Can a dietician help?

I'm considering seeing a dietician or nutritionist. Anyone have stories to share whether or not it helped in their weight loss? Also, any suggestions on where to find one would be nice. I found only a handful in my area from looking online. Just curious!

A friend told me they had a number for a nutritionist for me. I was so taken aback. I hadn't asked for the input. But a few weeks have passed and I'm thinking of going. I heard a few people mention they had seen really great long term results from seeing a nutritionist. Not dieting but eating more regularly and making good choices.

 

Let me know when you have gone. I think this is a smart move. good luck!

I saw nutritionist as part of by diabetes training.   I brought my food logs and she helped me determine where I could make changes to improve my overall eating.  If you feel that you still have something to learn, I would defiantly make an appointment.   My nutritionist worked out of a community resource centre funded by the province.   They were listed in the blue pages.

 

You can contact your local hospital and ask for the lead dietician on the floor.  Years back the one here helped me with my daughter and made out a dietary plan for her at no charge, just took them about a week, then they went over it with me when I went to pick it up.

Thanks for the comments.

Ainla- you should call! I would love to hear about how things go for you too, if you decide to go through with a meeting or two. Maybe that was your friend's way of encouraging your longterm goals.

Munrori- I do know that my brother saw one when he was diagnosed with diabetes. They did the logs and everything too. They provided one as part of his diabetic training which was at a hospital. Good thought to look up a community center of some sort. There is a huge medical school in the area that probably has some sort of health/wellness division. I will have to look into it.

Dragonpride- you said it was free??? That would really be awesome. I am expecting to pay a good amount for however many sessions with one. But if I don't have to shell out $$$, I would be even more for it :)

well, like I said when I called the hospital here, they were more than happy to offer the help.  They didn't charge me then, but that was also about 3 years ago.  Worth checking into, just call and ask them.  I wouldn't pay if I didn't have to.

I went to a dietician at the local hospital and found the visit to be worthless.  She printed off some websites for me and showed me portion sizes.  It was like high school health class.  Nothing new and she didn't really know how to factor in my exercise needs.  I guess it just depends on who you see.  I would ask around before you go. 

lorime I just read your journal on your recent dietician experience. I'm sorry to hear she was simply not up to speed. That's kind of what I'm afraid of too. Getting someone who only gives the basics and won't tailor to my needs.

Well that is what they are there for right? To help. I would just make sure that if you do go to be fully prepared to explain to her exactly what you want to know and what you need help with. I can admit that I visited one and she just basically told me everything I already knew. But then again, I could barely answer any of her questions so I wasn't able to help her to help me.

The dieticians and nutritionists I have seen have been Godsends for the most part.  I am a vegetarian and have been for over 20 years and my concern is getting enough protein in my diet.  So many recipes, and dieting techniques are geared towards meat eaters. 

As one of the above posters said, I was ordered to see a dietician because I had developed pre-diabetes and my doctor wanted me to lose weight and learn how to eat right.  The woman I saw was great not only with teaching me what I needed to do food wise but was very strict and firm on recommending an exercise plan...  "None of this 20 minutes or 1/2 an hour 3 times a week stuff!  Won't do anything for you.  45 minutes, non-stop, sweaty, heavy breathing exercise EVERY DAY!"  I thought I was going to fall over when she said that, but I have given it a whole-hearted effort though I only get it in 4 - 5 times a week.  It makes a big difference in how I feel physically.

Good luck!

Mary.

I saw a dietitian, and it was actually kind-of helpful.  I told her the foods I was eating and the activities I was doing.  I had been eating fewer than 1200 calories running 5 miles a day (among other activities).  She told me to up my calories to 1800! (which is also what this site suggests fyi).  I was skeptical, but I feel a lot better now.  She also made me realize why the Adkins diet is probably not for me, haha.  I'm glad I went.