Why you could benefit from seeing a dietitian

If you're not sure where to start, seeing a dietitian can help you clean up your eating habits and get you on the right weight loss track.

People who saw a dietitian eight times over six months lost an average of five percent of their body weight. This was according to a 2013 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

How dietitians can help

A dietitian is similar to a food coach. They'll take a look at your daily schedule, your eating habits, snack triggers and stress levels. Then they will come up with an overall nutrition plan that's personalised for you.

Seeing a dietitian also provides you with a level of accountability, so it's easier to stay focused on your goals.

They will also work with you to strategise around a specific food challenge you might have, such as struggling with a health problem like diabetes, or regularly eating off other people's plates.

"We can help women with budget and time constraints find ways to eat healthily, give advice on how to lighten up favourite recipes and provide suggestions for dealing with emotional eating or getting more exercise," explains Jessica Crandall, RD, general manager at Denver Wellness and Nutrition.

Finding a dietitian

Ask your doctor to recommend a dietitian for you, or do an online search for one in your area. Look for dietitians with the initials RD (registered dietitian) or RDN (registered dietitian nutritionist).

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