I may be a bit bias here, but I think dietitians are pretty darn awesome. We are highly educated and can help guide you to a level of health you never thought possible while teaching you things about nutrition that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
Reduce your sick days and risk of chronic disease, look and feel better in daily life, become a healthier and happier person who is potentially less likely to require medication and doctor’s visits. Sounds good right? These are some of the prime examples of what improved dietary practices can offer most people, and it does not end there.
Still wondering if seeing a dietitian is worth your time and money?
Check out my top 5 reasons why the answer to this question is a resounding YES!
1. You can learn a lot in 60 minutes: You would be absolutely amazed at how efficiently a dietitian can operate in a 60 minute appointment ( usual session duration). Not only are we able to answer almost any questions you may have, but we we are also very adept at figuring out the intricacies of your eating habits, including things that you yourself may not even be aware of. Don’t get me wrong, many people benefit from prolonged monitoring and support, but you should come into your first appointment with the expectation of learning A LOT, and you will.
2. You probably don’t eat as well as you think you do: This is not a slight on anyone reading today’s post, but the reality is that it is really not that easy to eat in a truly healthy and balanced way. So often I encounter people in daily and professional life consuming what they believe to be an excellent diet that, in reality, contains many limitations that an adept dietitian will be more than happy to point out and help remedy. Even if you think you are doing everything right, it is important to realize that small changes make a massive difference in the long-term when it comes to your nutrition, health and happiness.
3. Dietitian’s are superb listeners and supporters: Food is an extraordinarily personal topic and dietitians, in my opinion, are among the most exceptional healthcare practitioners when it comes to building personal connections with their clients. There are so many different types of barriers that people face when it comes to eating well, and often an appointment is just as much about working around those barriers as it is about the food itself. Demonstrating compassion , developing rapport and building trusting relationships are central components of our practice, and we are very good at them!
4. Dietitian’s know what you are going through: I often encounter the misconception that all dietitian’s have been eating well for the majority of their lives. While this may apply to a select few individuals, I am willing to bet that most dietitians ( myself included) have had a unique and challenging journey with food that led them into this profession. We are human just like you and we struggle with issues such as eating well in the context of a busy lifestyle and managing our weight too. So when we say we know exactly where your coming from and what your dealing with, we mean it.
5. Dietitian’s see you as a unique person, not as a common problem: 1-on-1 consultation with a dietitian is unlike any other form nutrition guidance you have ever encountered. We don’t take shortcuts and we don’t try to sell you on a one-size fits all plan ( like many gimmicks or “programs” do) but rather we expertly craft guidance that is tailored to you, your goals, your needs and your lifestyle. If you have wondered why nutrition guidance that you might have received elsewhere has not worked for you, the answer is simple: it was not made specifically for you.
There you have it folks, my top 5 reasons for visiting a dietitian. I am obviously a bit bias, but I have a lot of faith in our profession and its ability to help make the world a healthier place. If you have been hesitant in the past about seeing a dietitian, hopefully today’s article has helped convince you that it is a worthwhile decision to make.
Until next time, Eat Up!
Andy De Santis RD MPH