Call Us - Hunt Club613-224-2077 Call Us - Kanata343-309-9654 Book Online Today When Should I See a Dietitian? Eating Well Doesn't Have to Be a Challenge A dietitian’s expertise can help you with more than losing weight. While most of us are aware of the basics of nutrition and healthy eating — both the healthy choices and foods we should eat in moderation — harmful eating habits can be hard to kick. In addition, one huge downside of having a world of information at our fingertips is all the misinformation that tends to circulate online when it comes to nutrition. This is why visiting a registered dietitian has become such a staple in many people’s health care regimens. A dietitian is similar to a nutritionist, with one important difference: a registered dietitian is a trained and regulated healthcare professional registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario. They are held accountable to the highest standards of education and ethics, and are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems and nutrition-related medical conditions. In fact, at the undergraduate level, a dietitian’s training is quite similar to that of a doctor. So, when you book an appointment with your dietitian, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands. But why visit a dietitian in the first place? Contrary to popular belief, a dietitian’s area of expertise includes, but also extends far beyond, weight loss. Dietitians are an excellent resource to help with a wide range of concerns and improve your overall health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment Name* Email* Phone* Choose location*West Hunt ClubKanata Choose service*PhysiotherapyChiropractorAcupunctureMassage TherapyDietitianYogaCold PlungeInfrared SaunaIV Therapy Message* Input this code: Thank you for requesting an appointment We usually respond within one business day. If you’ve messaged us outside of normal business hours, we will be happy to help you once we’re back. Please note that no bookings are final until we have reserved a time slot using your credit card. Hours of operation Monday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: Appointment only Sunday: Closed Please be aware of our cancellation policy. Benefits of Seeing a Registered Dietitian Weight management Weight management is one of the most popular reasons for visiting a dietitian. The latest fad diets rarely have a lasting impact. Whether you’re looking to gain or lose weight, a dietitian can help you do that in a healthy way without compromising the things you enjoy eating. They will identify healthy calorie sources and ensure your diet has everything you need to manage your weight. Your dietitian can even help you incorporate physical activity into your routine alongside your new eating plan. Food allergy and intolerance Eliminating something from your diet can be difficult, but when you’ve identified a food allergy or intolerance, sometimes there’s just no other way. Whether you suffer from allergies to common foods like nuts or shellfish or you’ve been diagnosed with an intolerance to something like lactose or gluten, a dietitian will make sure your nutrition plan is both safe and delicious. They’ll suggest great substitutes that can be almost as good as the real thing. Digestive issues and irregularities We all experience digestive issues from time to time, such as gas, bloating, heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach aches and acid reflux. If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, however, your body could be telling you that you need a change in your diet. A registered dietitian will dive deep into your medical and nutritional history in order to find out what’s causing your digestive issues, and help you kick them to the curb. Chronic illness A registered dietitian can help with a number of chronic illnesses including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, and many more. In many cases of chronic illness, the foods you eat can directly affect your treatment. No matter your condition, a dietitian can help you understand your illness and its relationship with food. They will help you build a nutrition plan that has the vitamins and nutrients you need to effectively manage your condition and explain how the foods you choose may affect you. Abnormal blood tests (cholesterol, etc.) When a blood test identifies abnormal levels of things such as cholesterol or triglycerides, your physician will often recommend a change in diet. For example, eggs, cheese, red meat, shellfish, and full-fat yogurt can all raise your cholesterol. The foods you should eat or cut out in order to mitigate these problems ultimately depend on your lifestyle. By getting to know you, your habits, and even your medical history, your dietitian will help you develop an individualised meal and exercise regimen to manage your blood levels and get you back on track. Mood disorders Emerging research is showing that lifestyle-related factors such as diet and exercise can actually help treat common mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Additionally, certain foods, vitamins and minerals can stimulate the production of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, that relate to mental health. It’s important to remember that simply having a healthy diet and exercising regularly should never replace the treatment plan set for you by your physician. Seeking advice from a dietitian, however, can absolutely complement your medical treatment plan. Pregnancy and fertility Many women benefit from scheduling regular visits with a dietitian, both during their pregnancy and during the planning stages. The rules surrounding what you should and shouldn’t eat can get complicated during this time. Portion control is another important aspect, as fertility can be impacted by gaining or losing too much weight. A dietitian can help you develop smart meal plans that will be the healthiest option for mom and baby, and give you the inside scoop on everything you should be eating to ensure you’ll receive the proper nutrition during your pregnancy. Eating disorders At the end of the day, a dietitian’s most important job is to help you build and maintain a healthy relationship with food and diet. If you struggle with an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or even body dysmorphic disorder — no matter what stage you’re at in your recovery — a registered dietitian can help guide you through the world of nutrition safely and comfortably. Constant fatigue If you’re consistently getting eight hours of sleep but still have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, it could be a sign of a nutrition-related issue. It could be anything from caffeine addiction — we all love a good cup of joe, but you can get “too much of a good thing'' — to a nutritional deficiency, such as iron. A dietitian will help you identify the root of the problem and set you up with a nutrition plan that will have you feeling more energised in no time. Athletic performance Most professional (and even casual) athletes incorporate regular visits with their dietitian into their healthcare routines. For an athlete, meal timing and frequency is just as important as deciding what foods to eat. A dietitian can help you navigate the complex world of fueling for performance to get the most out of your training. Education, meal planning and to improve eating habits If none of the issues listed above speak to you, that in no way means you won’t benefit from visiting a registered dietitian. You could be healthy as a horse but still want to learn more about nutrition and make sure your eating habits are in top shape. Maybe you have questions about a hereditary health condition in your family that can be prevented with the right diet. Maybe you’ve been curious about becoming a vegan and don’t know where to start, or how to ensure you’re receiving the necessary nutrients in your diet. Either way, meal planning is a dietitian’s specialty and they will work with you to help you achieve your nutrition goals, no matter what they are. A Registered Dietitian is Your Health & Wellness Partner The best part of adding a dietitian to your healthcare team is that they will become your partner in nutrition, working together with you to develop a game plan that works best for your wants and needs. This is why it’s so important to develop a close relationship with your dietitian. During your consultation, be open and honest. Remember to communicate and ask lots of questions, so your dietitian can get to know you and your individual situation. Book an appointment to speak with an Elysian registered dietitian today. In no time, you’ll find yourself looking, feeling and performing better than ever! Contact us today to schedule an appointment Book online now