Nutritionist counseling helps people live healthier lives by providing educational information on food choices and tailoring menus to help people lose weight or control disease symptoms. Hospitals, schools, nursing facilities, clinics and spas offer nutritional counseling to improve an individual's lifestyle and health. Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, require special diets. Nutritionist counseling helps individuals with chronic health conditions eat appropriately.
Definition
A nutritionist provides advice to individuals on diets that help them control weight or digestive problems, or cope with illnesses that necessitate dietary restrictions. However, in most states, the title of nutritionist does not guarantee professional training or certification. Professionals in the field of nutritional counseling have a degree and licensure as a registered dietitian---often listed as RD on their business cards after their name and displayed on a state license in their offices, according to the American Dietetic Association.
Function
The Texas Department of State Health Services, nutritional counseling requires the development of a menu plan of items that meet individual needs to solve or accommodate physical problems. A nutritionist collects information about eating habits, physical health and menu preparation capability. As part of your intake appointment, you may complete a diary listing your food intake over a week or month. During a first visit, the nutritionist collects height, weight and body measurements and may do blood work to establish a performance baseline for your digestive functions including liver and kidney health. Working with you, the nutritionist develops menu plans and provides information on healthy eating and food preparation.
Types
According to the American Dietetic Association, a dietitian has a degree in nutrition and dietetics that includes a supervised internship and has passed a national registration exam administered by the American Dietetic Association. Most states also have a licensing process for dietitians providing nutritional counseling.
Food technologists with a Bachelor's degree in food science may offer nutritional counseling. However, food technologists do not have an internship or license as a dietitian. Persons may refer to themselves as nutritionists without academic training in nutrition or food science.
Considerations
When your physician or health care provider recommends nutritional counseling, ask for a list of professionals in the area. The American Dietetic Association also maintains a list of registered dietitians organized by city and state. Nutritionists may charge per hour or have a flat fee for meeting with you and developing a menu plan tailored to your needs. In addition to the initial visit, expect to have one or more follow-up visits. Check with your insurance provider to find out if your insurance plan covers the services of a nutritionist or dietitian.
Career
Nutritional counseling offers a career choice for individuals who enjoy working with people and have the required specialized training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most dietitians work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, physician's offices or nursing homes. The demand for nutrition counselors should grow at a rate of approximately 9 percent per year projected through 2018 by BLS; professionals earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year based on a 40-hour work week.
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