What to Expect when choosing a Nutritionist

Posted by Gill O'Shea8th September 2021

What to expect when choosing a Nutritionist

A nutritionist is a professional who offers advice and information about eating a healthy diet. When choosing a nutritionist, it is important to find someone you feel comfortable working with. Asking several questions can help you choose one who is compatible with your needs.

1. Firstly you need to ask yourself why do you need a nutritionist?

Is it to deal with a medical condition, Gain weight, Improve athletic performance, Improve health, Lose weight, or is it a combination of these issues? Make a list of these

2. Your Nutritionist will need to know if you have any dietary restrictions such as Dairy-free, Diabetic, Gluten-free, Nut / Allergen-free, Vegetarian / Vegan

3. When it comes to weight management, a Nutritionist with a personalised approach is a more effective strategy than any ‘off the shelf’ diet plan. The identification of key drivers in appetite and weight is a critically important, yet often overlooked, part of the picture. We all have unique genetics, environmental influences, medical or nutrition histories, life stress, time pressures and so on. A Nutritionist should offer help you figure out where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there. In order to succeed your Nutritionist should inform, inspire, counsel, and support clients.

4. Your nutritionist should require an assessment, which includes information about your weight history, current and past medical history, family medical history, food allergies or intolerances, likes and dislikes, eating, sleeping and exercise habits, past weight loss attempts, emotional and social ties to food and much more. Nutrition is far more involved than calories in versus calories out, clients are often not getting results because they are not eating enough, or the timing and/or balance of their meals is not in line with their body’s optimal needs. Others are eating healthfully, but are unknowingly taking in more than they need and stay a healthy weight.

6. If you’re considering seeing a nutritionist, speak with them or look for 5 minute chat before you schedule an appointment. You’ll get to know the nutritionist’s philosophies to be sure he or she is the best fit for your personality, expectations and goals. Someone who you have a natural report with and you feel you can work with.

7. Some want a structured plan, complete with personalised meal plans, recipes, and grocery lists. Others do better with simple, concrete goals to work on, such as making specific changes to their usual meals, or modifying their meal timing. Be clear about what feels right for you: if you don’t respond well to structure, a structured eating plan is not going to work.

8. Many nutritionists work in an office setting, but the new norm also involves zoom, phone, email, and even text. Sometimes a text or a photo from the supermarket or a restaurant with a question, may be the type of communication and support required, and if that’s what you’re looking for, be sure to make it clear before you start working together.

9. Adjusting through life’s more difficult nooks and crannies is a good time to see a nutritionist because they are like a psychologist for your body. Whether you just found out that you are pregnant, just got diagnosed with diabetes, or have decided to train for a marathon, a nutritionist can help you face the challenge head-on! A nutritionist is trained in all areas of nutrition and understands how the right diet can either help or hurt your condition and should be up to date on the latest research.

10. If you are an extremely busy person and you’re feeling exhausted, there’s a likely chance that you’re not fueling adequately to maintain that busy schedule. It might be time to book an appointment with a Nutritionist to make sure you’re consistently providing your body with fuel throughout the day, and that you’re choosing the right foods to fuel your brain and your muscles and to prevent energy dips and crashes.