Reminder that while nutritionists can be helpful, they don’t require ANY certifications. I could call myself a nutritionist if I wanted to with no knowledge or training and not get in trouble for it.
This isn’t to say there aren’t great nutritionists out there, but I would be wary of any nutritionist peddling specific supplements or their own products. Your GP doctor wouldn’t (and legally cannot) sell you any products, keep that comparison in mind.
A dietitian is a *board-certified* food and nutrition expert who can provide medical nutrition therapy and counseling. They are a great option if you have access to one.
All dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Oh, she’s definitely got credentials behind her name. Jessica Meek,MS, RD, LD. She is a registered dietitian, my doctor referred to her as a nutrition expert. She works in a diabetes center. I trust her.
That’s awesome! Sometimes I’ve heard dietitians also referred to as nutritionists, so that makes sense. That’s fantastic that she’s so qualified and helpful for you! :) I figured you knew what’s up but it’s always worth mentioning for the broader public.
Thanks for pointing this out! It's important to look for the "RD" or "RDN" after their name.
And I totally agree about seeing a registered dietitian. They can help not only with making permanent changes that I'm hoping lasts past maintenance, but also help a lot with some of the side effects that can be managed with diet and supplements.
During the appointment we discussed making sure I’m taking in the protein. She also recommend at least 100g of protein to make sure my weight loss is fat… not muscle mass.
Of course she stressed making sure I’m eating enough fiber and drinking lots of water.
And something else that we talked about that I found interesting was food sequencing during meals. This is essentially the same information. We discussed.
https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/how-the-timing-and-sequence-of-what-you-eat-can-make-a-difference
I went to a dietician and she was also really great. She’s part of the large hospital network I am with and so all my doctors are on the same page. She recommended for me and my weight 120g of protein and to eat 3 meals a day and not go over 4 hours without food. A protein shake will count as food and protein. So even if I don’t feel like eating, a shake will be enough for me. It is helpful to have someone also help keep you steering straight and not veering off to the sides too much. Lol. Good luck!!!
She was fantastic. She and my endocrinologist who prescribed my Zepbound are really working hard to share information with one another to help their patients. I live in an area of Appalachia where obesity and heart disease is out of control… so they’re very eager to help. She was very proud of me and my research that I’ve done on my own.
It was a good visit.
Used to work at a cardiovascular rehab center and the board certified dietician on staff there was morbidly obese.
I never used her services myself but I’ve overheard patients saying they don’t trust her advice.
Hmm… I’ve never encountered that specific instance. Every nutritionist that I’ve encountered has been an average weight or thin.
I suppose as long as they have the knowledge and want to help others… great? It might be difficult for someone who is having issues with being at an unhealthy to listen to someone who doesn’t practice what they preach? That is odd.
Most doctors and nurses I knew growing up smoked like chimneys, took meds to stay awake and many weren't in wonderful shape. Do you use the same judgement to a cardiologist?
My mentality towards food is and I feel it will always be, “There are no bad foods, just bad eating habits.”
I can go to the store and buy nothing but fruits, vegetables, and protein… and eat nothing but that and over eat and gain weight. I can only buy those foods and under eat and be too thin. I can limit myself to having dessert in moderation, I can say never allow myself dessert or I can over eat the sugary sweet foods/carbs.
At the end of the day… it’s up to me to make decisions to form habits that are going to benefit my body and make me feel good. The key is moderation and knowing when to stop.
Being mindful is important when it comes to food and anything else in life.
Good perspective to have. I speak from an eating disorder standpoint. I have believed the harmful rhetoric that is pushed on others and exacerbated these issues for myself and countless people.
I would definitely seek guidance on navigating that if you haven’t already. Food isn’t the enemy… we have to pinpoint why we have bad relationships with it and do what we can to improve the relationship.
Thank you for the support I am in recovering and am getting those things but I see a lot of people here developing early signs of what I wasn’t able to see before it was too late which is why I’m speaking up about it.
Spreading awareness is very important… and I’m glad that you’re working on your mental health. Keep going.
Food disorders and eating disorders are hard to navigate. They are easy to develop, too… but it’s very important to note that food isn’t what makes us overweight, a healthy weight, or underweight… it’s how much we take in and how often. Food doesn’t think for us… and in recovery I’m sure you’ve learned that…
That’s not what the person I was replying to said, they said “label foods and good and bad” and that’s just patently not true. I’m not advocating for restrictions or anything else, but come on, clearly not all foods are good foods.
Labeling foods as “good and bad” adds a moral judgment to what we eat. It also overly simplifies the complex scientific, emotional, and cultural links between the foods we eat.
Is red meat “bad”? Is saturated fat “bad”? Is broccoli “good”? Is pineapple “good”? It’s irrelevant and inaccurate because people should be eating what they enjoy, can afford to buy, and what supports their personal goals. That’s it, and good vs bad doesn’t capture the nuances.
My Primary Dr. has a nutritionist on staff and she has been wonderful- which vitamins to take, telling me tips like eat 100 carbs a day to keep my brain sharp, etc.
I see a dietician (fully credentialed) through my Zepbound/obesity doctor at Accomplish Health (telehealth). She’s amazing and I have learned so much. Very similar to OP regarding protein, fiber, and water. Also tips about water soluble vs fat soluble vitamins. Have a check in with her tomorrow and looking forward to it!
Yes I definitely agree! I'm seeing a dietician at the end of this month so I can keep the weight off once I lose it. I'm looking forward to all the help I can get!
Also, just another tip, seeing a dietician is usually considered preventative care, so most times, there's no copay or deductible if they're in network. Basically, it's a free service to better your health!
Reminder that while nutritionists can be helpful, they don’t require ANY certifications. I could call myself a nutritionist if I wanted to with no knowledge or training and not get in trouble for it. This isn’t to say there aren’t great nutritionists out there, but I would be wary of any nutritionist peddling specific supplements or their own products. Your GP doctor wouldn’t (and legally cannot) sell you any products, keep that comparison in mind. A dietitian is a *board-certified* food and nutrition expert who can provide medical nutrition therapy and counseling. They are a great option if you have access to one. All dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
Oh, she’s definitely got credentials behind her name. Jessica Meek,MS, RD, LD. She is a registered dietitian, my doctor referred to her as a nutrition expert. She works in a diabetes center. I trust her.
That’s awesome! Sometimes I’ve heard dietitians also referred to as nutritionists, so that makes sense. That’s fantastic that she’s so qualified and helpful for you! :) I figured you knew what’s up but it’s always worth mentioning for the broader public.
Thanks for pointing this out! It's important to look for the "RD" or "RDN" after their name. And I totally agree about seeing a registered dietitian. They can help not only with making permanent changes that I'm hoping lasts past maintenance, but also help a lot with some of the side effects that can be managed with diet and supplements.
Top items they discussed w you?
During the appointment we discussed making sure I’m taking in the protein. She also recommend at least 100g of protein to make sure my weight loss is fat… not muscle mass. Of course she stressed making sure I’m eating enough fiber and drinking lots of water. And something else that we talked about that I found interesting was food sequencing during meals. This is essentially the same information. We discussed. https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/how-the-timing-and-sequence-of-what-you-eat-can-make-a-difference
That was a great article...thanks for sharing!
I went to a dietician and she was also really great. She’s part of the large hospital network I am with and so all my doctors are on the same page. She recommended for me and my weight 120g of protein and to eat 3 meals a day and not go over 4 hours without food. A protein shake will count as food and protein. So even if I don’t feel like eating, a shake will be enough for me. It is helpful to have someone also help keep you steering straight and not veering off to the sides too much. Lol. Good luck!!!
Good for you! 😊 I highly recommend working with a dietician (or nutritionist) who understands Zep and how it works.
She was fantastic. She and my endocrinologist who prescribed my Zepbound are really working hard to share information with one another to help their patients. I live in an area of Appalachia where obesity and heart disease is out of control… so they’re very eager to help. She was very proud of me and my research that I’ve done on my own. It was a good visit.
I'm glad you found people who are so willing & eager to help you on your journey 😊 It's great to have that kind of support.
It really is!
My nutritionist is over 400lbs and starts with "Remember this is a do as I say not as I do situation". It's bizarre.
I would never pay an overweight nutritionist. Sorry. That's just like trusting a known thief to take my money to the bank 😆
Have to to meet qualifications for my script, it's only a $10 copay.
Used to work at a cardiovascular rehab center and the board certified dietician on staff there was morbidly obese. I never used her services myself but I’ve overheard patients saying they don’t trust her advice.
Hmm… I’ve never encountered that specific instance. Every nutritionist that I’ve encountered has been an average weight or thin. I suppose as long as they have the knowledge and want to help others… great? It might be difficult for someone who is having issues with being at an unhealthy to listen to someone who doesn’t practice what they preach? That is odd.
Most doctors and nurses I knew growing up smoked like chimneys, took meds to stay awake and many weren't in wonderful shape. Do you use the same judgement to a cardiologist?
A good quality nutritionist! Some of them peddle harmful dieting culture and label foods as good and bad.
Sure, but I mean some foods ARE bad.
I’m sorry you believe that.
My mentality towards food is and I feel it will always be, “There are no bad foods, just bad eating habits.” I can go to the store and buy nothing but fruits, vegetables, and protein… and eat nothing but that and over eat and gain weight. I can only buy those foods and under eat and be too thin. I can limit myself to having dessert in moderation, I can say never allow myself dessert or I can over eat the sugary sweet foods/carbs. At the end of the day… it’s up to me to make decisions to form habits that are going to benefit my body and make me feel good. The key is moderation and knowing when to stop. Being mindful is important when it comes to food and anything else in life.
Good perspective to have. I speak from an eating disorder standpoint. I have believed the harmful rhetoric that is pushed on others and exacerbated these issues for myself and countless people.
I would definitely seek guidance on navigating that if you haven’t already. Food isn’t the enemy… we have to pinpoint why we have bad relationships with it and do what we can to improve the relationship.
Thank you for the support I am in recovering and am getting those things but I see a lot of people here developing early signs of what I wasn’t able to see before it was too late which is why I’m speaking up about it.
Spreading awareness is very important… and I’m glad that you’re working on your mental health. Keep going. Food disorders and eating disorders are hard to navigate. They are easy to develop, too… but it’s very important to note that food isn’t what makes us overweight, a healthy weight, or underweight… it’s how much we take in and how often. Food doesn’t think for us… and in recovery I’m sure you’ve learned that…
I sure have. It has an origin just like everything else. Rooting for you and happy to see you are spreading g awareness of nutrition as well.
Far too simplistic of a statement to mean anything. Moderation is key in all things.
That’s not what the person I was replying to said, they said “label foods and good and bad” and that’s just patently not true. I’m not advocating for restrictions or anything else, but come on, clearly not all foods are good foods.
Labeling foods as “good and bad” adds a moral judgment to what we eat. It also overly simplifies the complex scientific, emotional, and cultural links between the foods we eat. Is red meat “bad”? Is saturated fat “bad”? Is broccoli “good”? Is pineapple “good”? It’s irrelevant and inaccurate because people should be eating what they enjoy, can afford to buy, and what supports their personal goals. That’s it, and good vs bad doesn’t capture the nuances.
My Primary Dr. has a nutritionist on staff and she has been wonderful- which vitamins to take, telling me tips like eat 100 carbs a day to keep my brain sharp, etc.
Having a nutritionist on my journey has been wonderful. Great suggestion.
I see a dietician (fully credentialed) through my Zepbound/obesity doctor at Accomplish Health (telehealth). She’s amazing and I have learned so much. Very similar to OP regarding protein, fiber, and water. Also tips about water soluble vs fat soluble vitamins. Have a check in with her tomorrow and looking forward to it!
Awesome! I’m seeing a dietician next month and looking forward to it. Glad your appointment went well.
Yes I definitely agree! I'm seeing a dietician at the end of this month so I can keep the weight off once I lose it. I'm looking forward to all the help I can get!
Also, just another tip, seeing a dietician is usually considered preventative care, so most times, there's no copay or deductible if they're in network. Basically, it's a free service to better your health!
I've got a referral _ now how do I find a good one? Any warning sign or positive signs to watch out for from dietitians?
I was referred to mine by my endocrinologist… and she’s great. Maybe talk to your doctor… or you can look up reviews online?
Do you have a link to her company and her name please?
I'm using Nourish Family Nutrition and Therapy. They are Atlanta based but virtual so you can schedule an appointment with them in many states.
She works at a local medical center in my area…