Let’s start with being clear, I am not recommending a a Nutrition Expert replace routine providers (PCP, OBs, ect…). Through the course of my own journey, I realized adding a Nutritional expert can compliment the routine equation. Hence this is where my story begins…..
In Fall of 2022, I was being interviewed for a news story by a local station. When the camera cut, the Reporter turned to me and said “What is it, the rice? Why does our community struggle with Diabetes so much“? In that moment I felt VERY ill equipped to answer. You see, regardless of all my education, experience and access to healthcare nutrition; healthy food relationships seem to allude me. I didn’t understand how it all came together and wanted deeply to…..
Like any new venture, I wanted to start with an expert. I wanted to try something I had not done before. I went online to my insurance companies provider-finder and found a list of “Nutritionists”. At the time, I didn’t understand the difference between Nutrition expert types but wanted to start somewhere. After many calls, reading bios, and speaking with intake staff I had my first appointment booked.
Her name was Haley. During our first visit we did a food recall (check out my previous post on food journaling) , and she provided a warm learning environment without shame. Our sessions started to become so meaningful to me, I prioritized them and protected that time intensely. She led with education and positivity; in a way I had not experienced around discussions of food and movement. Her advice in each session became a building block, meeting me where I was each time, but not overwhelming me with information. I didn’t know our visits had a name (and a code) until about the 3rd session “Nutritional Counseling”. Since our sessions began, my Health-Related Quality of Life has gone through the roof. In an upcoming post I’ll share the numerical results as they are quite astounding. When our visits ended in April, it was like losing a trusted advisor. Her final words “you got this“… still help me when the days get hard.
So that’s my why, my own story of overcoming years of poor nutritional understanding with a trusted advisor walking side by side teaching me how to fish. I can totally give you all the statistics why Nutritional experts are important (chronic condition impacts, food-based illnesses, and weight management impact) but I’d rather help anyone that reads this article take the leap like I did.
Here are my recommendations to jump start making a Nutrition Expert part of your Routine Care:
- Find the right level Expert for you. You may be a novice or an expert yourself. However, choosing the right level of expert can be a great place to start.
| Nutrition Expert Type | Education Level | License yes/no | Service Type |
| Registered Dietician (RDN) | Bachelors Degree | Licensed | Medical Nutrition Therapy |
| Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Registered | Associates Degree | Licensed | Medical Nutrition Therapy (overseen by RDN) |
| Nutrition Coach | Certificate Program | No | Lead others to a healthier lifestyle |
2. Ask the Expert if they can help you incorporate their advice into your culture and customs. Over time, as my knwledge of nutrition improved, I found incorporating nutrition AND my culture and customs helped me stay on track.
3. Choose the right frequency and meeting times together. Life is busy, making time for your needs is just as important as making time for others. Consider this while identifying whether online, in-person, weekly, monthly, ect… is right for you.
4. Finally, talk about your journey openly and de-stigmatize the conversation. My Husband, Son and I sat down January 6th 2023 and discussed the journey. I shared my struggles with them both and how I can use their help collectively. What I now know is this step was critical to my success. As I evolved, they understood the why and supported it. I can even remember my Son’s joining me in our grocery store purchased hotel room breakfast saying “Mom don’t worry this isn’t so bad” hahaha. From taking a mini hiatus on restaurants, to family meal-planning (focusing on macros!) they got it. In some ways we all grew together.
Your purpose is aligned when you get to live it both professionally and personally. For me, that’s when I know I’ve living my most authentic self. One day, I’ll have to thank that Reporter.
In peace,
J
References: Academy of Nutrition and Dieticians
