A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a food and nutrition expert who has completed the academic requirements to qualify for the interchangeable credentials: ‘RD’ or ‘RDN.’ In addition to earning a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a university approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) in nutrition science or related field, an RD must also complete an accredited, supervised practice program (similar to a residency) and then pass a rigorous national credentialing exam. Thereafter, a dietitian must complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration on an ongoing basis. To be a ‘nutritionist,’ there are no credentialing requirements. Individuals seeking nutrition coaching or medical nutrition therapy should be aware that anyone can call themselves a ‘nutritionist’ without sufficient education and licensure to do so. The scientific background and expertise of a Registered Dietitian cannot be matched in the nutrition and wellness field.

Most healthcare plans now cover nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian for either helping to treat a medical diagnosis (medical nutrition therapy) or as a preventative service meaning you don't need to have any specific medical diagnosis in order for you to be covered (depending on the plan of course). Contact us at 631-509-5544 and we'd be happy to check your coverage and benefits for our services. Most of our current patients are covered at 100% for multliple visits without a copayment.

The first meeting is getting to know you and your world. This meeting takes an hour because we need to know you in order to help you the best. Some things we'll cover is: past medical history, any pertinent labs/medications, current dietary patterns, sleep patterns, barriers you've faced in the past with proper nutrition, work/home environment, etc. The second half of this meeting we'll focus on developing an actionable plan together with 3-4 small achievable goals that will get you started on your way to wellness! Depending on that initial meeting we'll recommend what's best for you in terms on the frequency on how often we will meet. Follow up appointments are 30-45 minutes where we check in to discuss any barriers you may have faced, what went really well, and continue with making goals to continue to progress you towards your ultimate goal.

Your insurance card, photo ID, a food journal of 2 weekdays and 1 weekend-day worth of food and beverages, and a positive action-ready attitude!