There are a lot of “nutritionists” or “coaches” that offer weight loss or nutrition coaching. What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist? Why should I work specifically with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

We know this can be confusing! Unfortunately, there is little and inconsistent regulation on the use of the word nutritionist. “Nutritionists” and “Registered Dietitian Nutritionists” (RDNs) are not the same. Sadly, and confusingly, in some areas, almost anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, even if they have no or very little training or education in the field of nutrition. However, the title Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is regulated and identifies the true experts in the field of nutrition and medical nutrition therapy. RDNs undergo extensive required education and training before being allowed to use the credential RDN, this includes: a Masters Degree from an accredited dietetics (nutrition) program, completion of a post-college supervised practice dietetic internship, and successful completion (and passing) of a credentialing examination. Additionally, RDNs are required to obtain regular continuing education units to maintain their certification. RDNs are overseen by a professional organization (the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), which includes professional standards RDNs are expected to follow. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are trained extensively in medical nutrition therapy, counseling, metabolism, human anatomy and physiology, and in critically evaluating evidence-based research, all of which are crucial to effectively helping clients with weight management and nutritional changes. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, like our RDN here at Central Virginia Nutrition Counseling, is best equipped to successfully help you with your nutrition and weight management journey.

How will my counseling and coaching sessions occur?

Our services are all performed via a secure video conferencing provider. You will be able to both visually see and verbally communicate with your counselor/coach via this platform. We encourage you to find a comfortable, quiet environment for your session to help best optimize your appointment.

In what area/regions, do you provide your service?

We are based out of Central Virginia, the Charlottesville area to be specific, but serve clients in many neighboring localities (including Albemarle, Augusta, Crozet, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Staunton, and Waynesboro), as well as all across the state of Virginia (including Southwestern Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, the Richmond area, and the Tidewater area). Rachel worked with patients from all over the state during her 10+ years at UVA Health, and thus is skilled and knowledgeable in working with clients from a variety of home environments and lifestyles. Due to telehealth regulations, you must be physically located in the state of Virginia for the entirety of your counseling/coaching call.

What are your thoughts about “dieting” and fad diets? Will you provide me with a “dieting” plan?

With the near constant presence of television and social media in our culture, there is a lot of misinformation, misunderstanding, and confusion about what we should eat (or not), what the role of food and drink are in our lives, how our bodies “should” look, and how we should achieve our desired nutrition and weight loss goals. Unfortunately, a lot of this confusion is created by people who call themselves nutrition professionals who have not received the education and training to truly be skilled and knowledgeable in nutrition. Usually they promise quick results, call for strict dietary restriction or diets, or are quick to label foods as good versus bad. This is simply wrong and inaccurate. At Central Virginia Nutrition Counseling, we do not believe in the use of fad diets for weight control, nor do we believe in excluding whole food groups (unless for a diagnosed medical condition or allergy), as neither are healthy or sustainable. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist will approach weight loss in a balanced manner that is inclusive of all food groups and tailored to your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals. We do not provide “dieting” plans, instead we give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence, and help you make lifestyle changes, that foster both a joy for eating and will allow you to have the most success with losing weight and keeping the weight off long term.

Do you work with clients who are currently using prescribed weight loss medications to help with weight loss?

Absolutely! Weight loss medications can be an effective treatment option to assist with weight loss. However, it is imperative that while taking these medications that you are simultaneously making healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes to promote successful weight loss maintenance long-term. Our SUSTAIN ME, 4-week weight management program, is exactly for adults on GLP-1 medications or other prescription weight loss medications.

Do you provide nutrition counseling and weight loss coaching for all age groups?

Our expertise is working with adults of all life stages. We are extremely knowledgeable about the nutritional changes and the weight management challenges that occur over the lifespan. We focus on counseling and coaching using evidence-based practice and maintain up-to-date knowledge about the populations we serve; thus, currently, we choose not to provide services to those under 18 years of age.

Do you accept insurance?

While we do not accept insurance, we are happy to create a superbill that you may submit to your insurance to determine coverage, at your request.

What method of payments do you accept?

We accept credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Pay payments through our secure payment portal. If you prefer check, we also accept mailed checks.