Work with a Registered Dietitian in Dartmouth
A Registered Dietitian can provide a wide range of services. A consultation can help you put your eating habits into perspective, and help you determine what changes you might want to make.
An RD can help you to:
- Lower your risk of developing certain diseases by making healthy food and lifestyle choices
- Choose a healthy diet that will ensure you meet your nutrient needs
- Help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
- Perform better in sporting events
- Learn to read and understand food labels
- Make healthy food choices when you have special dietary needs or a medical condition (such as heart disease, diabetes, and IBS or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding)
- Learn how to be a healthy vegetarian
- ...and much more!
Keep in mind that anyone can benefit from a nutrition consultation, as there is always room for improvement!
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This is a difficult question to answer because everyone has different needs. Most people book 1-4 sessions over the course of a few weeks or months. This will usually be enough to make some high-impact changes and to set off in the right direction. Some people prefer more support and book sessions every week to ensure they stay on track to reaching their goals. We recommend continuing to see your dietitian until you feel that you can consistently follow the healthy eating plan you desire.
After your main goals have been accomplished, a yearly “check-up” is recommended. This helps to ensure your habits stay consistent and fine-tunes your current path. A yearly check-in also can help you recognize potential problems before they begin.
What Does Nutrition Counselling Involve?
Initial Consultation: 60 minutes
In your first session, we’ll discuss your reasons for wanting to see a dietitian, and what you hope to accomplish. We’ll review your medical history, including any medications and supplements you’re currently taking. We’ll next talk about your lifestyle, such as stress levels, sleep patterns, energy levels, and exercise. All of this information will give context when we discuss your dietary preferences, eating schedules and cooking habits. From there, we’ll develop some initial plans and goals to help you start eating healthier
Follow-up Consultations: 30 minutes
In your follow-up consultations, you will discuss with your dietitian what successes and setbacks you worked through since your last consultation. Your plan moving forward may be adjusted or may be expanded, depending on your situation.
What is the Difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
Dietitians (or Registered Dietitians, Professional Dietitians or RDs/PDts) are regulated health professionals, similar to Physiotherapists or Nurses. They are registered with a governing body that requires continuing professional education and provides guidelines for ethical practice and a process for handling professional misconduct. Dietitians have to meet rigorous educational standards as well as complete a year-long internship and pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam.
“Nutritionist” is a term that is not protected in all provinces (but is protected in Nova Scotia, so in NS a Nutritionist must be a Dietitian). Choosing a non-registered health professional means you cannot guarantee they have met any educational standards or engage in continuing professional development.
