What to Know Before Visiting a Health Coach or Dietitian

Staying healthy and in shape can be a challenge, and sometimes we might need a little help. Two possible avenues you can choose are health coaches and dietitians, separate specialties that can help motivate you and teach you principles to help you make healthy choices.

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A registered dietitian, or RD, is someone who practices in the field of nutrition therapy. After evaluating your current nutritional status, medical conditions and injuries, a dietitian will work with you to optimize your diet in order to meet your health goals.

Dietitians can be helpful to anyone interested in improving their nutrition. Ideally, most people should be having a yearly nutrition exam as well as a yearly physical. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly and anyone with chronic health conditions may also have unique needs that an RD can handle. Specific benefits a dietitian can bring to your everyday nutrition and health include:

• Weight management
• Quality of life improvement
• Choosing easy, healthy meals to eat at home
• Answering questions about nutrition with aging
• Helping with portion control and reading labels
• Helping you eat out without ruining your diet
• Finding good recipes and resources
• Reviewing dietary supplements and any food/drug interactions
• Providing tips for healthy but affordable grocery shopping
• Debunking nutrition myths that might damage your health
• Help with specific chronic conditions

What to Expect at Your Appointment

During a visit to a registered dietician, you can expect a review of your nutritional needs, your medical history, tests and trends, and other physical measurements. A dietitian will also help you create a personalized meal plan in accordance with your short- and long-term goals.

You may have frequent follow-ups with your dietitian to ensure you are using proper techniques and sticking to your plan.

What is a Health Coach?

A health coach is different from a dietitian. They may offer services that overlap here, but they may also fill in gaps that other professionals do not cover. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition defines a health coach as: “A wellness authority and supportive mentor who motivates individuals to cultivate positive health choices. Health coaches educate and support clients to achieve their health goals through lifestyle and behavior adjustments.”

There are many kinds of health coach certifications, but the most highly recognized and reputable of these is through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Graduates of this program are knowledgeable in over 100 dietary theories and coaching techniques, and it takes over a year to become credentialed.

What to Know About Health Coaching

Health coaches are great at working with you to discover your own health goals and implement them. They listen to concerns, help you identify issues, and help you figure out what works for your body to combat your roadblocks. Many health coaches also work in private practices and are available by appointment.

Before visiting a health coach, it’s important to know what a health coach is not. A health coach is not a doctor and is not qualified to diagnose conditions or prescribe medications. Most health coaches are not personal trainers, though some may be if they choose to pursue additional training.

Your doctor or nutritionist can offer additional tips for your general health and well-being.

Revere Health Imaging offers the most advanced imaging technology in Utah Valley with convenient locations and reduced-cost exams. We even offer our imaging services at night for your convenience. Contact us today at 801-812-4624 for an appointment!

Sources:

“CT scan (How you prepare).” The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20014610

“Positron emission tomography scan (How you prepare).” The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pet-scan/details/how-you-prepare/ppc-20319717

“MRI (How you prepare).” The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/details/how-you-prepare/ppc-20235719