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When starting a weight loss journey, there is usually a mix of excitement and apprehension. People wonder if it will work and be sustainable… this time.
One way people can make weight loss and maintenance easier is by working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. When someone chooses to work with a registered dietitian, they get more than nutrition education. They work with an expert who addresses all aspects of weight loss, including what to eat and when, meal planning, and helping address the emotional side of losing weight.
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), also known as a Registered Dietitian, has extensive training in food and nutrition and how those things affect the body.
The following are required to become an RDN:
Many RDNs receive advanced training in specialized areas such as diabetes, kidney disease, eating disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and weight management. Some even achieve the prestigious Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management Certification
The term “nutritionist” is a generalized term that anyone can use without any nutrition training. Some nutritionists have some nutrition training, but their credentials and coursework should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure they have an extensive nutrition and weight loss background.
On the other hand, a registered dietitian has all of the training and has passed a national certification exam, as mentioned above. Registered dietitians are the nutrition experts; many have additional training to help those who desire weight loss and weight management.
Additionally, in many states, registered dietitians are the only nutrition professionals able to provide medical nutrition therapy – which involves helping those with diabetes and kidney disease.
When working with a registered dietitian nutritionist for weight management, they will work with their clients in nutrition coaching sessions to develop a holistic plan to help them eat a healthy diet and achieve their weight goals. The relationship begins with nutrition assessments and then developing a plan.
The registered dietitian nutritionist will begin by thoroughly evaluating the client’s health status, including medical history and health concerns, such as high blood pressure, hormonal health, diabetes management, and GI disorders. They also talk with their clients to understand any food allergies or intolerances. Assessments will also cover the client’s eating habits, cultural preferences, and unique needs.
Many clients find that meal plans are helpful tools for achieving their weight goals. The RDN works with clients to develop personalized meal plans, address any medical needs and food allergies, and include the client’s food preferences.
As clients gain confidence in their eating choices, the dietitian teaches them how to create their own meal plans to develop sustainable habits.
A nutrition care plan is collaboratively created with the client. It encompasses not just the food and nutrition recommendations but also any other lifestyle recommendations, such as modifications to sleep, stress management, and exercise routines. Additionally, if the client is an athlete, the dietitian will include sports nutrition counseling in their work together.
The registered dietitian can also work with any other medical professionals the client sees, including physicians or mental health professionals.
Managing weight is more than following a meal plan. Through nutrition counseling, a registered dietitian nutritionist helps clients understand the “why” behind recommendations and helps them develop the skills needed to achieve and maintain their weight management goals throughout their lifelong health journey.
At Sarah Lynn Nutrition, we know weight management and weight loss involve more than food. That’s why our RDNs help modify behaviors that hinder people from achieving their goals.
For example, many people deal with stress-related eating patterns or emotional eating. Our RDNs are experts in helping people find alternative ways to manage stress and work through emotions rather than eating.
Having a third party monitor progress toward goals provides more accountability than doing it alone. Ongoing appointments help our clients stay on track.
Losing weight is not a straight path. There are times when adjustments need to be made – like vacations and holidays – or when a plateau is hit. A registered dietitian helps clients make adjustments when needed and overcome plateaus.
Weight loss and maintenance can be lonely. That’s why our team helps clients stay motivated by reminding them about their “why” for weight loss or helping them tap into their internal motivation factors so they can stay motivated for the long term.
A dietitian also provides ongoing support, including celebrating successes. At Sarah Lynn Nutrition, we see that those with additional support have greater success than those without.
Many people want experts to help guide them on their journey when working towards a challenging goal. That’s where a Registered dietitian nutritionist comes in. The dietitians at Sarah Lynn Nutrition are nutrition experts with additional experience in helping people lose weight.
It is uncommon for people to have learned how to plan balanced meals while growing up, and many never learned to cook. A registered dietitian teaches clients how to select appropriate meals, put them into a meal plan, and develop a shopping list. Some RDNs teach grocery store navigation and provide cooking tips. The goal is to help clients create sustainable habits that help them achieve and maintain weight loss.
Discerning the difference between fact and fiction regarding all available nutrition information can be a challenge. Registered dietitians’ clients have a trusted source to provide nutritional guidance and unravel nutrition facts vs. hype. They also help clients develop healthy habits around eating and meal times.
Dietitians can provide healthy eating guidance every step of the way, including reading food labels so clients know the best foods to choose when grocery shopping. Those on a solo weight loss journey or following a book or the latest fad diet do not get this information, which is critical for achieving long-term weight loss and maintenance.
Having additional support on a weight loss journey is one of the main reasons people choose to work with registered dietitians. An RDN helps keep clients focused on their goals while providing accountability and motivation.
Registered dietitians also understand the toll excess weight and weight loss have on their client’s mental health. As professionals, registered dietitians integrate psychological insights into their nutrition coaching sessions and refer to mental health professionals when appropriate.
When losing weight, people tend to focus only on cutting calories or meeting their macro goals. However, they don’t often pay attention to their nutritional needs, including getting enough vitamins and minerals. As part of nutrition coaching, a registered dietitian ensures the client’s nutritional needs are met to maintain overall health while achieving sustainable weight loss. This includes any specific needs based on the client’s medical history.
Understanding what realistic health goals are can be confusing. A registered dietitian helps clients understand realistic health goals – such as lowering a client’s A1C level or reducing high blood pressure – while achieving weight loss goals. During the personalized nutrition counseling sessions, the dietitian works with their clients to understand their goals, collaboratively developing a plan to achieve them while increasing overall health.
Losing weight can be difficult. Many people have lost and regained weight multiple times. Partnering with a registered dietitian means creating and ensuring your opportunity for lifelong success. A registered dietitian provides nutrition expertise and helps with goal setting, motivation, and accountability. They work with clients to establish dietary habits that help them lose weight and maintain weight loss in the long term.
If you’ve tried losing weight before and have not achieved your goal or have regained weight, working with a registered dietitian will be a game-changer. When you bring a dietitian onto your weight loss team, even if it is a team of two, you get someone with nutrition expertise who can customize a plan to your unique needs, provide motivation and support, and much more.
Offices currently located in Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester, NY, but we see patients all across the country.
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