How to hire a nutrition professional
Nutrition support ranges from general healthy-eating coaching to clinical dietetics — and the difference in title, regulation and scope is substantial.
Can be done online. Many nutrition professionals work over video, so you are not limited to who is nearby. On Region Beacon, pick Online when you post a request and it reaches online businesses anywhere. All services
What the job usually involves
- General healthy eating and habit coaching.
- Meal planning around a schedule or budget.
- Sports and performance nutrition.
- Clinical dietetics for medical conditions, by a registered dietitian.
- Group programmes and workplace sessions.
What to ask before you agree to anything
- Are you a registered dietitian, or a nutritionist — and what does that mean in this state?
- Do you work with my condition, and do you coordinate with my doctor?
- Do you sell supplements or meal products?
- What does a programme involve, and over how long?
- Is any of this covered by insurance?
Warning signs
- Advice on managing a diagnosed medical condition from someone not clinically qualified.
- Supplements sold as part of the plan by the person recommending them.
- Extreme restriction, detoxes or cleanses.
- Guaranteed weight loss figures.
- Any programme that discourages you from involving your doctor.
Common questions
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
Registered dietitian is a protected, regulated credential requiring accredited training and supervised practice, and dietitians can work clinically with medical conditions. "Nutritionist" is not consistently regulated and can mean a great deal or very little depending on the state and the person. Ask which applies.
Do I need a dietitian or a nutrition coach?
If you are managing a diagnosed condition — diabetes, kidney disease, coeliac, an eating disorder — that is dietitian territory, and your doctor should be involved. For general habits, meal planning and accountability, a qualified coach may be a good fit.
Is nutrition counselling covered by insurance?
Sometimes, particularly with a referral and a registered dietitian, and it depends on your plan and your diagnosis. Call your insurer and ask what they cover before you assume either way.
How does Region Beacon work for nutrition professionals?
You describe the job once. The first nearby business that takes it gets your details and contacts you; nobody else does. You deal with whoever you pick directly, and you pay them directly — Region Beacon never handles the money and takes no commission, so nothing is added to your price for using it.
How do I know if a nutrition professional's quote is fair?
Get more than one. A single quote tells you what one business charges; three tell you what the job is worth where you live. Ask each for the same scope in writing, and treat a quote far below the others as probably missing something rather than a bargain.
Get quotes from nutrition professionals near you
Describe the job once and the first nearby business to take it contacts you. Only that one gets your details, no commission is added, and your details are not sold on to anyone.