How To Choose the Best Dietitian For You
Choosing the right dietitian can feel like an overwhelming decision; after all, this person will be guiding you in your health journey. With so many options and varying levels of expertise, you need to know who’s truly qualified to suit your needs best.
Whether you’re looking for help with weight management, managing a health condition, or simply improving your eating habits, it’s essential to find a professional who is both qualified and aligns with your personal needs. In this blog, I’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing the best dietitian for you.
1. Do you need a dietitian, nutritionist, or both?
Many people don’t know the difference, so let’s break it down.
What is a dietitian?
In South Africa, a dietitian is someone who has completed a degree in nutrition (BSc Dietetics) and is registered with health bodies like HPCSA and ADSA. This ensures they follow evidence-based practices and meet professional standards.
What is a nutritionist?
A nutritionist, on the other hand, doesn’t require standardised training. Some may have extensive qualifications, while others might have only completed a short course. This means their expertise can vary widely, so it’s important to check their training.
Can someone be both?
Dietitians are sometimes called nutritionists, too, which is fine. Think of ‘nutritionist’ as a general term, while ‘dietitian’ is a specific qualification.
To ensure you’re getting expert advice, always check credentials — especially if choosing a nutritionist.
2. Ask about their qualifications
This should be your first step when looking for someone to guide your nutritional journey. It's essential to choose someone with reputable training — ideally, a degree in nutrition. Alternatively, look for someone with a science-based degree (such as a Bachelor of Science) who has gone on to specialise in nutrition science.
A dietitian is specifically qualified through completing a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at a university. Afterwards, many dietitians take different paths to further their expertise — some pursue a master's degree, while others complete additional courses to upskill in their areas of interest. These efforts enhance their ability to provide the best possible care.
What sets dietitians apart is the assurance of standardised training. They are required to spend time in clinical settings as part of their qualification, and professional boards monitor them to ensure they stay updated with emerging evidence in the science of nutrition. This includes understanding ‘The truth about food reactions’ and ‘What impacts gut health’ when creating treatment plans. This level of oversight and expertise guarantees safe, evidence-based guidance.
3. Get a referral or check reviews
As with many things in life, word of mouth remains one of the most valuable ways to gather information. Personal recommendations from friends or family often provide the most honest insights, as they come from real-life success stories.
Another excellent resource is online reviews. Start by checking platforms like Google reviews, Facebook groups, community WhatsApp groups, or testimonials on the dietitian’s website. These platforms highlight the experiences of other clients and can give you a sense of the dietitian’s professional approach and effectiveness.
When reading reviews, don’t just focus on the number of stars. Take the time to look for recurring themes. Do people mention compassionate care, personalised nutritional guidance, or noticeable improvements in their health? This kind of feedback can help you feel confident in your choice and ensure the dietitian’s approach aligns with your needs.
You can also reach out to your current healthcare providers, such as physiotherapists or doctors, for referrals. These professionals often collaborate with dietitians and can recommend someone who has successfully helped their patients. This can be particularly useful if you’re seeking a dietitian with expertise in a specific area, such as gut health, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), weight management, or menopause care.
4. Does location matter?
In my opinion, not really — but this is a highly personal choice. If you prefer to see someone face-to-face, then location will matter, and finding a dietitian in your area might be at the top of your list.
However, if you’re open to online or hybrid consultations, your options expand significantly. Telemedicine and virtual consultations have become increasingly popular because they’re convenient and time-saving. You can avoid traffic, take a quick call during a break at work, and eliminate travel time as a barrier to accessing care.
In my experience, it’s entirely possible to get the same value from an online consultation as from an in-person one — unless you’re looking for specific tests, like an InBody scan, which would require an in-person visit.
5. Ask them questions
You should feel free to ask questions before getting started with your dietitian. I always offer a 10-minute enquiry session to give people the chance to ‘feel me out’. I often think of finding a health professional as similar to window shopping — sometimes, you need to look, see, and feel before committing to the journey.
Here are some useful questions to ask a dietitian during an enquiry session:
Do you have experience working with clients with health concerns or goals similar to mine?
What is your approach to creating a nutrition plan? Do you focus on personalised plans based on lifestyle, preferences, or medical conditions?
What does a nutrition plan look like in practice? Does it include guidelines, supplement recommendations, meal suggestions, and tailored recipes?
How will we measure progress throughout my journey?
Do you offer online consultations if needed?
How will you help me integrate these changes into my current lifestyle?
How would you describe your approach to supporting someone throughout their journey?
How do you ensure long-term success for your clients rather than just short-term changes?
6. What should you look out for/avoid/red flags
Here are some tips based on what I’ve seen:
1. Promises of Quick-Fix Results
If your dietitian promises you quick fixes (e.g. 'You'll be better in 2 months'), be cautious. Everyone's body is different and responds uniquely, so a 'one-size-fits-all' timeline is unrealistic.
Your progress will depend on your current health status, your ability to make changes alongside your dietitian, and other factors like current work pressure and stress levels.
2. Generic Handouts or Meal Plans
If your dietitian hands you a generic meal plan, this is a red flag. Often, people are given pre-designed meal plans that try to fit their unique needs into a rigid, one-size-fits-all structure. This approach ignores the importance of personalised nutrition, which should be based on your individual goals, lifestyle, preferences, and health conditions.
A good dietitian will design a plan specifically tailored to you, ensuring it aligns with your unique needs and is sustainable over time.
Additionally, it's important to recognise that your needs will change from session to session. Your body's response, changes in your environment (like travel or a hectic work schedule), and other factors, such as stress levels, will influence your plan. A dietitian should adjust your nutritional guidelines accordingly after each session, ensuring they remain relevant and manageable for your current circumstances. Testing options like ‘Blood Marker Testing’ can help track your progress objectively.
3. Feeling Like You’re Being Told What to Do
You should never feel like you're being told exactly what to do. I always tell my patients that I'm not their CCTV camera (I'm not here to judge) but rather their ally. I'm here to walk with them through the ups and downs, supporting their changes over time.
4. Lack of Follow-Up Support
A good dietitian should always offer the option for follow-up consultations, as health is a journey. Support along the way is important.
I usually suggest a time frame between sessions (e.g. 3 weeks after the first consultation), especially if I anticipate necessary changes or adjustments. However, the frequency of visits should be decided together, based on how much accountability you feel you need. You should feel empowered to determine when you need to touch base.
Your dietitian's role is to be a touchpoint, like a thermostat or a half-time meeting, helping set you up for success until your next appointment.
Choose the right dietitian
Finding the right dietitian is more than just picking someone with the right qualifications — it’s about choosing someone who truly understands your unique health goals and is committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Considering factors like their qualifications, approach, and client reviews, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, more balanced life. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and trust your instincts. Your health is worth investing in the best possible guidance! I’d love to help you be your healthiest self, so let’s chat.
