Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a “nutritionist?”
A: The term “nutritionist” is not protected by the state of California. The California Business and Professions code allows anyone to call himself or herself a nutritionist, regardless of education or training. Therefore, if you read and studied a nutrition related article from a magazine, you could be a “nutritionist” too.
“Registered Dietitian” is a protected term. RD’s are required to have:
•Received a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics or nutrition from an accredited college or university.
•Completed at least 900 hours of supervised practice experiences at an accredited (through the American Dietetic Association institution)
•Successfully completed the national Registration Examination for Dietitians
•Maintain re-certification by completing at least 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years (through seminars, workshops, journal clubs, nutrition presentations, etc).
Registered Dietitians are the true experts in treating current nutrition-related disorders and can plan customized diets to help manage your specific conditions. RD’s are trained to assess past medical history, supplements, vitamins and minerals, medications, eating and exercise habits in order to provide clients with effective nutrition counseling. This will help clients to make the behavior modifications necessary to reach optimal health.
Q: What can you expect at your first appointment?
A: A complete diet analysis and figuring out the “why’s” behind your nutrition related question, concern, problem or disease. We can discuss your initial nutrition and exercise related goals and design a unique, individualized plan to suit your needs. It will be helpful if you bring a copy of your most recent lab results. In addition, please bring a list of medications, dietary supplements or herbs that you are taking and the amounts. Also, please fill out a food journal recording 1-2 days of your most recent dietary food and beverage intake. Please fill out the “new patient form” and agreement sheet (found in the appointment section).
Q: Do I take insurance?
A: I do not bill insurance companies directly. I accept payments via cash and checks. I accept credit card and PayPal payments on a per client basis. I can give you a “superbill” (administered through the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association) to submit directly to your health care insurer for medical nutrition therapy reimbursement, as it applies.
Q: How long will it take me to lose weight?
A: A healthy rate of weight loss is 0.5-2.0 pounds per week to achieve long- term success. It is important to remember that it is the combination of dietary intake and exercise that will help you reach your ideal weight. It is not just one or the other. Eating nutrient dense, low calorie foods and increasing your metabolism via physical activity is recommended for optimal and sustainable weight loss results.
Note, muscle weighs more than fat so the scale is not always your best bet! Body composition testing and measuring inches are better indicators of health.
Q: What are other health benefits of weight loss?
A: Lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and lower triglycerides, promote a sound sleep, increase energy, increase bone mass, decrease fat mass and increase muscle.
Q: Can you be skinny on the outside but unhealthy on the inside?
A: Yes. If you do not follow a healthy, nutritiously balanced diet and do not exercise, there is a chance you have increased fat deposits in the visceral organs. BMI (body mass index) or the scale does not test body fat %. Healthy people come in all shapes and sizes. It is important to eat healthy, exercise and get your numbers checked (blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugars) by your doctor. Body composition testing via a bioelectrical impedance machine can indicate your lean body mass.
