Frequently asked questions

 

Can I work with you if I am a competitive athlete but do not struggle with disordered eating?

Yes! I am both a sport & performance dietitian, and an eating disorder dietitian. I frequently work with athletes and active individuals who do not have disordered eating or an eating disorder.

What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist? Is it different than a Nutritionist?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are the nutrition experts. To become a RDN a person must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, ideally in a health science, obtain a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, complete 1200+ hours of supervised practice through clinical, community, food service and other specialty rotations, and pass the CDR Registered Dietitian Examination. Depending on the state the RDN practices in, a license to practice as a RDN is obtained (Washington State provides the Certified Dietitian license).

A RDN has extensive training in anatomy, physiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, counseling skills and motivational interviewing, nutrition assessment and therapy, macronutrients, micronutrients, lifecycle nutrition, disease processes, Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT - includes feeding support, acute and chronic disease support), drug-nutrient interactions, medications and supplements, biostatistics and research analysis, food science, food safety and management, etc.

The requirements to become a RDN are not the same as the requirements to become a Nutritionist. To become a nutritionist, anyone can take a class or two, or complete a short training. Nutritionists are not extensively trained like RDNs.

*You may see or hear “RD” and “RDN” online, on social media, or via word-of-mouth; “RD” and “RDN” mean the same thing!

Do you make meal plans?

I do not make general, pre-made meal plans. While there are some RDNs who provide this service, I believe that you should hold the knowledge of planning your meals and snacks during the day - this is something I guide you through.

Do you only provide nutrition counseling?

No. As a RDN I am able to counsel and coach you in many areas of lifestyle and health (within my scope and as it relates to nutrition). With that said, I take my scope of practice as a RDN very seriously and will refer you to other trusted providers if I feel it is necessary. I frequently collaborate with counselors/therapists, psychiatrists, NDs/MDs, certified personal trainers, physical therapists, and other health professionals.

Do you work with teens and children?

I currently work with clients 15 and up. If you or your child are younger than 15 years old, please reach out to me before booking an appointment, as I may accept younger clients on a case-by-case basis.

What can I expect on the first visit?

The initial visit is typically used as an information gathering session. I will use the nutrition intake form you completed before the appointment to ask more detailed questions and get to know you and your goals better. Gathering this information will help me understand your unique needs and preferences and help guide the initial set of recommendations. Expect to be a part of the decision making and goal-setting - this is a collaborative partnership! By the end of the appointment, we will have your first set of goals to work on before your next follow-up appointment, and I will share nutrition resources and assist in meal/snack planning if it is needed.

Do you assist with weight loss?

Most evidence suggests weight loss is not sustainable for most people beyond 1-5 years (with some evidence for 5-8 years). Consecutive weight loss efforts often result in extreme weight fluctuations that can put strain on certain bodily systems and perpetuate a poor relationship with food and body, which negatively affect mental and physical health.

Therefore, I do not assist with weight loss efforts such as excessive exercising or dieting (i.e. calorie restriction, food restriction, trendy diets such as Intermittent Fasting, Ketogenic diet, etc.).

My goal is to help others achieve health goals that result in long-term benefits and outcomes. I do this by working with clients to build and maintain healthy habits that work for them and their lifestyle. While many weight loss studies report “long-term success” that lasts 1-5, or 5-8 years, I encourage you to reflect on what “long-term” means to you, and what health outcomes are most important to sustain long-term.

Disclaimer and clarification: any weight loss that may happen while working together is thought to be a secondary outcome of improving health behaviors, with the primary outcomes being improved health and well-being. If you desire weight loss as an outcome of improving health behaviors, I encourage you to set aside this desire to focus on outcomes that support health and well-being.

Can I have a session with my significant other?

Your significant other is welcome to join you for your session. However, if the goal is to work on health goals for both of you, each person will need to have an initial session prior to a follow up session. After the first follow up session and every follow up session thereafter, each person’s insurance will be billed to properly track health services and information for each person and account for individual goals and recommendations and documentation time.

Can I still meet with you if I live outside of Washington State?

Certain state laws prevent me from providing nutrition counseling to those who reside outside of Washington State, as I am currently only licensed in Washington State. Please contact me before requesting an appointment to determine if your state laws prohibit me from providing nutrition counseling to you.

How does virtual nutrition counseling/telehealth work?

Virtual nutrition counseling, or telehealth, allows people to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes. At Eat to Nourish, Simple Practice is used to not only access and upload documents and send secure messages, but to also serve as the telehealth platform where we will meet for each session. Once your initial appointment request is approved, you will be sent an invitation to set up your Simple Practice portal. Additionally, you will be sent reminders for appointments along with the telehealth link to access each telehealth call.

What is your cancellation policy?

There is a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel within the 48 hours of your appointment there is a late-cancellation fee of $150. This fee applies to no-show appointments as well.