Before You Choose a Dietitian

When an eating disorder is present, treatment from a dietitian can sound scary. After all, this is the person who is going to work with you to change your eating patterns, which are very important to you. Clearly, a dietitian will need to be someone you can trust.

First, make sure that any dietitian you interview is registered. A registered dietitian is certified by the American Dietetic Association after training in physiology, chemistry, and biochemistry, as well as food science and food preparation.

Here are some questions you can ask a registered dietitian to help you establish trust for a long-term recovery:

Experience

What is your experience with eating disorders? And what is your success rate in establishing good eating patterns in those who have my eating disorder?

These are the biggest questions. Working with eating disorders requires special knowledge and a long-term perspective, regardless of how long you will be meeting face-to-face.

Philosophy

What is your stance on intuitive eating?

Opinions among dietitians vary. Some are more apt to provide you with rigorous food plans to help change your current habits. Others are more interested in helping you learn to listen to what your body is saying, a concept called intuitive eating. Your choice of a dietitian will depend in part on whether you want strict accountability, a developing sense of what your body is saying, or both.

Procedures

How often will we meet? What will our appointments be like?

Does the dietitian take an approach with you that is comfortable? What is your sense of what it will be like to work long-term with him or her? Are your concerns heard and valued?

What Will I Have to Do on My Own?

The dietitian won’t be with you every step of the way, so you will be doing some kind of monitoring of what you’re eating. One common way is to fill out a food log, which will give you and your dietitian perspective on your current eating patterns. There may be other assignments as well.

On Your Way Out

As you leave, check your internal reaction. Did the dietitian seem judgmental? You may feel plenty of judgment in other parts of your life; you don’t need it from your dietitian! But if the person seems to be competent, matches up with your desires for recovery, and appears to be a person with whom you can connect well, you’re a long way toward finding a dietitian who is good for you.

References

Messina, Virginia (Vegetarian Resource Group). "Choosing and Using a Dietitian." http://www.vrg.org/journal/dietitian.htm (16 November 2006).