Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? 

An RDN is a nutritional professional who has completed the following: 

• Bachelors and/or Masters degree program with a specific curriculum including diet assessment, organic and inorganic chemistry, nutritional biochemistry, food science, microbiology, community nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and food production and management. (Starting in 2024, the Commission on Dietetics and Registration will require a Masters degree to take the RDN exam)
• Dietetic Internship, which is a rigorous and structured accredited program requiring a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice, typically in clinical and community nutrition, including within an acute care hospital.
• Passing the Commission on Dietetics and Nutrition RDN examination
• Maintaining the RDN credential with continuing education in one's practice area of nutrition, which is completed in 5-year interval learning plans through the Commission on Dietetics and Nutrition

What is the difference between an RDN and a nutritionist? 

While an RDN must have completed the above steps to use the credential, anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist" as there is no standardized definition or credentialing attached to this term. That doesn't mean a "nutritionist" is unqualified or inexperienced, but it does mean you'll want to look a little closer at this person's background. I use both terms in referring to myself. Just be mindful of the difference.

What is the difference between an RD and an RDN? 

There is no difference -- "RDN" is simply a newer term used for the credential, but some nutrition professionals prefer to still use "RD". 

Where do you see clients? 

Currently I see clients by telehealth only (eg, Zoom, phone, FaceTime). 

Do you take insurance?

Although I do not take insurance at this time, I am happy to work with you on a payment schedule to help make nutrition counseling possible. 

Will you give me a list of foods to eat and a list of foods to avoid?  

There may be certain foods I'll encourage you to choose more or less of, and there may indeed be some foods you need to avoid. But overall, we'll work together to keep your diet as inclusive as possible within the framework of your health and nutrition goals. I don't believe in arbitrary or hard-and-fast lists of do's and don'ts. Each person is unique.

Do you do blood tests or prescribe medication? 

While I do not physically perform blood tests, they may be an important part of your nutrition care, and I will work with you and your primary care physician or other MD, NP, or prescribing provider to make sure you receive any necessary diagnostics. Similarly I do not prescribe medications but am happy to work with your primary care provider on medication recommendations.

What do YOU eat? 

The diet that's best for me isn't necessarily the diet that's best for you! But I typically eat lots of plant foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, as well as some dairy foods. I drink coffee daily, and I enjoy wine occasionally. Like my mother, and her mother, I like cooking (but not necessarily spending hours in the kitchen) and I love ice cream.