How to Find the Best Nutritionists For Your Needs - Tips from an RD

How Do I Find the Best Nutritionists Near Me? Answered by a Dietitian

Verified by Kim Collins, RD

At a Glance:

Find A Compatible Online Nutritionist - Take The Quiz! Ready to take the next step and find the nutritionist that will work around you? Take the quiz to find the one most compatible with you.

How To Choose The Right Nutritionist For You - The nutritionist can help you reach your health goals and give you the tools to sustain them.

The Top 10 Best Nutritionists Near Me - The best nutritionists are more accessible than you think - Top Nutrition Coaching’s experts are tried and tested.

Am I A Good Candidate To Work With A Nutritionist? Whether you’re in prevention mode or were just recently diagnosed, find out if you’re a good candidate to work with a nutrition expert.

How Do I Find A Nutritionist Near Me? Depending on your need and bandwidth, there are many resources and strategies to find a nutritionist - but the best one might be at your fingertips!

Find a Nutritionist Near You

Working on your health can be difficult, especially if you're unsure where to start. You might find countless websites claiming to help their clients reach their health goals quickly and easily with just one quick internet search. These websites might claim to offer services that lead to weight loss for clients. There are so many different sources of information available now, but many of the tactics these sources recommend aren't sustainable.

One of the best ways to achieve sustainable health goals like weight loss is to thoroughly understand nutrition and your own body. You might be doing everything right in your wellness journey, but perhaps you have a medical condition that makes it much harder to lose weight.

Or maybe you have tried recipes but can't quite find healthy recipes that you enjoy. You don't need to cut out entire food groups to lose weight, and you don't need to obsess over every little thing you eat to be healthy. A nutritionist can help you understand the best foods and everyday organic super greens powders for your body to help you reach your health goals. Nutritionists share their expertise with clients in one-on-one consultations and help clients by creating personalized meal plans. A nutritionist can help you reach your health goals, whether your goals include losing weight or simply improving your diet and health.

Curious To See Who Your Nutrition Match Is? Take the quiz.

How To Choose The Right Nutritionist For You

As vital as it is for you to do what is best for your body, it's crucial to find someone who works well with you. While it's essential for you and a nutritionist to get along on a social level, all nutritionists should have these qualities in common. Whether working with a weight loss nutritionist or a prenatal nutritionist, the best nutritionists listen to their client's needs, concerns, and goals. Find a nutrition professional you trust to share the most up-to-date information and knowledge. You should be able to trust your nutritionist to give you the best nutritional guidance to help you achieve your goals.

Nutritionists should have well-rounded training in nutrition that allows them to serve you best. You should also do your best to find a nutritionist committed to your success. You are not just another number in a long list of clients. It would be best if you worked with a nutritionist who treats you as a valued customer and commits to giving you the best meal plans and knowledge to help you achieve your health goals. Lastly, you should find someone who is professional, welcoming, and wants to make a difference in your health.

Get Started With the Best Nutritionist Based On Your Goals

Here are a few examples of nutritionists with top-quality nutritional information who can help you reach your health goals, whatever your health goals may be. These nutritionists all work with their clients using virtual one-on-one consultations, helping clients all over the country.

Need: Help With Losing Weight

Specialist: Weight Loss Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Registered Dietitian, Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition, Dietetic Internship at the University of North Carolina, Experience working with clients who have found typical diets and wellness plans unsuccessful

Desired Outcome: Creating a more balanced and healthy diet that is less likely to result in a plateau. Help identify unhealthy eating habits that may be contributing to weight gain and develop a more effective exercise routine.

Recommended Nutritionist: Jaelyn Shipman

Recent Patient Review: “I found the experience comfortable! Especially when I wasn't sure what I was looking for. But everyone I talked to was very communicative and listened to my needs, and helped me feel like I was involved in the process. I also liked my coach Jaelyn. She was very knowledgeable, and I felt like I was in good hands.” –Elizabeth M.

Need: Reaching Overall Wellness Goals

Specialist: Gut Health and Weight Management Dietitian Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Registered Dietitian, LEAP Certification, Experience working with patients with chronic illness

Desired Outcome: Creating a healthy eating plan, learning about portion control, and making healthier choices when it comes to food. Develop an exercise plan and stick to my desired goals. Tactics to manage stress and improve sleep quality

Recommended Nutritionist: Manju Karkare

Recent Patient Review: “Previous to Top Nutrition Coaching, I had constant stomach and gut issues. I would feel sick after 50% of the meals I ate, and I couldn't figure out why. Manju coached me through the Low FODMAP diet for IBS, and through my work with her, I no longer have gut issues, and I don't have to worry about what I'm eating. She gave me tips and tricks that led me to be successful with this diet rather than handing me instructions and letting me do it on my own. I'd recommend her services to anyone who is also experiencing IBS-related issues!” –Christine A.

Need: Help Managing Diabetes

Specialist: Diabetes Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, Experience working in weight loss, GI, and pediatric nutrition

Desired Outcome: Assistance assessing current eating patterns and recommendations for specific dietary changes. Learn more about how to control blood sugar levels. Help create a personalized meal plan catered towards diabetes management.

Recommended Nutritionist: Katie Wengryniuk

Recent Patient Review: “I have worked with Katie for over 2 months, and she is smart, upbeat, down to earth, is a world-class nutritionist, and really listens. I was looking to implement a plant-based diet that would work well with type 2 diabetes & stage 3A chronic kidney disease. I already knew a lot about health and nutrition. She was able to guide me to the next level.” –Ellen R.

Need: Overcoming an Eating Disorder

Specialist: Registered Dietitian

Key Credentials: Master’s in Dietetics, Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, Dietetic Internship at the University of Wisconsin, Certified in Adult Weight Management, 17 years of experience working with patients who struggle with disordered eating

Desired Outcome: Learn more about healthy eating and how to develop a plan to return to a healthy weight. Identify any underlying psychological factors that could be contributing to disordered eating. Receive ongoing support and guidance throughout recovery.

Recommended Nutritionist: Kim Collins

Recent Patient Review: “The whole process was easy, and the support you get is outstanding. Their portal is easy to navigate, and your dietitian is more than qualified. Kim was amazing in problem-solving my diet issues and helping me understand the "why." I highly recommend their service. It is extremely helpful.” –Cynthia A.

Need: Improve Sports Performance

Specialist: Wellness Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Registered Dietitian, Certified Weight Loss Coach, Experience as a personal trainer, Experience working with GI disorders, eating disorders, diabetes management, and weight management

Desired Outcome: Learn how to eat for optimal energy and recovery. Receive an individualized nutrition plan to help meet desired goals. Learn how to choose the best foods and drinks to fuel the body for training and competition. Tips on how to eat before, during, and after exercise to maximize results

Recommended Nutritionist: Danielle Smith

Recent Patient Review: “I cannot eat anything with gluten, eggs, peanuts, hazelnuts, or dairy. I have been underweight and have various digestive symptoms and fatigue. My mom found this company online, and I was then introduced to Danielle Smith, which changed my life! She is EXCELLENT at helping me find healthy and adequate recipes that fit my body’s food restrictions. She coaches me through my difficulties when eating at restaurants and on trips. She is a great listener and encourages my well-being. She always sends me recipes and a review of our sessions, so I have them to refer back to. And the best part is she always checks in on me and ensures I’m well. After working with her for 2 months, I have gained weight (which was the goal), drank 60oz of water a day (before I drank up to 15oz), feel energized, and am so happy. Thank you so much for all the guidance!” –Juliana A.

Need: Improve Renal Health

Specialist: Renal Dietitian Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Registered Dietitian, Member of the National Kidney Foundation, Experience preventing chronic diseases, including kidney disease, cancer, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetes

Desired Outcome: Learn more about what foods to avoid and limit based on individual kidney function. Guidance on how to cook and prepare foods that are kidney-friendly. Help monitor progress and kidney function over time to ensure that health is improving.

Recommended Nutritionist: Rachel Coury

Recent Patient Review: “I highly recommend working with Rachel. She was so patient with me, checking in regularly and answering a ton of my questions via the messaging service. She helped make me accountable with regular check-ins that were fun and incredibly helpful. I wouldn't have been able to find Rachel if it weren't for Top Nutrition Coaching, so I am incredibly grateful for finding this service. If I could rate it more than 5 stars, I would. Thank you, Rachel and Top Nutrition Coaching.” –Danielle A.

Need: Learn More About Prenatal and Postpartum Nutrition

Specialist: Pregnancy Dietitian-Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Registered Dietitian, Master’s in Clinical Dietetics, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Experience working with pregnant and postpartum moms

Desired Outcome: Help assessing current diet and eating habits and receive recommendations for improvements. Assistance in developing a personalized meal plan that meets specific needs and dietary restrictions. Guidance on how to manage nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, as well as heartburn and indigestion. Learn about nutrients that are important for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period.

Recommended Nutritionist: Jordan Hill

Recent Patient Review: “I have really enjoyed my experience with Jordan in the short amount of time I have been working with her. She is someone I feel comfortable opening up to about my struggles, and I get no sense of judgment from her. She is a good listener, and she gives relatable advice! Every meeting I have with Jordan, I have her undivided attention, and she is fully engaged. She’s challenged me and has helped me improve my relationship with food.” –Elena A.

Need: Improve Pediatric Health

Specialist: Pediatric Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Infant and Pediatric Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Masters of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics, Certificate in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Experience in prenatal, newborn, infant, toddler, and preschool nutrition

Desired Outcome: Help identifying the best foods for my child to eat to improve overall health. Assistance in creating a meal plan that is tailored to my child’s specific needs and preferences. Learn more about healthy eating habits, portion control, and the nutritional needs of my child and how best to meet those needs

Recommended Nutritionist: Dana Kearny

Recent Patient Review: “Nutritionist Dana was really sensible, helpful, and compassionate!” –Jack E.

Need: Improve Heart Health

Specialist: Heart Health and Chronic Illness Dietitian Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Master of Public Health in Nutrition, Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching, Certificate in Obesity in Pediatrics and Adults

Desired Outcome: Create a heart-healthy eating plan that includes tips on choosing heart-healthy foods, portion control, and limiting unhealthy foods. Develop an exercise plan that is safe for the heart, including tips on choosing the right type and amount of exercise and how to warm up and cool down appropriately. Learning more about heart-health topics such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing heart disease

Recommended Nutritionist: Emma Liu

Recent Patient Review: “Emma has been fantastic to work with. My work life is nothing but stressful deadlines, which played a role in my diet. She has taught me the importance of prepping ahead and being mindful of what I eat. I love the apps she recommended to help manage my schedule and track my eating habits without calorie counting.” –Savannah A.

Need: Learn More about GI and Gut Health

Specialist: GI Nutritionist

Key Credentials: Registered Dietitian, Experience with GI Patients

Desired Outcome: Learn about which foods promote gut health and which foods may contribute to gut problems. Develop a personalized eating plan that includes gut-healthy foods. Identify and address any underlying food intolerances or allergies contributing to gut problems. Learn about probiotics or other supplements that may improve gut health.

Recommended Nutritionist: Michelle Rodgers

Recent Patient Review: “Wow. I was looking for a dietician and found Top Nutrition Coaching. I was hesitant and thought this might not be the best way to find a dietician. They called me, and I told them what I was looking for. They matched me with the exact right person. Michelle Rodgers knows how to customize a program for each person. She listened to me. She understood my issues. She even pointed out some of my habits that I was unaware of. She has worked with me to change my eating habits in a way that WORKS for ME! Most importantly, she explains things in simple terms so I can understand the science of the body and nutrition.” –Julie A.

Think You Might Know What Kind of Nutritionist You Need? Be Sure - Take The Quiz.

Am I A Good Candidate To Work With A Nutritionist?

You should work with a nutritionist if you want sustainable results in your health journey. Whether searching for ways to improve your heart health or lose weight, working with a nutritionist gives you the tools necessary to help maintain your results. This is optimal if you don't want a quick fix; instead, you want nutritional advice and sustainable meal plans. You may be an excellent candidate to work with a nutritionist if you want someone to help guide you in your wellness journey.

Nutritionists and dietitians are specially trained to guide people toward best practices in wellness and health. To be clear - not just any health lifestyle influencer can be legitimate simply because they call themselves nutritionists or dietitians. If you’re wondering what is a nutritionist? The right ones will consider your likes, dislikes, feedback, and these experts have a lot of knowledge they're more than willing to share with you - and have extensive education, a minimum of a four-year degree. These health experts offer a service that can be extremely valuable to your health.

If you find the best-registered dietitian near you, they can create individualized meal plans and nutritional recommendations based on the information you share in your one-on-one consultations. Nutritionists and dietitians won't view you as a project to tackle. But instead, they'll see you as someone they can share nutritional knowledge and insight with as you strive toward your goals. You may also be an excellent candidate to work with a nutritionist if your doctor recommends changing your diet and lifestyle.

Doctors may have advised many potential candidates that work with these experts to change their diet and lifestyle and incorporate well-rounded fitness training to help improve their health. If your doctor is worried that you could develop something like kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, or another serious health condition, you may benefit from the help of a nutritionist. A nutritionist can guide you on the best foods and nutrition for your health. If you decide to work with a nutritionist before developing these conditions, you can save a lot of money and avoid stress. You will need to spend money on treatment, medicine, and more if you have any severe health conditions.

You might also be an excellent candidate to work with an online nutritionist if you live in a rural area. Many popular and smaller cities will have many local nutritionists to help people assess their wellness and nutritional needs. But the drive into the city can be long and stressful if you live in a smaller town or just on the outskirts of large cities. Working with an online nutritionist is one way to get personalized one-on-one help in your wellness journey without leaving your home. No matter where you are, you can consider these recommendations on how to find a nutritionist near you.

How Do I Find A Nutritionist Near Me?

These are only a few ways to find a nutritionist near you. First, you can reach out to a local community college or university.

A Local College

A local college or university may have a nutrition department staffed by knowledgeable dietitians and nutritionists. These experts may take on customers outside of their time spent teaching, so it can be a great option to check out in your search for a nutritionist. Remember that these experts will likely schedule your consultation times around their teaching schedule and not the other way around. You will also want to consider where your consultations will be held and with whom.

Your Doctor's Recommendations

You can also consider asking your doctor for recommendations to help you find a nutritionist. Your doctor will likely have a good idea of your overall well-being and fitness level. They can probably recommend a nutritionist or dietitian based on your wellness needs. Still, they will be limited to only people in the area and what coverage your insurance will allow.

Doctors may also have fliers or cards of nutritionists that they can give you with all of the nutritionist's information on it. These items will be helpful to you if you want something to reference with all your doctor's recommendations.

A Local Gym or Sports Club

Many gyms or sports clubs have bulletin boards where fitness and wellness professionals can leave their cards. This can be an excellent way to find a lot of variety regarding wellness experts. You can also take a card and research the nutritionist before you commit to calling or contacting them. Just remember that these bulletin boards likely aren't monitored, and anyone can probably add their business cards or information to the board. You'll have to do a little research to ensure you're working with a well-trained and knowledgeable nutritionist. You can also consider finding a company that vets all of their nutritionists and dietitians for you.

A reliable online company backed by customer reviews

You can save time and stress by working with a reliable online company to find the right nutritionist for you. When you work with an online company, you have many different nutritionists to choose from with many credentials and educational backgrounds. That way, you won't have to do hours of research to ensure their nutritionists are nutrition experts. Reliable online nutrition companies also typically share customer reviews on their website. You may not get this level of transparency with a private practice or local nutritionist. Lastly, you can always ask your friends and family for recommendations.

Ask Your Friends and Family

Your friends and family could be a good source of information for local nutritionists. They may know a little about your overall wellness and what you're looking for in a nutrition expert. They can help you by considering your needs. Friends and family can be especially helpful if they've personally worked with a company or nutritionist and can share specific information about how a nutritional expert works.

Wherever you decide to start your search, it's best to keep some things in mind. There are a few qualities to look out for when choosing the right nutritionist for you.

How To Choose The Right Nutritionist For You

There are several qualities that all nutrition experts should have.

Values Your Feedback

First, the right nutritionist will value your feedback. Any nutritionist who values feedback shows that they're open to growing and adapting. You don't want to work with anyone stuck in their ways. While some things stay consistent in the nutrition field, a lot of new information emerges as scientists perform studies. It would help if you worked with a nutrition expert who enjoys keeping up with newly researched and science-based findings. It would be best if you also looked for a nutritionist to give you individualized meal plans and information.

Personalizes Your Plan

One of the best ways to succeed in your wellness journey is to have custom plans based on your health and goals. You deserve to work with a professional who will put the time and effort into creating custom items for you. These items will be precious even after you no longer have one-on-one consultations with your nutritionist. Lastly, it would help if you worked with someone you get along with.

Have a Great Personality

If you're meeting with a nutrition professional weekly or monthly, you should enjoy your time with them. You don't have to be best friends, but you should get along. If not, you will begin to dread your meetings, and you may not see the results you want to see in your fitness goals.

Ready To Work With Someone Who Values Your Health As Much As You Do? Take our quiz.

Benefits Of Working With An Online Nutritionist

When you decide it's time to find the right nutritionist for you, you should consider working with an online nutritionist. Here are a few benefits of working with an online nutritionist.

Quality Knowledge

You want to work with someone who can give you quality knowledge that will make a lasting change in your habits. If you limit yourself to only local people in your area, you are limiting the nutritional knowledge base you have access to. When you work with an online nutrition company, you can choose from any of their educated nutrition experts to help you reach your goals. These nutrition experts may live in your state, but they may also live across the country. Many of these experts will have extensive nutritional training that may not be available in your area.

Access to Professionals

Access to professionals from all over the country with extensive training can help you reach your goals efficiently and accurately. When you work with an online nutritionist, you aren't limited in terms of the nutritionist's training. If you live in a smaller city or town, you won't have to spend time driving into a large city to find a nutritionist with adequate training. With an online nutritionist, you will be able to have access to professionals from all over the country while you sit at your computer at home. An online nutritionist is convenient without sacrificing credentials.

Change Nutritionists Easily

While you may hope to find the perfect nutrition expert right away, sometimes it just doesn't work out, and that's okay. If you choose to work with an online nutrition company, they will likely have a process to help you switch nutritionists if it isn't working out with the nutritionist you've got. Within one company, connecting you with the right professional is usually easy to help you reach your goals. You can likely speak with the company's matching expert and switch with no problem. With an online nutritionist, you can avoid any awkward hallway encounters that could happen at an in-person nutrition establishment.

Nutrition Plan Checklist

Convenient Consultations

If you're working with a nutritionist, you want to make the most of your time with them. You don't want to waste time sitting in a waiting room or traffic commuting to their office. Find someone close to you or someone online to make the most of your time.

Easy to Contact

If you can't contact your nutritionist with questions, feedback, or concerns - find another nutritionist. Your wellness is one of the most critical aspects of your life. You should have access to your nutritionist's expertise when you need help to reach your goals.

Knowledgeable Experts

If you're trusting someone with your wellness and body, you want to know you can trust the advice they're giving you. You don't want to second-guess a nutritionist's recommendations, so you should work with a company with experts.

Lots of Options

It would be best if you worked with a company that can give you what you need. If you need more information on renal, prenatal, or general health nutrition, you should have the option to work with someone who can give you what you need.

Open to Feedback

It would help if you worked with a nutrition expert that is not stuck in their ways. You want someone who is adaptable and can give you a variety of nutritional sources of food based on your feedback.

One-On-One Service

You may find some companies or nutritionists who do group nutrition sessions. These can be helpful in some ways, but one-on-one services are a better use of your time. Try and find a company willing to invest the time into its customers by offering one-on-one consultations.

A Matching Health Assessment

One of the most efficient ways to find the best nutritional expert for you is to use a company that offers a matching health assessment. You take an assessment based on this; a matching expert will match you with a nutritionist based on your needs. A matching evaluation makes it much easier to find the right nutritionist for you.

Nutritionists Backed by Customer Reviews

It can be challenging to determine whether a professional means what they say. If you can find a company that offers customer reviews up front, you can likely trust that their services are reliable.

Custom Plans

One of the best ways to achieve success is to have a custom plan, and that’s one of the biggest differentiators in what a nutritionist can do for you. You can easily search online for the best ways to lose weight or improve kidney health, but those search results won't consider your specific condition.

Diagnostic Testing

Some companies offer diagnostic testing to help you find the root causes of some of the symptoms you're experiencing. Knowing the root cause can help your nutritionist develop a treatment plan to improve your overall wellness.

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