Introduction
Between what you hear on TV and read in the news, eating well can seem like a real challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. A registered dietician or nutritionist, will partner with you to develop a safe and realistic eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul. To guide and motivate you, dietician or nutritionist will use creative and out-of-the-box strategies to help with meal planning, grocery shopping and mindful eating.
Do you want to lose or gain weight? Are you pregnant, looking to become pregnant or just had a child? Are you looking for ways to maintain your health in your older years? Are you suffering from various diseases like heart, kidney, blood pressure etc. Are you an athlete looking to boost performance? These are just a few of the reasons people seek the expert, science-based advice of a dietician or nutritionist
Reasons to See a Dietician or Nutritionist
While you certainly can (and should) see a dietician when you are having symptoms that are affecting your health, know that you can see a dietician even if you just are curious about trying a new diet or have questions about what it is you are eating. Here are top reasons to see a dietician:
You’re healthy & curious.
If you want to know if what/how you’re eating is right for your health and goals, even with no overt symptoms to complain of, it could be helpful to discuss with a dietician.
Your relationship with food needs help.
If you are looking for help building (or rebuilding) a healthy relationship with food & diet and are trying to figure out how to navigate the world of food and nutrition, a dietician can help.
You have any digestive complaint.
Digestive complaints can range from gas, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, stomachaches, etc. Meeting with a dietician can help guide you on diety &/or lifestyle changes to make. Don’t just guess or go off google, ask a professional.
You want to improve athletic performance.
You want to gain insight into how to fuel your sport/activity and/or gain some competitive advantage through diet/lifestyle. You may even want to seek out a dietician as they specialize in the timing of nutrients, energy needs, supplements, and more as it pertains to sport/activity & performance.
You are either always hungry or never hungry (lack of appetite).
Hunger is a very important indicator to help guide your health. You may wake up in the middle of the night hungry or maybe you don’t even know what hunger is or is supposed to feel like. Hunger should be normal and recognizable and easily fixed with food, end of story.
You are experiencing fatigue.
Being tired when you go to bed is normal. Being tired around the clock and not being able to function or feel like you are going to fall asleep at inopportune times is not normal.
You are often sick and/or injured.
This is not normal. Your diet and/or lifestyle may be contributing to this and guess what?! You can feel better and can stop getting hurt. Seek help.
You are experiencing hormonal issues.
This can look different to anyone but if you are feeling like your hormones are or could be off, it’s time to talk to someone.
You are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
This also applies to those who are post-partum and looking for help with breastfeeding, post-partum health, etc.
You want help with meal planning.
If you are working person and don’t have enough time to take proper nutrition food dietician will help you with meal plan.
Abnormal bloodwork.
You have abnormal bloodwork (whether self-tested or through a doctor) and/or have been told by your doctor you need to change your diet.
You have diagnosed and/or suspected food allergies/intolerances/sensitivities.
It’s important to work with someone who can guide you through a food allergy/intolerance/sensitivity instead of just guess or google your way through it!
You have been diagnosed with a chronic disease.
This can include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, IBD, IBS, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, etc. However, if you have a family history of any chronic disease, it may be best to see the dietician you are diagnosed with such a disease.
You want to manage your weight.
It can be important to work with a professional dietician and nutritionist if you think you need to or need help to gain, lose, or maintain your weight.