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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)?

Answer: Both RD and RDN mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably, RDN is a recent addition to our credentials.

Below are requirements to become a Registered Dietitian/RD (now also known as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist/RDN):

Minimum education of a bachelor’s degree with approved course work and education received through an approved and accredited program via Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Complete a supervised practice component with accredited sites (by the ACEND), practicums vary in length from 6-12 months at a variety of locations/experiences (food service, community, hospital/clinical, outpatient, wellness, etc.) This is combined with either undergraduate or graduate studies.
Pass a national exam administered by Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) (more information here).
Complete continuing education requirements to maintain registration.
Most insurances will cover RD/RDN consultations, as we are a preferred provider on their lists of professional care.

Question: What’s the difference between a Registered Dietitian/RDN and a health coach or nutritionist?

Answer: Great question! A Registered Dietitian can refer to themselves as a health coach, wellness coach, or a nutritionist; but a nutritionist and a health coach can not call themselves a registered dietitian.

Registered dietitians (RD’s) are trained in the scientific, pathophysiology, and nutritional therapy aspect of nutrition, but RD/RDN’s and also trained in diverse aspects of nutrition counseling. There are a variety of RD/RDN’s with education and expertise in culinary/food science, community nutrition, coaching, counseling, women’s health, clinical care, sports nutrition, etc.

No matter what our professional practice area, we all have in common to support our clients in any way possible including empowering them to reach their highest potential possible by lifestyle and behavior changes. Registered Dietitians have a diverse background in the sciences which is extremely helpful in understanding and applying nutrition components to facilitate the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Health coaches and nutritionist programs/certifications, receive a general/broad-based knowledge on nutrition, with less focus on the sciences and disease processes and applying specific medical nutrition therapy and focus on other therapies of care for the individual. Some health coaches offer expertise and knowledge on specific niche topics involving nutrition and wellness, but did not receive their education formally, nor are registered dietitians. Both Registered Dietitians and health coaches are on the same team as we both serve as facilitators of change in their clients and want them to reach their fullest health potential!

I do not wish to mean Registered Dietitians have complete ownership or are “all knowing” on nutrition and the field of nutrition; what I am suggesting is do your research to find a health care provider with knowledge, experience, and expertise that you trust. If you are going to put your health and wellness into the hands of someone else, be sure they are truly a professional and an expert in their field rather than someone who may not have the expertise you need.

Question: Where can I learn more about becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist?

Answer: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a great starting point to learn about the requirements to become a RDN.

Learn the different steps you must take to become a registered dietitian nutritionist here.

Question: What are those abbreviations behind your name, what do those mean?

Answer:

MDA = Master of Dietetics Administration
RDN = Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (see above for details on what this means)
CD = Certified Dietitian (this applies for the state in which I’m currently practicing, UT – This varies from state to state)
CDCES = Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (formerly CDE or Certified Diabetes Educator)

There are numerous names, titles, and “credentials” out there that one can get confused on what they mean. For more information, please see the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website, the Commission on Dietetic Registration website or the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education website.

Question: Can you just give me a meal plan to help me lose weight?

Answer: Short answer, No.

Everyone is different, and thus requires a unique approach in which to live and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Simply handing out cookie cutter meal plans will not help you in the long run to sustain weight loss or a healthy lifestyle. I support a non-diet approach to help you feel better, eat mindfully, and enjoy wholesome, delicious foods you actually like. I encourage healthy lifestyle changes, which often results in weight loss as a side effect.

Question: What do you mean by “eating mindfully”?

Answer: Really listening to your body and giving it what it actually needs.

In a nutshell, eating mindfully, or intuitively, means ditching the diet mentality, honoring your hunger and fullness cues, making peace with food, respecting your body and discovering how to feel energized and satisfied with your health. Instead of focusing on what you can’t have, we’ll focus on allowing you rediscover your favorite foods, listening to your body and giving it what it wants and needs. Through this, you will create healthy and sustainable lifestyle habits that will set you up for a lifetime of success.

Learn more about intuitive eating here

Question: Do you work with clients one on one?

Answer: No.

Currently I am not accepting one on one clients. I work with brands and businesses in nutrition writing, communications, and media work.

Question: Where can I buy your cookbook?

Answer: You can purchase my book anywhere most books are sold.

Find my book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, and more!

This website and webpage contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission on products purchased through those links, at no cost to you. This helps keep my website up and running and allows me to continue to share content with you.

Also, as a disclaimer: this website is intended as a place to share my thoughts, ideas, and knowledge on all things nutrition and health with you! Therefore, please use common sense and take a realistic and personalized approach when thinking about making any lifestyle changes. I’m a dietitian, not a physician; always check with your medical provider before starting any new regimens. End of disclaimer.