What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

Many people mistakenly use the titles “dietitian” and “nutritionist” interchangeably. There are extensive differences between the two, most of the differences lie within the legal parameters of practice and the amount of training involved. Depending on the state of practice, you can call yourself a nutritionist without any formal nutrition education, training, licensing or certification, but it’s illegal to call yourself a dietitian without proper credentialing. All Registered Dietitians (RD/RDNs) are Nutritionists, but not all Nutritionists are Registered Dietitians. In the US, dietitians are certified to treat clinical conditions, whereas nutritionists are not always certified. Registered dietitians are considered the food and nutrition experts by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. RD/RDN’s translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. The expertise and training that back an RD/RDN are vital for promoting positive lifestyle choices. A RD/RDN uses evidence-based research to base their suggestions. On the flip side, there is no real definition for a Nutritionist. There are no credentialing requirements for someone to call themselves a nutritionist. So even someone who may have taken a 1 course on nutrition could call themselves a nutritionist. Essentially, the term “nutritionist” is not an accredited term and is not protected by the law.

What training does a Registered Dietitian have?

A registered dietitian (RD)/registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:

• Minimum of a Bachelor Degree from a college or university, with course work approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, food service systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
• Complete an accredited, supervised, experiential practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or food service corporation.
• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration. Registered Dietitians are required to achieve 75 hours of continuing education credit every 5 years to maintain their credentials.

An RD can hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition or diabetes education. About half of all registered dietitians work in clinical settings, private practice or health-care facilities. Many work in community and public health settings, academia and research, business, journalism, sports nutrition and wellness programs.

Why should I care whether I get nutrition advice from an RD vs. nutritionist?

Just like when you go to see a doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc., you expect that they have received formal education and have earned a degree in their field. We should expect the same formal education for whom you take nutrition advice/recommendations from. Especially when there is a medical diagnosis involved. RD’s are trained and approved to counsel/educate on medical nutrition therapy. RD’s have formal training to help treat chronic disease symptoms. Be weary of any “nutritionist” that makes broad recommendations or restrictive diet plans. Every individual is unique and deserves a personalized plan for nutrition. Seek out an RD if you want to receive the most reliable advice for your health, goals and conditon(s).

Is Plan to Plate, LLC HIPAA compliant?

The counseling services offered through Plan to Plate, LLC use HIPAA-compliant web conferencing services. The documentation of visits is also through a HIPAA-compliant platform. The scheduling feature, virtual visits, electronic communication and payment are not currently HIPAA-compliant. If you prefer total HIPAA compliance, please schedule a discovery call to make it happen from scheduling to service.

What do you mean when you say you are an anti-diet dietitian?

It is a style of practice that challenges diet culture’s restrictive/destructive ideas about health & focuses on true self-care and well-being. Rather than putting a focus on weight & restriction from food, I create my material in a way that may bring a new perspective when it comes to your health, size and awareness of the best approach for each unique individual vs a “one diet fit all” approach.

Is anti-diet/intuitive eating appropriate for eating disorder treatment?

My services aren't appropriate for people struggling with active eating disorders. If you have an eating disorder, please see the National Eating Disorders Association for referrals instead.

Can I get reimbursed through my insurance for Plan to Plate, LLC services?

I am not currently paneled with any insurance companies, but you may be able to get reimbursed (or partially reimbursed) by submitting a “superbill” to your insurance company for RD services as an “out of network provider”. A superbill is a detailed invoice outlining the services received. Ask me for an official template to use for submission! It is the patient/client’s responsibility to submit the claim & follow up to the insurance company. Also, if you have preventative coverage on your insurance policy, you may be able to get reimbursed (or partially reimbursed) for the group nutrition education series.

Does Plan To Plate offer services for clients outside of North Carolina?

Yes! Plan To Plate is happy to offer services to all clients globally.