When looking for professional help with putting together a personalized dietary plan, it’s important to find someone who can give you one-on-one attention.
That’s because everyone’s bodies and dietary needs are different, and require varying strategies.
Since there is no one-size-fits-all diet plan on the market, you need someone who can analyze your body’s needs, as well as your eating and exercise behaviors, to create a plan that will actually work for you.
Here’s why going with a local professional makes the most sense:
• They are able to deliver customized, in-person service.
• They depend on your business and will go above and beyond to keep their company open.
• They are knowledgeable about local food options, particularly the seasonality of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
But how do you find a good local dietitian, especially if you’re starting from the beginning?
Read on for tips on landing the perfect local professional for your health needs.
Ask Your Friends
Referrals are the best way for local companies to grow.
Spotting advertising in your community is also a good way to start your search
Use your social media following to see if anyone has had success using a local dietary professional.
Weight and overall health are hot topics that generally generate a lot of response on social media, so if you’re comfortable talking about it online, you may be able to find strong referrals.
You can also find local groups committed to overall wellness, or ask the workers at your local gym.
Oftentimes, they are highly connected to other professionals in the health and wellness space.
Research Their Qualifications
When shopping for a new dietitian, be sure to interview a few before making your final decision.
Reputable professionals will be honest when it comes to their experience and the type of qualifications they possess.
If they have a website or LinkedIn profile, you should be able to get a sense of the extent of their experience and knowledge through some online research.
Currently 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia have statutory provisions regulating the dietetics profession or associated titles such as “dietitian” and “nutritionist,” according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.