What To Look For In A Nutritionist For Dietary Support

If you’ve decided you want to consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist, you may wonder where to start and how to identify the right provider for your needs. 

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right nutrition provider, such as credentials, specialties, and counseling skills.

It’s also important to be aware of red flags, like nutritionists who promote highly restrictive diets. 

Continue reading to learn which qualities to look for in a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

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What to Look for in a Dietitian Nutritionist

People consult with registered dietitians for a wide range of nutrition needs, from general healthy eating tips to diabetes management. 

While searching for a registered dietitian nutritionist, you can look for qualities that will make a provider a good match for your specific needs. 

This may include factors like: 

• Credentials. 
• Education and training. 
• Areas of specialization. 
• Experience with a specific health condition. 
• Listening and communication skills. 

While you can typically find much of this information on the provider’s website prior to making an appointment, you may not know if it’s a good fit until you meet them.

Some providers offer free discovery calls that allow you to talk with them before scheduling a consultation.

Education, Training and Credentials 

The first step in finding a nutrition professional is to look for providers with the proper credentials. 

Registered dietitians (RDs) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are the nutrition experts.

To earn their titles, they must complete extensive requirements, including a nutrition degree, practice hours, and a national exam. 

Other providers, like nutritionists, may not have the same training or qualifications. 

Experience Working with Similar Health Conditions or Goals

Many dietitians will have extensive experience working with one or more specific health conditions, such as:

• Weight management.
• Diabetes. 
• Heart health. 
• Eating disorders. 
• Food allergies.
• Bariatric surgery. 

Before booking a consultation, ensure your dietitian has experience working with the health condition you’re seeking care for.

You can typically identify this on their website or by calling their office staff. 

Specializations and Areas of Expertise

Many registered dietitians undergo additional training and earn credentials in specific areas of nutrition.

Learning more about your provider’s education, training, and credentials can help you identify if they’re a good fit for you. 

For example, if you're seeking nutrition advice for type 2 diabetes, you may want to select a dietitian who’s a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).

If you have an eating disorder, you may look for a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian (CEDRD). 

Similarly, dietitians can become board-certified specialists in various health conditions, which involves additional practice hours and passing an exam.

Board-certified specializations include: 

• Weight management. 
• Oncology (cancer) nutrition.
• Pediatric nutrition.
• Renal (kidney) nutrition.
• Sports nutrition.

If you feel you have a complex health history, look for providers with certifications aligning with the type of care you seek.

This will ensure you’re working with someone who has extensive experience in that area. 

Nutrition Philosophy

A dietitian’s nutrition philosophy is how they view nutrition in the context of health.

A provider’s philosophy can influence their approach to nutrition counseling and goal setting.

For example, a dietitian who aligns with intuitive eating and the non-diet approach will shift the focus away from the number on the scale, instead focusing on building habits that improve overall health and well-being. 

Listening Skills

It is essential to select a dietitian with good interpersonal skills.

This person will be providing nutrition education and helping you make diet and lifestyle changes.

It’s important that you feel heard and that your lifestyle and food preferences are taken into account during the sessions. 

Working with someone with good listening skills can foster a positive environment where you feel comfortable expressing your needs.

This skill can be difficult to determine before meeting your provider, but you can usually get a feel for it during a discovery call or the first appointment. 

Empathy

Empathy is a valuable skill that allows your dietitian to understand your point of view without judgment.

Talking about your eating habits can be a sensitive topic, and it’s important for your dietitian to provide a safe space to discuss these.

Communication and Availability 

Another thing you can assess at the time of scheduling or during your consultation is your dietitian’s availability and how you can communicate with them between visits. 

Think about how frequently you’d like to meet with your dietitian.

Some providers offer weekly or biweekly visits, while others book monthly appointments. 

If you want to be able to contact your dietitian between visits, it’s wise to ask them about their policy on contacting patients between sessions.

Some use email or have an online portal. 

Desire to Work Collaboratively 

If you have other active members of your healthcare team, such as doctors, specialists, and mental health providers, selecting a registered dietitian who can collaborate with them on your care plan may be helpful. 

Many clinics or healthcare systems have dietitians on site who work closely with the healthcare team and use the same electronic charting system.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing a Nutritionist

There are several red flags to be mindful of when searching for a nutrition provider.

These may include someone lacking the proper credentials, recommending overly restrictive diets, or selling products. 

Not Having Proper Credentials

It’s important to check that your nutrition provider has the proper credentials for the type of care they provide. 

Examples of red flags may include: 

• Refusing to provide information about their credentials, education, or training.
• Offering medical nutrition therapy without having the RD or RDN credential. 
• Calling themselves a dietitian without having met the requirements for the credential. 

Recommending Highly Restrictive Diets

Most dietitians don’t advise highly restrictive diets, as these are often unsustainable and may lack the necessary nutrients. 

It may be a red flag if your dietitian is recommending: 

• Eliminating an entire food group. 
• Fad diets.
• Promising quick or unrealistic results (i.e. losing 20 pounds in two weeks). 
• Strict food rules (i.e. no sugar, no gluten, etc).

Selling Something

Be mindful of whether your dietitian is selling products or services.

Selling something isn’t always a red flag, but it can be in certain situations. 

For example, if your provider tells you that you need to buy a specific supplement they sell or you won’t meet your health goals, they may not be practicing ethically.

How to Research and Find a Qualified Nutritionist

Although you may hear the terms “nutritionist” and “dietitian” used interchangeably, these titles differ greatly in terms of education, training, and credentials.

Registered Dietitians (RDs)

Registered dietitians, also called registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), must earn a graduate degree from an accredited nutrition program and a master’s degree. 

Next, they undergo at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice and pass a national exam to become dietitians. 

Registered dietitians are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy, a type of evidence-based nutrition counseling for various health conditions, such as diabetes, weight management, or kidney disease. 

They can work in many fields, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school districts. 

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Nutritionists

On the other hand, “nutritionist” is not a regulated title in most states.

This means there aren’t specific criteria one must meet to call themselves a nutritionist. 

Some nutritionists do have extensive training and hold the title of certified nutrition specialist (CNS).

These nutrition professionals may give general nutrition advice but aren’t qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy. 

What Do I Do if I'm Not Happy with My Nutritionist?

It’s okay if you have your first visit with a dietitian and realize it’s not a good personality fit or you don’t align with their nutrition philosophy.

It may take several tries to find a provider you really click with. 

Most dietitians understand this and would not be offended if you declined to continue care for these reasons.

Dietitians want you to succeed and know that each person may respond best to a specific style of nutrition counseling. 

If you feel uncomfortable discussing this at the end of your first visit, you can always call the office later to cancel any follow-ups that have been scheduled.

If you feel a dietitian is not providing ethical care, you can file an ethics complaint with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Takeaway

If you’re unsure what to look for in a nutritionist, the first step is to find a provider with the registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential. 

Next, explore their specialty areas and experience, making sure these align with your reason for seeking care.

During your first appointment, determine whether the provider is a good personality fit for you and if you align with their nutrition philosophy. 

Watch out for red flags, like providers selling products or recommending highly restrictive diets. 

How a Dietitian Can Help

A dietitian can provide evidence-based information on a variety of nutrition topics and health concerns, including: 

• A general balanced diet. 
• Disordered eating. 
• Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. 
• Weight management. 
• Proper sports nutrition. 
• Intuitive eating. 
• Prenatal nutrition.

The right RD for you will be someone with good listening and empathy skills who provides a safe space to explore your nutrition challenges without feeling judged. 

Find an online dietitian with a wide range of nutrition specialties to help you reach your health goals.