Has anyone seen a nutritionist?

[pugz]

My insurance does not cover unless you are diabetic, but we can use our HSA. Most want you to bring in a food journal

[Susie]

If insurance is going to cover it, you'll need to see a registered dietician rather than a "nutritionist." "Nutritionists" aren't credentialed; there might be some good ones but mostly there are a lot of quacks (and product salespeople calling themselves nutritionists). RD's are credentialed, have specific training, etc. Can your PCP refer you to one?

You can work with RD's in all different ways. I work with one who is a USAT-certified triathlon coach and is also an RD, on sports nutrition. She is in Florida; we use Skype, email, etc. for her to review food logs, etc. It is really helpful (but I don't submit for insurance reimbursement). That is probably an unusual arrangement, but it works for us.

[MamaMaui24]

This search can help you find an RD:

www.eatright.org/programs/rdfinder/

[magdala]

Susie's idea of starting with your primary care is a good one.   My primary care doctor had seen my struggles with weight over several years.  She was able to refer me to a registered dietician.   Sitting down with a registered dietician and going over my history of weight struggles.    She had me keep a food diary.  One of my problems was recognizing what a serving should be.   Another problem was eating healthy while travelling.  I travel for work and I get lazy about diet while travelling.  I had to make a number of lifestyle changes...not eating a big meal at night, exercising in some form every day, eating more fruits and vegetable especially vegetables.    A dietician is not a panacea...I still struggle with my weight, finding time to exercise and my food choices.   I saw the dietician for four years, twice a year.  Because it was prescribed by the Primary care, it was partially covered by my insurance.  When my dietician relocated across country with her husband, I stopped going.  I didn't like who took over the practice and I thought I was in a better place with my weight.  Even now, my weight is not ideal but it is better than it has been in a long time.    With my pregnancy, both DH & I are being very careful with our food choices.  Lots of veges and fruit and limiting refined carbs and fats.

[raangoli]

Starting with your PCP might help, but mine didn't really know any to suggest. I went to the insurance website and then looked up dietitians they would cover (that accepted the insurance) and then I researched the names I came across.

Seeing the dietitian has helped me recognize portion sizes and further helped me understand the right mix of carbs, fat, protein etc that I need. I first started with her about a year and a half ago. While it hasn't been miraculous, I did lose about 15 lbs and have managed to keep it off since then.

[Deleted]

A few places you could look if your doctor doesn't have a suggestion:

- Check for an outpatient facility related to whatever hospital/medical system you use. Once you find one, take that info back to your PCP and see if they can refer you. Whether it is covered under your insurance really depends on the specific insurance. Some policies cover visits to an RD without a major medical issue.

- Your city should have a dietetic association and depending on their organization, you may be able to look up RDs and their backgrounds through them.

- Try to see an RD who specializes in weight loss.

Another tip is to be as specific as possible with your goals when you make the appointment.

[Deleted]

I originaly started seeing a personal trainer in the center of town...in his office he had a nutritionist that I saw a few years ago. My insurance didn't cover it of course. I saw her for about 6 months, going every week then less frequently over time. Each time I saw her, she had printed articles for me about diet and why things are important. She also gave me snack/meal ideas and how to incorporate healthy carbs/protein/fat into everything I eat. She told me how many cals I needed and grams of fat and protein. She made me do a food journal and she measured me every so often. I excersized at my own gym as well.

It definitly helps me make better food choices, because I can see what happens when I slack off. I still have all the articles and notes that I can refer back to. I think it was well worth it. Growing up I was always skinney, but I used to eat a lot of junk food (chips/cookies/cake/junk cereal), and once I turned 28 or so, it started to show so I decided to learn how to eat healthy.