A lot of people have heard the term "dietitian" but find themselves asking, what is a dietitian? It is no secret that a healthy diet is essential to good health, but it's so much more than that.
A healthy relationship to food is the opposite of being on a diet (in the general sense), it's about create a lifestyle around how to best nourish your body while also maintaining a certain amount of balance in your life.
All of that said, sometimes this can be a difficult thing to do on your own without the help of a licensed dietitian. So to answer the question, what is a dietitian, let me break it down for you a bit.
With a dietitian you'll have a custom built plan that includes all the foods that you should be eating and which foods you should avoid, but this list doesn't come from a general chart in a template we found online - it's completely specific to you, your body, and achieving your personal goals.
Custom Meal Plans, Cool - But What is a Dietitian For?
In a world of constantly hearing feedback on what to eat and what not to eat, what the latest diet fads are, what what workouts burn the most calories, it helps to have a clearer pathway through the clutter with the help of a dietitian.
Dietitians are equivalent to healthcare professionals, who will meet one-on-one with you and offer advice tailored to meet your specific goals. Some of the things that come with the help of a dietitian include:
Meal plans and snacks that can be planned for and prepared at home
Lists for the grocery store and tips on how to read labels and select healthy foods
How to dine out and make better choices when you do
Food is Just a Start When Understanding "What is a Dietitian?"
Although the guidance on nutrition is helpful, understanding specifically "what is a dietitian," extends further into addressing specific health conditions, relearning a healthier lifestyle, and meeting wellness and fitness goals.
The above are somewhat generalized reasons to seek out help with your nutrition and health goals, which is why it's a good idea to have a dietitian help out when it comes to things like:
Managing a Chronic Condition
This might include things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or gout, (a type arthritis).
People with Dietary Restrictions
This includes diets like vegan diets, gluten free diets, and the like. Some foods or drinks may be restricted if you have a food allergy, GERD, or a digestive condition such as celiac disease. A dietitian will help you to make these dietary transitions happen without compromising on nutritional (and delicious) foods.
Managing Weight Loss Surgery
A dietitian will help you obtain enough key nutrients even if you only have a small stomach.
Burning Extra Calories and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The saying is true, "abs are made in the kitchen," so if you're looking to achieve specific weight loss, muscle gain, or fitness goals, this is where you'll find the answer to what is a dietitian.
Get the Fuel you Need to Perform at Your Best
Want to learn more about carb loading and recovery? Many dietitians have specialized knowledge into sports nutrition and can help you to create a game plan.
I know this can be a tricky space to navigate through, but if you're reading this, then you've already taken the first step toward not only understanding "what is a dietitian," but in considering your options for next steps on the journey to a healthier life. Let's chat about your goals and see if working together would be a good fit - fill out our application here.