Taking the "diet" out of dietitian
I know the word dietitian has diet in it – so hang in with me here. Since becoming an RD in 2017, I have been exposed to a new way of thinking and approaching people through my personal life and professional practice. The majority of people I interact with and the patients that step into my office have been told the narrative for years that weighing less = healthier. This concept is harmful. It encourages people to start restrictive diets, which go completely against how your body is wired. Have you ever tried to maintain a diet? If so, you can probably relate to the cravings, the tiredness, and the feelings of failure or lack of ‘willpower’ (this was your body fighting for you). Dieting not only has nutritional consequences, but it also takes a toll on your mental health. Constantly denying your brain and body of what it wants is stressful and the worth that is put on attaining the ‘perfect’ weight changes how you value yourself. There is no ‘perfect’ weight or perfect diet. Tuning into what your body needs and wants , rather than behaviors driven by how it looks is what I’m here to encourage you to do.
I am not here to tell you how to eat, how to feel, or how to look. As a non-diet dietitian I am here to learn from you. I’m here to help you process, learn about your body, and feel empowered to make decisions that contribute to your well-being and the type of life you want to live.
How does a non-diet dietitian approach nutrition therapy?
It is about you: how you feel, how you think, what you experience, your schedule, your needs - it is individualized (NOT a one-size fits all approach)
Encourages non-restrictive ways of eating
Promotes internal regulation of eating; helps you build skills and awareness related to your internal mental and physical cues
Uses the science as one tool; understands that you are complex and that nutrition and health is not black and white
Focuses on tuning into one’s body to gather information; works through mindfulness based approaches and let’s you guide the way
Focuses on behaviors, not weight
Is weight/size neutral
Considers eating habits to be one of many factors influencing overall health
What the non-diet approach isn’t:
Eating whatever, whenever you want without ever having to think about it again
Impulsive eating “because you want it”
Lack of awareness
Disregarding self care around your eating patterns
Never using a meal plan
Another method for achieving a desired weight
A “quick fix”
So, why choose a non-diet dietitian? Because I, along with a handful of other dietitians and health professionals care about your long-term health and want to advocate on your behalf and be a safe place for those people seeking nutrition guidance. Non-diet does not mean anti-health. I am all in for helping people pursue a better well-being with diet free interventions and frameworks that are truly evidence based and patient centered. You have value, inside and out, and you deserve better than being categorized and treated based on your size.
Glad you’re here!