I am often asked what its like to work with a personal nutritionist. Perhaps I’m biased, but I believe it’s a wonderful opportunity to change your eating habits forever, whether you want to manage problems related to diabetes, hypertension or weight loss.
In my case, it allows you to discuss your meal and snack options whenever you wish with a professional who has both the academic background to understand the science (B.S. and M.S.) and over 25 years of experience to know what works and what does not over a long period of time. No one, not even your best friend, mother or spouse, has the interest and knowledge to discuss what you consumed today or will eat tomorrow. The type of experienced hand holding I provide cannot be accomplished at an expensive weight loss center where there are poorly trained nutritionists or following the latest fad diet.
Typically, you will have an initial meeting with me where I will find out what your concerns and goals are as well as what are your favorite foods. We follow up the initial meeting with either another in person meeting or more commonly, phone or email communications that usually occur every other day or 2-3 times a week. I find these short but frequent conversations essential for keeping my clients motivated and on track. I am glad to be available 7 days a week. We will discuss the last two day meals they have emailed me and then walk through the next couple of days. I am always interested in any scheduled social events, restaurants or office potlucks coming up where we make plans for yummy and healthy choices.
The secret of my success with clients is how I help them balance out their meals where they are able to eat the foods they enjoy. If you have high cholesterol then it is absolutely fine to have a hamburger or a slice of pizza for lunch with a salad. Then, for dinner you may want to have, for example, a grilled chicken salad with vinaigrette dressing, and a vegetarian minestrone soup and/or a baked potato with non-fat cottage cheese topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. My prediabetes clients referred by their doctors are often surprised to learn they do not have to give up sugar and desserts. The secret here is more about consuming higher levels of tasty protein and fiber and then enjoying their desserts when planned correctly.
Clients love my supermarket tours where I give them insights into new foods and read all the interesting food labels and talk about meal planning at the same time. Yesterday, my hypertension client was surprised to learn the great variety of foods with low sodium that are available and very convenient for meals.
You may often find me in my home office with an entire family counseling them on weight loss. I find that if there is a child who is overweight they should not be singled out. Everyone benefits from learning about best meals and snacks. As I tell my young people that do not have a weight problem, watch and learn to prevent yourself from having a weight problem later in life. Office visits are usually followed by phone visits at night with everyone present. I might ask a family member to go to the refrigerator where last week, I heard a Dad shrieking on the other end saying he could not believe that cheese is mostly pure fat and he tells me how he snacks on it after work everyday.
I am glad to inform you that seeing a Registered Dietitian will not cost you an arm and a leg. Whether it is weight loss, high cholesterol, triglycerides, high blood pressure, or diabetes, insurance companies have now come to the wise conclusion that nutritional counseling by an licensed nutritionist is cost effective. Almost all insurance companies allow for my services where they usually authorize 6-10 visits a year, sometimes more. Please look at my website, LindaRD.com, Insurance and Fees section for a listing of insurance companies.
Linda writes for Alamo Today, Lafayette Today and Danville Today newspapers monthly. She is located at her office in Alamo where she welcomes your call to discuss your needs and personal diet challenges. Click here and set up an appointment today. Ensure your family’s health by consulting a registered dietitian now!!
*Published in Alamo Today, Danville Today and Lafayette Today newspaper for the month of February