FAQ...
                   

Interview with Sue,  Your Online Nutritionist 

What do all those initials stand for behind your name?

RD is an abbreviation for Registered Dietitian, MPH refers to my Master's degree in
Public Health Nutrition, MS is for my Master's degree in Food Science and CN stands
for certified nutritionist.  Certified Nutritionist is a legal title which is necessary to hold
in order to practice and provide nutrition services in WA State, where I reside.   A
person must have both an RD degree and a Master's degree to call themselves a
Certified Nutritionist.  Click here to read more about me.

I trust this description of my academic background has convinced you that I have
the knowledge and training needed to help you with any of your food, eating and
weight worries.  What freedom you can experience, just knowing that you have
come to the right place for help!  Unfortunately, there are too many "nutrition
imposters", as I call them, out there trying to fool people into believing they are
nutrition experts, when in reality they don't have the quality of training needed to
know what they are talking about. You can't be assured that their advice is true,
and who needs to waste their money on something or someone who isn't trustworthy?

What is a registered dietitian (RD)?     

A registered dietitian is really the sign of a nutrition expert.  Why?  It signifies that
an individual has taken core coursework in nutrition during college and after graduation
has completed additional requirements in a supervised work experience.  Registered
dietitians must also pass a national exam, much the same as lawyers do with the bar
exam. A registered dietitian must also complete 75 credits of continuing education
courses every 5 years to keep registration active.

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

This can be very confusing, but it is vitally important to recognize the distinction! 
Anyone, and I repeat anyone, can call themselves a nutritionist.  Because there is
no legal constraint, even someone without any training at all in the field can call
themselves a nutritionist.  Some even go so far as to call themselves nutrition
experts!  Dietitian, on the other hand, is a legally defined term.  Only those
individuals who fulfill the requirements detailed above are permitted to call
themselves registered dietitians.

You mention that you do online nutrition counseling and coaching. 
What is the difference?

Nutrition counseling is the process in which the necessary tools and knowledge are
given so that you know what to do and how to apply that knowledge in your life. 
Coaching focuses more on the thinking aspect of dietary change, examining such
questions as "why haven't I been successful in the past at changing my diet?", or
"what are some stumbling blocks standing in my way of success?"  (You may also
hear coaching referred to as nutrition or diet coaching or sometimes wellness
coaching.)  Quaility nutrition counseling and coaching works because they are not
a one-size-fits-all program. What works for someone else may not work for you. 

Most of the work I do with clients involves a combination of these two.

I've heard the term 'Medical Nutrition Therapy'.  What is that?

Medical Nutrition Therapy refers to the process of learning how to adapt a special
diet to fit your medical condition, such as diabetes, gout, PCOS, cancer and the
like.  I am qualified to provide this if you have speciific needs.

So will you prescribe a specific diet for me?

More than likely, no, unless you have an eating disorder or a condition that requires
medical nutrition therapy.   In fact,  if you want to lose weight, gain weight or just
learn to eat to be your healthiest ever, not dieting is really the way to go.   I'm
interested in helping you make lifestyle changes...so you never have to diet again! 
Now doesn't that sound refreshing!  I work with you to figure out what your weight
and nutrition goals are, what has or hasn't worked for you in the past and what
barriers keep you from achieving those goals. I provide the nurturing environment
where you can get all the support you need to be successful at reaching your
nutrition and healthy weight goals.

But I really want you to give me some menu plans, so I know exactly
what to eat.

In certain circumstances I may do this, particularly if you request it, or are just getting
started in learning some new eating skills.  Once you are feeling comfortable, you can
transition to making your own menus and meal plans. This is the approach that is the
most successful in the long run.  Did you realize that most people who follow a prescribed
diet may lose weight initially, but they fail to keep the weight off long term?  What good
does that do you?  Granted, by crash dieting you may be able to fit in the jeans you wore
last year sooner, but at what price?  Sacrificing your health for one!  For another, you
are setting yourself up for failure since rapid weight loss is rarely, if ever, sustained for
very long.  Look at your own dieting history.  I have heard many stories from individuals
who followed the Dr. Atkins diet when it was so popular.  They lost some weight--10, 20,
30 pounds or more.  But you know what happened.  Very, very few were able to keep
the weight off.  As soon as they started to eat carbs normally again, all the weight
came back, and often more besides!

How much weight can I expect to lose following your advice?

That is really a tough question to answer specifically, since it really depends on you,
and how willing you are to learn new skills and change some of your current habits. 
Realistically you can expect to lose 1 or at most 2 pounds a week.  Any more than this
is not healthy, and as I have said previously, chances are you won't be able to keep
the weight off long term if you do it any faster. Wouldn't you like to kiss dieting
goodbye forever?  The individuals who are most successful will be those who are
ready and willing to make changes in their eating habits, those who are sick and tired
of doing things the "old way".

Will my insurance cover the costs of my appointments with you?

Possibly, although you will have to investigate that on your own as every carrier is
different.  If you do have a Health Savings Account of Flex Account, check with your provider.  Some will reimburse with a note from your physician. I do not bill any insurance companies directly, however I can provide an invoice which you can then submit for reimbursement.

Can you help me gain weight?

Yes!

Can you help me even though I'm healthy?

Yes!  There is a lot involved in order to have a healthy diet.  I can teach you how
to make the best food choices when eating out at restaurants, eating on the run,
how to deal with holidays and parties, use of dietary supplements and much more.

What exactly can I expect from a nutrition counseling or coaching appointment with you?

This is somewhat dependent upon your goals.  We'll examine what has and hasn't
worked for you in the past and how to rise above obstacles that may stand in your
way.  I"ll help you sort through any confusion you may have about what you should
weigh, how many calories you need, what you should eat, what supplements you
should take (or not take), which foods are really best for you...in short help you in
any way you need it!  In some cases one appointment may cover it, and in others
follow up visits may be necessary to reach the results you are looking for.

Will I need to schedule any follow-up sessions?

Again, that is dependent on your situation and what your goals are.  Sometimes only
one appointment will be needed to get your questions answered and get you on the
right track to healthy eating.  Other times you may benefit the most from having
on-going support and guidance from me.

Do you have other questions that aren't answered here?  I'm
available to chat with you.

Simply send me an email with several choices for times when you are available.  I'll
confirm a time with you that is mutually convenient, and we'll chat!