Reasons to See a Dietitian
Nutrition is deeply personal. Friends, family, or strangers on the internet readily volunteer nutrition recommendations, yet these recommendations are often filled with unqualified advice. Misinformation can be unsafe, stigmatizing, or simply untrue. Alternatively, dietitians provide scientific, evidenced-based nutrition information. We are not the food police, we help you enjoy food, feel your best, and live fully without feeling like food is taking over your life.
Common Reasons to See a Registered Dietitian
Nothing is wrong and you’re curious: You want to know what healthy eating looks like for you, even with no overt symptoms. Or perhaps you are wondering what diet information is true, checking in with a dietitian can bring peace of mind.
You want a better relationship with food: If food is taking up too much mental and/or emotional space, a dietitian can help alleviate the load.
You have been diagnosed with a chronic disease or condition: Managing and/or alleviating symptoms associated with chronic diseases and conditions can be done with proper nutrition guidance. If not done properly, with the guidance of a dietitian, symptoms may become worse. Dietitians can support you at every phase of your condition, whether you are preparing for surgery or cancer treatment, or you are in remission or recovery from a condition, dietitians help you ensure your body is receiving the nutrients it needs.
Abnormal bloodwork: Nutrition and lifestyle changes can regulate your lab values which may decrease the need for some medications and improve your quality of life.
You are dealing with thoughts or actions of disordered eating: Our dietitians who specialize in eating disorders can provide the support you need at an outpatient level or help you find the level of treatment that is appropriate for your recovery.
You want help with meal planning: Dietitians can create meal plans and help you learn how to plan meals for yourself. At Northern Nutrition Group, we also have lots of great recipes and recipe resources.
You have digestive issues: Whether you have a diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) disease or condition, or if your GI symptoms are causing you to be uncomfortable and/or causing a disruption in your daily life, a dietitian can help uncover the root problem and guide you with dietary changes for relief without causing nutritional deficits. Symptoms may include, but not limited to: abdominal pain, bloating, distention, gas, acid reflux/heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gagging or trouble swallowing.
You have been diagnosed or suspect food intolerances/sensitivities/allergies: Dietitians can navigate food intolerances/sensitivities/allergies while maintaining your nutritional needs so symptoms are not worsened.
You have concerns about your weight: While weight is not a determinate of health, unstable weight can be a sign that something else is going on. A dietitian can help address weight concerns (trouble gaining weight, losing weight or stabilizing weight) while keeping your health the top priority.
You are either always hungry or never hungry: Hunger is a very important indicator of health. Hunger is normal and should be intermittent, regularly experienced, and recognizable throughout the day. By working with a dietitian, you can begin to recognize and regulate your hunger and fullness cues.
You are experiencing fatigue even when you get a good night’s sleep: Nutrition plays a vital role in being energized and mentally clear. When working with a dietitian, many clients notice improvements in other areas of health, including mental health, as a result of improved nutrition.
You are often sick and/or injured: Your diet could be contributing to reoccurring illness and/or injury. A dietitian can help fill nutritional gaps so you can better support your immune system and/or avoid injuries.
You are experiencing hormonal issues: Nutrition plays an important role in hormonal stabilization. Hormonal imbalances can look like, but are not limited to: irregular menstrual cycles, lack of or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea), PCOS, thinning hair or irregular hair growth, weakened nails, skin issues, low libido, impotence, and fertility issues.
You are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant: Dietitians help navigate supplementation, foods to avoid, and nutritional and lifestyle needs for conception, pregnancy, postpartum, breast feeding and infant nutrition.
You want to improve athletic performance: A dietitian can help you ensure you are meeting your energy requirements for training, competition, or recreation. Dietitians educate and guide you with dietary recommendations for improved performance and faster recovery.
You are feeling frustrated or lost with feeding your family: If you are feeding a family where everyone is on a different diet, the kids are too picky, or you’ve become a short order cook, a dietitian can help streamline this task so everyone is eating healthfully and peacefully.
Written by Kim Johnson, RD, LN | Owner
Kim specializes in: Eating disorders, disordered eating patterns, IBS, nutrition management for neurodivergent individuals - ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, weight concerns and supporting those ready to move past chronic dieting.