A nutritionist teaches others about general nutrition, food, and how what they eat affects their health.
Nutritionists can also offer nutritional guidance to people managing medical conditions, such ashigh blood pressureorobesity.
It also explains when you need a nutritionist and how much it can cost.
J_art / Getty Images
J_art / Getty Images
What Do Nutritionists Do?
Nutrition is recognized as an important facet of health and wellness in general.
You simply need an interest in the field to start practicing.
Some of these states require a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.
Others mandate certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), which requires a master’s degree.
What Is the Difference Between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?
Dietitians and nutritionists are nutrition experts who have studied how diet can affect your health.
Both are allied professionals, but their titles should not be used interchangeably.
The role of a nutritionist is to provide guidance, advice, and support for people with nutritional needs.
Their role is not to diagnose and treat any illness or prescribe supplements or specific diet plans.
It is simply to offer strategies to ensure nutritional needs are met.
A dietitian is qualified to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions.
Dietitians tend to have more education and credentials than nutritionists, but not always.
Definitions
While every dietitian can be called a nutritionist,not every nutritionist is a dietitian.
This can be obtained through the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS).
TheClinical Nutrition Certification Boardis another organization that offers certification for the title of Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN).
They must also meet continuing medical education requirements each year to maintain certification.
Nutritionist Specialties
Some nutritionists find an area of practice where they wish to focus their attention.
To become a specialist, additional training and a deeper breadth of knowledge may be warranted.
Sports Nutritionist
Athletes and active adults may seek guidance from sports professionals to enhance their athletic performance.
Sports dietitians are increasingly hired to develop nutrition and fluid programs catered to individual athletes or teams.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration now offersBoard Certification as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutritionfor registered dietitians.
Additionally, MNT can lower healthcare costs.
How Much Does a Nutritionist Make?
The requirements for licensure can vary by state.
What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Nutritionist?
Seeing a nutritionist may seem expensive, especially if several appointments are recommended.
Some health problems are managed in part or completely by diet and perhaps physical activity.
If you seek nutrition counseling on your own, know what you want to accomplish.
Do you want to lose weight?
Think about your goals ahead of time and be sure to make them realistic.
Be prepared to answer questions.
These insights can help a nutritionist customize food and nutrition advice to match your lifestyle and health needs.
Record your food intake.
If you’re asked to, write down everything you eat and drink for several days.
Record the amounts (in cups, ounces, tablespoons, etc.)
and how the foods were prepared, such as fried, grilled, or baked.
Forget miracles and magic bullets.
How Much Does Seeing a Nutritionist Cost?
The cost of a nutritionist can vary based on their credentials and location.
This is especially true in states where a nutritionist can practice without credentials.
Note that certified, licensed nutritionists may be fully covered by your health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Summary
A nutritionist is a professional who offers advice and counseling on nutrition.
They can help improve your nutrition or find ways to ensure nutrition if you are managing a medical condition.
You do not need any credentials to become a nutritionist in most U.S. states.
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