How to Hire a Qualified Nutritionist

How to Hire a Qualified
Nutritionist

Eating healthy, Shopping for Health foods, and Educating people in proper nutrition is not just as easy as someone sized fits all approach. Different people have different goals, different body chemistry, which makes all super unique in how we react to food, drugs, and supplements. Hiring just anybody when it comes to your health, fitness, and nutrition can be dangerous and harmful to your health.  Nutrition isn’t just as easy as so called diet experts, and books think it is. It’s a highly specific plan that should be addressed to ones nutritional needs, physical, emotional, and environmental stresses. Unfortunately most people don’t know the first steps to hiring someone that should be their nutritionist.  Remember when taking the time to hire a qualified nutritionist you want to be sure you get the best. Don’t just go for the cheap one because you typically get what you pay for. You don’t have to find the most expensive one as well. You want to find the best that fits your goals, personality, and knows what they are doing.
In this little guide I’m going to explain the do’s and don’ts to hiring a nutritionist, things to look for in hiring a nutritionist, the cost of hiring a nutritionist, how to find a good nutritionist, important questions you should ask and look for when hiring your nutritionist to take care of you and your health.

First let’s cover the Do’s and Don’ts of hiring a Nutritionist:

• Don’t hire someone that doesn’t look the part. If your nutritionist can’t follow their own guidelines and be health and fit than don’t even think about hiring them. It doesn’t matter how much knowledge they have if they can’t keep themselves accountable then how they will keep you accountable.
• Don’t hire someone that doesn’t recommend Exercise. Let’s face it we all need to move more and eat better. You may hate me for saying this though with a desk job or the little activity most Americans get you got to get out and move. Hire a Personal Trainer, Go to the gym.  A good nutritionist will see the value you in getting you to go to the gym.
• Do hire a nutritionist that will keep you accountable. It’s easy to get a perfect diet. Though the tough part is to follow a plan that will work well with your goals and your lifestyle. You must have a nutritionist keep you on track even when you fall of the wagon at times.
• Do hire a nutritionist who tracks your progress.  You need to be measured, have your body fat tested, and run test. You need to see your results to make adjustments if you’re not getting any or to keep you motivated.
• Do hire a nutritionist that is fun, motivating, and you like their personality. You need someone that inspires you. Hire someone that will be a good role model for you. The nutritionist will keep you motivated, and that you can open up to discuss your personal food and lifestyle issues.
• Don’t hire a nutritionist that recommends the food pyramid: This was based on getting cows fat 50 years ago. So don’t hire anyone who doesn’t understand that eating 12 servings of grains isn’t good for you.
• Don’t hire any nutritionist just based off of them having a degree or some amazing credentials. Be careful not all degree’s, certifications are created equal and give them the understanding of how the body works.
• Don’t hire anyone that claims to know everything about nutrition. This is a very complicated and vast subject that is unique to each individual.  

Things to Look For in a Qualified Trainer
Check their credentials. You want a nutritionist with a degree in Nutrition, are a RD, or have taken some Nutrition courses. This is great though remember most nutrition programs teach to promote unhealthy products because they are paid by companies like General Mills and other big name companies with packaged foods.
 Look for Nutrition certifications. These are some out there:

• C.H.E.K –Institute: The Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach (NLC) Program
  (NOTE: very holistic approach)

• Charles Polquin: Biosigniture Certification Training

(Great to learn supplementation, hormones. etc.)

• I.S.S.A. – International Sports Sciences Association – Basic Sports Nutritionist Certification

• University of Arizona Integrated Wellness program with Andrew Weil

• Certification in Metabolic Typing

• Global College of Natural Medicine degree/ certification

•  Make sure the certifications are current and that the Nutritionist is knowledgeable about the latest trends in the fields of nutrition, fitness and health. Good trainers continuously educate themselves by reading books about diet, nutrition, exercise, health, sleep and any other topics related to the human body and its functions.

• One note about certifications: There are many trainers without certifications or degrees (or whose certifications are not the best ones) who are still extremely qualified. However, it is important to determine their level of expertise and education. Be sure to get more info than just their credentials.

• The nutritionist is current on CPR and first aid.

•  Determine that the nutritionist has a willingness to learn, listen and is open to new ideas in nutrition field. Avoid anyone with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every person’s psychology, biochemistry, stress, lifestyle, environment, hormones, etc. are unique and react differently. You want a food plan that is tailored to your specific body type and goals.

• The nutritionist should have a good physique, be healthy, and have a good diet. They should also have recommendations on where to shop and eat.  The nutritionist should most definitely practice what they preach.

• Ask for testimonials and references regarding their nutrition background.

How you can find and Hire a Good nutritionist:
There are some very easy ways to find nutritionist.  These will help lead you down the path to finding qualified nutritionists. Just because you have been referred or you found a so called great nutritionist don’t forget to interview them asking the questions I have listed in this guide.
The best ways to find a qualified Nutritionist:

• By asking around through your friends, colleagues, family, personal trainer, Dr. Chiro, massage therapist etc.
• Checking around on the internet
• Searching through business directories.

The cost Range for most Nutritionist:
The cost ranges from $45-500/ session. Remember always get a qualified person never hire anyone just off price alone.

What questions to ask when hiring a Nutritionist?

• What are your credentials?
• Do you have a degree?
• What certifications do you have?
• What is your philosophy when it comes to nutrition?
• You want to be sure they take you, and your body into consideration. You want someone that is a bit holistic unless you have some major medical condition.
• What test do you run and do you track progress and how?
• Test: food allergy (intolerance), adrenal (stress), digestive system, vitamin & mineral, blood sugar, liver, fat burning, anti oxidant, energy, hormones.
• They should measure; check body fat, weight, questionnaires, etc.
• How long have you been a Nutritionist?
• Is this your Full time job?
• Do you have any references?
• Do you think you can help me and how?

Things a Qualified Nutritionist Should Offer

• Professionalism. Your nutritionist should have an attitude of professionalism at all times. They must be on time, awake, and giving you their 100 percent undivided attention during your scheduled appointment. Run, don’t walk, from any nutritionist who makes or takes phone calls, talks to friends or gives you less than their full attention during your appointment.

• Motivation. A key role of your nutritionist is that they motivate you. This is largely what you are paying them for. Face it. If your nutritionist can’t keep you eating the right foods and stay on track you won’t get the results you want. Yes this is your responsibility to eat right with the advice your nutritionist gives you though their extra push and motivation helps tremendously.

• Accountability. Another part of the nutritionist job is to keep you accountable. The nutritionist should hold you responsible for buying the right foods, eating when your suppose to, staying on track keeping your appointments, and sticking to the recommended plan of action.

• Fun / Passionate. Your nutritionist should be upbeat and energetic as well as passionate about what they do. They should inspire you to follow in there guidance

• Results. A nutritionist primary job is to help you obtain RESULTS. If you listen to your nutritionist and follow their advice, and you still are not happy with your results or the way you feel, fire them and hire another nutritionist. However, if you don’t follow their instructions than don’t blame them for you not holding up your end of the job.

• Focus on your health. Your health should be your nutritionist priority even if getting health isn’t your goal with nutrition. Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or perform better in sports, you must take your Nutritionist must keep your health at the forefront of their concerns.

• Success. The nutritionist must be committed to your success, sometimes even more committed to it than you are. This is on a physical, mental, and emotional level.

• Nutrition packages, prices. Your nutritionist may offer a variety of packages and programs. Do not hesitate to ask for what you want from your Nutritionist.

Things You Should Bring to Your Nutrition appointments

• Specific goals. Ask your nutritionist to help you clarify and prioritize your goals. Make sure your nutritionist is willing to help you achieve them in the most efficient way possible.

• Be willing to do the work. Don’t hire a nutritionist if you are not going to listen to their guidance.  Listen carefully and follow your Nutritionist advice. (A note to nutritionist: If your client doesn’t listen to what you say, FIRE them, because they will only discredit you and your reputation. You might hesitate to terminate a client relationship because you feel bad or you need the money, but continuing to work with them will only hinder your long-term success.)

• Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, ask you’re about it. That’s why they’re there. And above all, make sure you ask for what you want.

• Most importantly be honest with yourself and your nutritionist. If you didn’t follow your meal plan, if you went out and shoveled chocolate cake down your mouth the night before, be honest. The nutritionist will know anyway based of the test, measurement, etc.  The nutritionist knows you’re human, and that you will likely have lapses (we all do even us trainers and nutritionists). Remember, if you could do it alone, you wouldn’t have hired someone to coach you in the first place. It doesn’t help either of you in reaching your goals if you lie or try to cover up. Be responsible it’s your body and you that are responsible for eating, exercising, cooking, grocery shopping so don’t point the finger. Because at the end of the day you have to do the work and put the effort forward to change your life.

• Note: Lack of results when you are working diligently and following all of your nutritionist guidance could be an indicator that their methods are misguided or uninformed for you. Use your discretion — and get a new nutritionist if the lack of progress continues even after you’ve shared your concerns with your nutritionist. Remember they should be tracking your progress or lack their off and making adjustments to get you the best results. So listen to their advice and keep with it. Though if it’s still not working you might want to hire someone else.

Things to Avoid

• Glitz and glamour. Don’t hire someone simply because they (or their building) look good. Make sure they can back up their appearance with knowledge and expertise

• Having someone try and shove different supplements, drugs (like steroids, diuretics, and other harmful substances.). The nutritionist should promote health, fitness from a lifestyle.

Remember, hiring a Nutritionist is an intuitive process that is unique to each individual. Continue to interview people until you feel confident you’ve found a nutritionist who will be able to help you meet your personal fitness goals.
Ask for references and check with the nutritionist current clients to determine whether they enjoy working with that person. Ask the nutritionist as many questions as it takes to help you gauge how compatible you are with them. This relationship is a unique partnership — and for maximal success, you need to find the best partner possible.

Scott White is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer. He is an Kinesiologist and his credentials include a BS in Kinesiology from Arizona State University and International Sports Science Association certification.  He also is CPR and First Aid certified.

Since 1998, Scott has been training and providing nutritional guidance for optimal results to clients including:

        Annett Davis and Jenny Jordan from the Olympic Beach Volleyball Team and other professional volleyball players

        Lucia Rijker, women's boxing champion

        Freddie Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles and UCLA football player

        Many other professional athletes, actors, directors and producers