A qualified nutritionist can help with weight loss, managing chronic conditions, or just learning how to eat better.

It cannot be easy to find the right nutritionist. These are the steps you need to take to find the right nutritionist.

Ask for referrals

Anyone can be called a nutritionist in many states. Referrals from trusted healthcare providers are a good idea. Referrals are the fastest and most efficient way to locate any professional. A referral from a healthcare expert will increase your chances of finding one. For example, your doctor may already have a relationship with a nutritionist, dietitian, or nutrition or dietary counsel. (Depending on the state you live in, nutrition counselors may have a number of titles.

These are some good sources of referrals:

  • Your doctor. Inform your doctor that you are interested in nutrition counseling. Ask your doctor for recommendations. You can call your doctor to make an appointment or leave a message expressing interest in nutrition counseling. You may get recommendations from someone in the office over the phone.
  • Local health department. Local public health departments often have established relationships with local nutritionists because they are the home of programs like WIC (Women, Infants and Children), a nutrition program for low-income families, and senior dining programs.
  • Local hospitals. Many hospitals have Registered Dietitians who provide nutrition counseling services. They might also collaborate with community nutritionists.
  • A nearby college or university has a nutrition department. Nutrition departments educate future nutritionists. These departments also have doctorate-level nutrition specialists.

Verify Credentials

Double-check the credentials and education of any nutritionist before you make an appointment. Ask about:

  • Education. Where did the nutritionist study? What degree did the nutritionist earn? A nutritionist should have a bachelor’s in nutrition, dietetics, or health science. Ask about further education in nutrition if the degree is in a related field (e.g., nursing).
  • Title of a professional. Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Registered dietitian are some titles that show a high-level professional preparation. These titles are a guarantee of professional expertise. However, not all health professionals can provide nutrition counseling without these titles.

Ask Questions

Ask a few questions about the work and expertise of the nutritionist. Ask:

  • Which clients are you most familiar with? A nutritionist should have experience with working with clients similar to yours. If you are looking for someone who can help you lose weight, you should look for someone who is a specialist in this area. Look for someone with experience working with people with Diabetes, especially if you have just been diagnosed with Diabetes.
  • What can I expect from a session? A typical session will include time to talk about your lifestyle, diet and progress, education and possibly a list to do at home.
  • What number of sessions do you believe we will need to see any progress? You don’t want any quick fixes. It would be best if you were patient to change your eating habits. It would be best if you worked with a nutritionist for a long time for the best results.

These three steps will help you find a nutritionist in London and get good health.