Contact Us
Reach out today to sign up for nutrition counseling
Please complete the contact form below and we will respond to you within
48 business hours
Other Contact Information
Address
10630 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 313
Columbia, MD 21044
Telephone
443-477-2533
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the different between a nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian?
In some states, nutritionist is not a licensed term and could be used by anyone, and therefore can be harder to define. A Registered Dietitian may refer to themselves as a nutritionist because it tends to be a more recognizable term. An RD has a different educational and experiential background than a nutritionist, and different governing bodies overseeing their ability to practice. The terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings legally. An RD completes an undergraduate program followed by a supervised practicum experience, and then takes a board exam to become registered. The registration status is recognized across the country, and then states determine licensing.
What does it mean to work on my relationship with food?
Addressing our relationship with food is a process. Many people who seek nutrition support recognize that how they feel and think about food isn’t serving them in some way. This may mean thinking about food a great deal and struggling with decisions around food. It may also mean thinking of food in black and white terms such as good/bad or healthy/unhealthy. Working on our relationship to food involves a willingness to investigate our values, attitudes, and beliefs about food, and what it means in our lives. It is often more about HOW we feed ourselves than specifically WHAT we eat.
What types of topics will we discuss in our appointments?
All sorts! Nutrition counseling can cover everything from what you think about food to the actual food you eat day to day. Topics might include: how food makes you feel, how you care for yourself (body and mind), your health history, body image, digestive concerns, energy levels, mood, sleep, and physical activity.
Will you give me a meal plan?
The short answer is no…not in a prescriptive “eat this, not that” sense. When people think of dietitians, they may think of a health professional who will tell them what to eat and how to make it happen. It’s not like that. We’ll discuss planning, meal prep, and systems that work for you in your current season. A plan is about flexibility and autonomy, not rules that lead to guilt.
How long and how frequent are the appointments?
The first appointment is 60 minutes, and then follow up appointments are 45 minutes.
Appointments might be once per week, every other week or once per month. It depends on the level of support you want and need. This is an ongoing discussion so that the amount of support is appropriate.
What if I want to lose weight?
We live in a society that emphasizes body size, health, and appearance, so it makes sense that many people are focused on weight loss. There is nothing wrong with the desire to lose weight. While nutrition appointments are not weight loss specific, we welcome the opportunity to discuss thoughts and feelings about weight all throughout the process.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. We can process claims for BCBS and Aetna. We are out of network with all other carriers and can provide you a superbill for possible reimbursement.
How long will we work together?
It depends! Our work could be short (1-3 months) or long term (6+ months) and varies based on your needs.