice
From all the dietary information from wellness influencers, only one in 12 recommendations is nutritionally sound.
The easiest way to sift through the bad advice is to find a certified expert.
Look for the Letters
There is no certification required to call yourself a nutritionist.
- A registered dietician requires a bachelor's degree at an accredited university. A licensed dietitian will have RD, RDN, LD, LDN, or CDN after their name, depending on the state they live in.
- Holistic nutritionists do a six-month training course.
- Functional-nutrition practitioners do and 80-hour training course.
- Intuitive health coaches do a 200-hour training course
- Some well-educated experts have not followed the typical career pathway.
The Athlete
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.
Have a goal in mind
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.
Watch for Red Flags
...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 successful first visit
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.
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Intuitive eating
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Recognize and silence your inner critic.
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Stop moralizing
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Body rebellion
Drastic or too-strict diets can trigger mood swings, headaches, physical and mental fatigue, irritability, digestive upset, and brain fog...
Hunger
Chronic hunger generally indicates that your diet is imbalanced or inadequate, which can cause your body to conserve energy and resist weight loss.
Include healthy foods that boost satiety and keep you fuller longer, namely those high in lean protein (organic eggs, poultry, fish, beans and lentils), fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, lentils), and good fat (avocado, nuts, seeds, and extra virgin olive and coconut oils).
Cravings
Trying to be "perfect" week after week typically leads to feelings of deprivation, resentment, even anger or depression, and culminates in either binge eating, or diet abandonment.
Ditch the "all or nothing" mentality. In that mindset, one small diet deviation triggers thoughts like, "Well, I blew it, I might as well go all out!" which keeps you stuck. Allow yourself small splurges in ways that reduce the chance of overeating.
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