05 Aug What exactly does a nutritionist do?

Many people have the idea that dietitian nutritionists are the food police.  It’s not uncommon for new clients to come in, worried they’re going to get scolded for their eating habits and food choices, and even more worried they’re going to leave with a cardboard-tasting diet plan. Rest assured, at NYC Nutritionist, you are going to not only get evidence-based nutrition counseling, but you’ll also receive compassionate, inclusive care. Plus, we love food, and we would never advocate for tasteless meals. With just a little modification and moderation, you can still keep your favorite flavors and family food traditions and reach your health and wellness goals.

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

First of all, it’s important to understand the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist, as many use the terms interchangeably. Differences lie in training, qualifications, scope of practice, and the type of guidance we provide.

• A dietitian is a licensed healthcare professional with a degree in nutrition who has completed supervised training and passed a national exam. A nutritionist may have varying levels of education and training, and the title is not legally protected in many states.
• Dietitians are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders, fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, PCOS, Celiac, ARFID or picky eating, and more. Nutritionists typically offer general wellness and dietary advice. They cannot legally diagnose or treat medical conditions.
• Dietitians can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, schools, public health agencies, government agencies, and private practices. Nutritionists often work in gyms, fitness clubs, wellness centers, and, depending on education, can work in some schools and public health agencies.

What does a nutritionist do?

A nutritionist helps you understand how food and nutrition impact your health and well-being. It’s all about the science of our bodies, and it’s a lot of fun! EveryBODY is distinct, and we all have unique needs. We work together to create practical, balanced eating plans that fit your lifestyle, goals, and preferences. We are functional nutrition counselors, so we often ask WHY. We can provide you with the Dutch Hormone test, body composition testing, as well as other tests to identify why you might be feeling unwell (Gut Zoomer and Food Sensitivity Testing). Whether you’re looking to boost energy, manage weight, optimize fertility, or simply eat healthier, a nutritionist offers guidance and support to help you make lasting, sustainable changes.

At NYC Nutritionist, we work with people of all backgrounds, health needs, genders, ages, and medical conditions to help them feel better through individualized dietary interventions. What does that look like? We:

• Assess your nutritional needs and health status.
• Develop personalized meal and nutrition plans.
• Provide medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions.
• Educate and empower you to choose the best foods for your unique needs.
• Collaborate with doctors and healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive care — this is especially important when working with patients to manage chronic conditions, eating disorders, and other medical-related issues.
• Provide continued support to monitor progress, make adjustments to diet plans when needed, and keep you on track to reach your healthcare and wellness goals.
• Provide nutrition counseling and talks in corporate and educational settings.

Most of all, though, we listen. What you’re feeling is real, and developing a nutrition plan to help you feel healthier is possible. With personalized guidance and a focus on your unique needs, we’ll work together to build lasting habits for a healthier, more balanced life. We look forward to working with you to help you reach your wellness goals.