Why You Need a Dietitian

 Bite this: Many insurance companies do not reimburse for dietitian services unless it is medical nutrition therapy managing a chronic illness like diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Many of which a healthy lifestyle can help prevent. Weight management counseling is also not covered by insurance if received by a dietitian unless as provided as "incident- to" a physician. I will say that insurance companies are making progress as to what they will reimburse for under a dietitian,  but there is still a lot of work to be done. Oh, but Medicare will cover a 15 minute in-person weight management consultation with a doctor who has taken the required 1 nutrition course. I am sorry, have you gotten to the root of anyone's problem in 15 minutes?

I would say the third most frustrating aspect of being a dietitian is that many people understand the basic principles of a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, not too much sugar/processed foods) and therefore do not feel as though a dietitian is worth the time or money. Often people scoff at the idea because they know what they need to do, but they'll turn around and buy a meal or exercise program that promises quick weight loss or promises a lean body and later realize it was not sustainable. I have had the pleasure of working with the few who appreciate the capability that food has to nourish the body, and the help received to achieve their nutrition goals. They are the reason I became a dietitian.  

So let me tell you what a dietitian can do for you. 

1. Do you take medication for cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid? 

2. Do you suffer from any digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, IBD, IBS, etc.)? 

3. Do you have irregular periods or hormone imbalance? 

4. Do you suffer from kidney stones, bladder infections, or gall stones? 

5. Do you have trouble getting your kids to eat anything except carbs? Or how about only a certain texture/type of food? 

6. Are you pregnant and want to do whatever is in your control to help the baby grow and develop appropriately? 

7. Do you have trouble planning high quality meals that your whole family will eat? 

8. Are you lacking time/energy/patience/money to make a healthy meal? 

9. Are you struggling to lose weight or have you lost weight and are struggling to keep it off? Or have you yo-yoed so much in your life you don't know what to do? 

10. Do you have cancer and are struggling to find foods that you can tolerate to help nourish your body? 

11. Do you have any food allergies or sensitivities and struggle to find foods to eat? 

12. Do you want to optimize your health to help prevent future chronic illnesses or to give you more energy, and overall feel better? 

If you answered yes to any of these, a dietitian can be a tremendous help. Nutrition is the foundation to well-being. The nutrients in the foods we eat are incredibly powerful and can help prevent, treat, cure an enormous amount of ailments. So why not try food first and medications second? I understand there are many psychological reasons why a dietitian alone may not cure all, but why not let a dietitian help you the way you would your doctor, dentist or physical therapist?

If you put in the time, effort, money, we will too. It is my passion to help someone feel better just by eating well.