10 Reasons to See an RDN

Between what you hear on TV and read in the news, eating well can seem like a real challenge. But it doesn't have to be. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN) will partner with you to develop a safe and realistic eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul. To guide and motivate you, an RDN will use creative and out-of-the-box strategies to help with meal planning, grocery shopping and mindful eating.

Only a registered dietitian nutritionist has completed multiple layers of education and training established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. All RDNs must:

• Get a four-year degree which includes a specially designed, accredited nutrition curriculum.
• Complete an extensive supervised program of practice at a health care facility, foodservice organization or community agency.
• Pass a rigorous registration exam.
• Maintain continuing education credits throughout their career.

What's more, roughly half of all RDNs hold graduate degrees (it’s a requirement for new RDNs as of January 1, 2024). Plus, many have certifications in specialized fields, such as sports, pediatric, renal, oncology or gerontological nutrition.

Do you want to lose or gain weight? Are you pregnant, looking to become pregnant or just had a child? Are you looking for ways to maintain your health in your older years? Are you an athlete looking to boost performance? These are just a few of the reasons people seek the expert, science-based advice of an RDN.

10 Common Reasons to Consult with an RDN

You Want Help Managing Diabetes, High Blood Pressure or Other Chronic Diseases

An RDN can help you understand your condition and how the foods you choose might affect it. Plus, a registered dietitian nutritionist works with you to create an eating plan that has the nutrients needed to manage your condition.

You Are Thinking of Having or Have Had Gastric Bypass Surgery

Since your stomach can only manage small servings after surgery, it’s tricky to get the nutrients your body needs. As a part of your health care team, an RDN helps you make changes to your eating plan to meet these needs and still feel satisfied.

You Have Digestive Problems

Working closely with you and your doctor, a registered dietitian nutritionist provides guidance to help fine-tune your diet. Together, you’ll find choices that do not aggravate your condition. For example, limiting fried foods or caffeinated and carbonated drinks.

You're Pregnant, Trying to Get Pregnant or Are a New Parent

Meet with an RDN to make sure you get the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. And, after the baby comes, a registered dietitian nutritionist can help make sure you and your little one are getting the nutrients you need to support good health.

You Have a Food Allergy, Intolerance or Sensitivity

Unsure what you can eat because of celiac disease, food allergies, lactose intolerance or another condition? It's easy to be overwhelmed by what you think you can't eat, which can lead to a boring diet that doesn’t give your body the nutrition it needs. An RDN can teach you strategies including identifying foods to avoid and help you find substitutions to keep your diet balanced and tasty.

You or Your Child Is Experiencing Disordered Eating

As part of the treatment team, RDNs counsel people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

You're Caring for an Aging Parent

An RDN can help with food or drug interactions, proper hydration, special diets for hypertension and changing taste buds as you age.

You Want Practical Lifestyle Advice

Need help sorting through the facts and fiction of nutrition headlines? Learn how to read labels at the supermarket, discover how healthy cooking can be inexpensive, learn how to dine out healthfully and how to manage temptations. When you see an RDN, the last thing you'll get is one-size-fits-all diet advice. After learning about your health history, favorite foods, eating and exercise habits, an RDN will help you set goals and prioritize. Follow-up visits will focus on maintenance and monitoring your progress.

You Want to Improve Your Performance in Sports

A RDN can help you set goals to achieve results — whether you're running a marathon, skiing or jogging with your dog.

You Realize the Need to Feed Your Family Healthier Foods but You Do Not Cook

A registered dietitian nutritionist can teach you how to plan and prepare meals in a simple, healthful and convenient way.

Ask your medical provider for a referral to see an RDN, or find an RDN on eatright.org.