March 31, 2025
Eating healthy can be challenging under normal circumstances. But if you have a dietary restriction or health condition, it can feel downright overwhelming. That’s where dietitians and nutritionists come in. They can help create a balanced diet tailored to your specific needs.
Dietitians are certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. They must have a graduate degree and meet other rigorous standards.
Nutritionists have varying levels of certification depending on the state they practice in. Both Pennsylvania and Delaware issue dietitian-nutritionist licenses to people who meet fairly strict requirements. New Jersey is still drafting regulations for its licensing process.
Whether you should see a dietitian or a nutritionist depends on your needs. Both can give general nutritional advice and help you eat healthier. Dietitians, however, are medical professionals. They can help you tailor your diet to address specific medical conditions. They may also focus on fields such as sports dietetics, pediatric nutrition, weight management, and diabetes care.
If you have a chronic condition that requires dietary management, a dietitian is a better option. They can help with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and prediabetes, and kidney disease.
Dietitians can also help if you have medical or lifestyle-related dietary restrictions, including celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity; lactose intolerance; digestive issues; obesity; food allergies; or religious dietary choices. And if you struggle to get all of the nutrients you need while following a restricted diet, a dietitian can develop a meal plan that keeps you healthy.
Weight management
If your goal is to lose, gain, or maintain weight in a sustainable and
healthy way, both dietitians and nutritionists can help. But some
nutritionists take
a more holistic approach
to weight management, addressing the psychological factors behind eating
habits. If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, you’ll need to work with
a dietitian after the procedure.
Fitness and athletic performance
If you’re exercising to stay in shape or training to improve your
performance in a sport, dietitians and nutritionists can work with you to
determine the best kinds of food for you to eat (and the best times to eat
them) to boost your performance and endurance while reducing your recovery
time.
Everyday health and wellness
Even if you’re not dealing with a medical condition or athletic goals,
dietitians and nutritionists can help you choose foods that give you more
energy, improve your focus, and keep you from crashing in the middle of the
day. They can also provide you with advice on navigating food cravings,
eating more vegetables, and maintaining a healthy
gut microbiome, which is made up of the trillions of microscopic organisms living in your
gut that influence the functioning of your digestive, immune, and nervous
systems.
Caregiving for yourself and others
If you’re responsible for family meal planning, a dietitian or nutritionist
can help make sure everyone is getting the nutrients they need while keeping
the menu interesting. They can also help with picky eaters, elderly dietary
needs, and
eating disorders
(although those typically will require other treatments as well). If you're
expecting, they can help you choose the best foods to nourish both you and
your baby.
If you want to eat healthier, manage a condition, or boost athletic performance, either a dietitian or a nutritionist can be helpful. Just remember, dietitians are medical professionals trained to handle diseases and special diets. Nutritionists offer advice, but may not always have formal certification. Once you determine the right expert for your needs, they can help you take charge of your health one meal at a time.
