What is a Registered Dietitian (RDN)?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, defines an RDN is a food and nutrition expert who holds at least a graduate degree from an accredited program, has completed supervised practice, passed a national exam, and continues to pursue professional development throughout their career. RDNs can specialize in a variety of fields, including:
- Sports Nutrition
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Renal Nutrition
- Eating Disorders
- Oncology Nutrition
How to Choose the Right Dietitian for Your Needs
The first step is to know exactly what you need. Are you seeking support for eating disorder recovery, sports nutrition, or maybe something like diabetes, heart health, or weight management? Dietitians specialize in many different areas, and identifying your specific needs will help you find the right fit. Some other areas they may specialize in include:
- Eating Disorder Recovery
- Sports Nutrition
- Diabetes Management
- Heart Health
- Weight Management
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Prenatal Nutrition
- Gut Health
- Child and Family Nutrition
- Mental Health & Nutrition
- Geriatrics & Long-Term Care
Knowing the area you need help with will guide you toward a specialist who can offer personalized support.
Check Your Insurance
Before scheduling a visit, check if your insurance plan covers visits to a registered dietitian. Some plans provide coverage for nutrition services, while others do not. If your insurance covers dietitian services, make sure to find an RDN who accepts your insurance.
In-Person or Virtual Appointments?
Take some time to think about whether you’d prefer in-person appointments or if telehealth (phone or video calls) works better for you. If you prefer in-person, you may need to find an RD who’s within driving distance and has flexible hours that fit your schedule. On the other hand, virtual appointments offer more flexibility and expand your options. Ultimately, it’s all about what works best for you!
How to Find a Registered Dietitian
There are several online platforms that make it easy to find an RDN:
You can also find an RD through your insurance provider, local hospitals, public health departments, or even by asking your primary care provider for a referral.
Evaluate Your Options
Once you’ve identified a few RDs that catch your interest, take the time to visit their websites to learn more about their mission, values, and the services they offer. It can also be helpful to check out their blogs or social media pages to see if their style resonates with you. Many RDs include patient testimonials or reviews, which can provide additional insight into their approach.
Schedule a Free Consultation
After narrowing down your options, consider scheduling a free consultation, which many RDs offer. This gives you the chance to speak with a dietitian directly, and ask about their experience, approach, fees, and any other questions you may have. The key is to find an RD who makes you feel at ease and confident in their ability to help you achieve your goals.
How We Can Help!
At Nutrition Braved, we’re dedicated to helping you create a positive and healthy relationship with your body. We embrace the Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, celebrate all body types, and prioritize your overall well-being rather than focusing solely on weight or appearance. While our primary focus is on eating disorders, our experienced clinicians specialize in a variety of areas such as PCOS, diabetes, food allergies, sports nutrition, postpartum nutrition, and more! Our goal is to offer a supportive and welcoming environment where you feel heard, comfortable, and encouraged to ask questions. We provide evidence-based nutrition education and debunk common myths you may have encountered in the media. Ultimately, we’re here to help you enjoy your relationship with food, offering support every step of the way.
To learn more about our services, and to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
