Top 6 Reasons to Work with a Nutritionist (and a Few Things to Consider)

“Why should I work with a nutritionist/health coach/dietitian?” This is one of the most common questions I get as a Certified Nutrition Consultant. There are a multitude of reasons, so I thought I would share some of them here, as well as some things to consider when you work with a nutritionist (at least from my perspective).

1. You want to live a healthier lifestyle, and find the right food plan for you (or you and your family).
2. You are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, and you know that what you’re doing right now isn’t working. That there has to be a better way – beyond pills, fad diets or one-size-fits-all health plans.
3. You have a chronic illness. Some examples (keep in mind this list is NOT all inclusive) might be diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities/allergies, overweight/obesity, kidney disease, migraines/headaches, anxiety or depression, irritable bowel/digestive issues, leaky gut, and hormone imbalances. All of these issues, among many others, can be helped with proper nutrition. Symptoms can be lessened, or completely alleviated, when you’re eating the right foods for your body!
4. You are dealing with chronic stress or trauma. Fueling your body with the right nutrients can greatly reduce the effects of stress and trauma on the body.
5. You want to eat right, but you are tired of trying to wade through all the information out there to figure out what works and what doesn’t. There are some great programs, and a lot of good information to be found online, but some of it just isn’t accurate, isn’t right for your individual body, and can be downright dangerous.
6. You are ready to make a change in your life, and having some guidance and personal attention would make all the difference in your success.

There are many reasons that an individual might choose to work with a nutritionist, but these are what I see most in my own practice. Keep in mind that nutrition, lifestyle and wellness are extremely personal things. What works for others may not work for you, and that’s why working one-on-one with a professional can be really helpful.

I think the most important thing is understanding that a nutritionist or dietician should never be diagnosing anything. That needs to be left to your physician. However, we can look at test results, order tests if needed, look at your medications, lifestyle and habits, personal goals, etc. to come up with a plan that is tailored to exactly what your body needs. My goal as a Certified Nutrition Consultant is to identify your specific nutritional needs and then create a plan that EMPOWERS YOU to live a vibrant, healthy life.

It’s also important to know about the different certifications and degrees out there, and what matters most to you when you’re choosing who to work with. I personally chose a certification that would allow me to take a more holistic approach with my clients. That means I look at the needs of the individual when making my recommendations versus following specific blanket guidelines for nutrition. Please know that I’m not saying one certification or degree is better than another. I’m saying it’s a personal choice – so know what is important to you!

Finally, make sure it’s a good fit, and don’t be afraid to have a consultation with a few practitioners before committing to a program. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person, and that you understand their expectations for your work together. It’s not always going to be easy. Your nutritionist or health coach is going to push you a bit – get you out of your comfort zone – and ask you to do the work it takes to make necessary changes. The best nutritionist can only do so much. Ultimately, you have to be ready and willing to do the work.

Yes, working with a nutritionist is an investment, but it’s a short-term investment that lasts a lifetime. When you think of the money you are spending on junk food, or crazy fad diet foods, or medications and other healthcare expenses, it’s worth taking a look at how personalized wellness education can save you money in the long-term. We have one life, and one body, and it’s worth taking care of YOU.

My clients typically find that making small changes over time add up to huge results in their health. We work together to find the right foods and nutrients for their bodies, and we create a plan that is sustainable for the long-term. That sustainable plan is how you find true, lifelong wellness.

Do you identify with any of the reasons listed above? Are you ready to say goodbye to feeling sick and tired? Are you ready to make some real changes to be able to live vibrantly? I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about working with me, or with a nutritionist in general. If I’m not a good fit for you, I’m happy to refer you to someone else. Please feel free to shoot me an email to learn more or join my team now!