11 Reasons to See a Dietitian

Medically reviewed by Olivia Watson, RD

Dietitians play a necessary role in your health care team, helping you build strength, enhance longevity, boost energy levels and manage allergies/chronic conditions, among other benefits. You might be curious about when you should consider consulting a dietitian and what specific issues they can assist with. 

WakeMed registered dietitians can help you treat and prevent disease as well as improve your quality of life. Here are 11 reasons why you might seek the expertise of a dietitian.

1. You want to learn how to eat healthy.

As a dietitian, I love to engage with you about various aspects of meal preparation and planning. We delve into practical strategies for grocery shopping, including tips on what to prioritize in your cart and how to make the most of your budget without sacrificing nutrition. I also guide you on how to interpret nutrition facts labels, which can often be confusing, helping you make informed choices. Additionally, we explore specific dietary approaches, such as the Mediterranean diet or anti-inflammatory diet, discussing their benefits and how to incorporate them into your daily life. This comprehensive approach not only empowers you to make healthier choices but also fosters a deeper understanding of nutrition and its impact on your overall well-being.

2. You have a chronic condition (high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension). 

When you visit my office, you might be seeking guidance on what foods to include or avoid after receiving a diagnosis such as Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension. I'm here to help you navigate your nutritional lab results and develop a personalized meal plan that aligns with your health goals. Together, we can explore various dietary options that not only cater to your specific condition but also fit your lifestyle and preferences. Understanding the impact of different foods on your health is crucial, and I’ll provide you with the insights you need to make informed choices. Whether it’s learning about portion sizes, the importance of balanced meals, or how to read food labels, my aim is to empower you with the knowledge to take control of your health through nutrition.

3. You've started a GLP-1.

As a dietitian, my role extends beyond just creating meal plans; I focus on preventing nutrient deficiencies that can lead to various health issues, especially when you are losing weight with GLP-1s. I also address gastrointestinal concerns, such as nausea and constipation. By providing tailored nutritional advice, I aim to support not only immediate dietary needs but also long-term health goals. I want you to feel better in the short term and also build a foundation for sustained well-being in the future. Whether it's through educating you about balanced eating or helping you navigate dietary restrictions, my goal is to empower you to make informed choices that enhance your overall health.

4. You’re seeking nutrition advice on behalf of your child.

It's completely natural to worry about your child's weight or if they're facing challenges with a chronic health issue. As a dietitian, I'm here to help you navigate these concerns by fostering healthy habits that benefit the whole family. We can explore a variety of practical topics together, such as quick and nutritious dinner ideas that fit into your busy schedule, creative and balanced school lunch options that your child will actually enjoy, and strategies to cultivate a positive relationship with food. We can work towards making healthy eating a fun and integral part of your family's lifestyle, ensuring that you all feel supported and empowered in your choices.

5. You need accountability without judgment.

As a dietitian, I pride myself on creating a judgment-free environment for you. It's a common misconception that registered dietitians are constantly critiquing every morsel you eat, but that's far from the truth. I truly embrace the philosophy that "all foods fit," which acknowledges that while some foods provide more nutritional benefits, others bring joy and satisfaction to your life. My goal is to help you discover a balanced approach that allows you to enjoy both nourishing meals and indulgent treats without feeling constrained or deprived. Together, we can explore ways to integrate a variety of foods into your lifestyle, ensuring that you feel good about your choices and empowered in your relationship with food.

6. You feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. 

In our fast-paced world, finding the time to whip up healthy meals can feel nearly impossible. With the convenience of heavily processed foods and quick-service options, it’s all too easy to let these become staples in your diet. As registered dietitians, we totally understand the struggle! Life can be overwhelming, with juggling work commitments, parenting responsibilities, financial pressures and even caring for aging relatives. It’s a lot to handle! When I work with you as a patient, I strive to meet you where you are and help you set small, achievable goals that don’t add to your stress. This way, we can gradually incorporate healthier choices into your routines without you feeling like it’s an insurmountable task.

7. You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Congratulations on the exciting journey of expanding your family! For women, maintaining proper nutrition is essential during pregnancy, starting even before conception. A well-balanced diet not only prepares your body for the changes ahead but also supports the health of both you and your baby throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. We’re here to help you navigate this important time by ensuring you receive the right nutrients to promote a healthy pregnancy. From essential vitamins and minerals to balanced meals, we can guide you in making informed choices that will benefit you and your little one.

8. You have food allergies.

Food allergies can initially feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. With a wide range of potential allergens, including cow's milk, shellfish, wheat and nuts, navigating meal options can become quite complex. As dietitians, we support you and your caregivers by providing essential knowledge on how to read food labels effectively, avoid cross-contamination and ensure that you still meet your nutritional requirements while steering clear of allergens. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and confidence needed to manage food allergies, making mealtime a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

9. Your doctor would like you to gain weight. 

If you're a picky eater or have a medical condition, you may find yourself needing to gain weight for various health reasons. If your care team has advised you to increase your weight, effective and healthy strategies are available to achieve this goal. Perhaps you've noticed a decrease in your appetite or simply find that food doesn't hold the same appeal as it once did. In such cases, consulting with a dietitian can be incredibly beneficial. We can work with you to develop a personalized plan that emphasizes nutrient-dense foods, ensuring that you not only increase your caloric intake but do so in a way that supports your overall health. This might involve incorporating more snacks throughout the day, choosing higher-calorie options or even exploring new recipes that excite your palate. With the right guidance, gaining weight can be a positive and rewarding journey.

10. You’re seeking guidance for a plant-based, vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

Are you cutting back on meat or even eliminating it from your meals altogether? It’s important to be aware that making such a shift can sometimes lead to a lack of essential nutrients in your diet. This is where the expertise of dietitians comes into play. We can guide you in crafting a balanced plant-based diet that ensures you’re getting all the vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs to thrive. With the right planning and knowledge, you can enjoy a diverse array of delicious foods while still meeting your nutritional requirements.

11. You’re interested in food as medicine.

Truth is the right foods can prevent various health issues. Consuming a balanced diet rich in nutritious ingredients is an effective strategy for warding off diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart-related conditions. Informed choices about what you eat, can pave the way for better health and well-being. If you're looking to embark on a journey toward healthier eating habits, we're here to support you every step of the way.

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About WakeMed Nutrition Services 

The foods you choose play an important role in managing your health. WakeMed Nutrition Services is here to help. Whether you are leaving the hospital or being referred by your primary care physician, you may benefit from working with a registered dietitian (RD). Our goal is to help you focus on behavioral and lifestyle changes designed to prevent and treat disease and achieve optimal long-term health.