When to See a Registered Dietitian (RD)

Do you want to lose or gain weight? Are you pregnant, looking to become pregnant or just had a child? Are you looking for ways to maintain your health? Are you an athlete looking to boost performance? These are just a few of the reasons people seek the expert, science-based advice of a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Here are 10 common reasons you should consult with a registered dietitian:

1. You Have Diabetes, Cardiovascular Problems or High Blood Pressure

An RD serves as an important part of your health care team by helping you safely change your eating plan without compromising taste or nutrition.

2. You Are Thinking of Having or Have Had Gastric Bypass Surgery

It can be a challenge to make sure you get all the right amount of nutrients into your body because your stomach can only handle small servings. A dietitian can work with you and your doctor to get you on the right eating plan for your new needs.

3. You Have Digestive Problems

A dietitian will help you pinpoint those food items that are aggravating your condition such as fried foods, too much caffeine or carbonation. You will work together to come up with the perfect diet plan fit for you.

4. You're Pregnant or Trying to Get Pregnant

Your first three months of pregnancy are the most important in making sure you get essential nutrients such as folate. A dietitian will help make sure of that, lowering your newborn’s risk for neural tube or spinal cord defects.

5. You Need Guidance and Confidence for Breast-feeding Your Baby

A registered dietitian can help make sure you're getting enough iron, vitamin D, fluoride and B vitamins for you and your little one.

6. Your Teenager Has Issues with Food and Eating Healthy

A dietitian nutritionist can help with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

7. You Need to Gain or Lose Weight

A dietitian nutritionist can suggest healthy additional calorie sources for healthy weight gain or a restricted-calorie eating plan, plus regular physical activity for weight loss, while still incorporating all your favourite foods.

8. You're Caring for an Aging Parent

A registered dietitian can help with food or drug interactions, proper hydration, special diets for hypertension and changing taste buds as you age.

9. You Want to Eat Smarter

A registered dietitian can help you sort through all the myths that are found on the internet and in the media. Learn how to read labels at the supermarket, discover how healthy cooking can be within budget, learn how to dine out without ruining your eating plan and how to resist workplace temptations.

10. You Want to Improve Your Performance in Sports

A registered dietitian can help you set goals to achieve results — whether you're running a marathon, skiing or jogging with your dog. Learn what foods to fuel with before a workout and the food items that are needed for the best recovery.