To feel your best, getting the proper diet is essential. But how do you know who to believe? The number of available diets, advice, and blogs can get overwhelming. While searching on Google is just a convenient click away, it is far more ideal to call in the pros—especially if you’re after long-term, sustainable results.

What is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND)?

In the Philippines, a Registered Nutritionist–Dietitian (RND) is a professional who has passed the Nutritionist–Dietitian Licensure Examination. The Board of Nutrition and Dietetics, overseen by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), is in charge of the examination. While health and wellness coaches and RNDs have similar roles, it’s essential to note that the latter has extensive nutrition expertise to support their nutritional recommendations and meal planning. An RND will give you professional guidance on ensuring you're getting the proper nutrients by creating a safe and realistic meal plan that works best for you. Here are seven reasons you might want to consider with the help of an RND.

1. You’re experiencing health issues.

If you need help dealing with health conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure/hypertension, an RND can help you figure out the best diet and lifestyle changes. They will work closely with you to ensure you get the proper nutrients you need to manage your condition. Additionally, get in touch with an RD if you have celiac disease, diabetes, or another clinical diagnosis so they can assist you with your diet and medical requirements. If you have a food intolerance, allergy, or sensitivity, an RND can guide you to avoid certain foods and help you with alternatives to make your diet well-balanced and nutritious.

2. You want to lose weight.

You’ve tried every diet out there possible. But nothing ever seems to work. Or, you always seem to gain it all back. Whatever the roadblock is, an RND will also assist you in creating a balanced lifestyle and getting off the dieting rollercoaster. An RND is trained to help you learn healthy behaviors and habits and identify harmful ones. They can help you understand the science behind how food fuels your body, how to achieve balance in your food choices, and provide accountability to keep you on track.

3. You’re struggling to gain weight.

On the other hand, you might be struggling to consume enough food to maintain a healthy body mass or have lost too much weight. Most RNDs are as knowledgeable about healthy weight gain as they are about weight reduction.

4. You are trying to get pregnant/currently pregnant/just gave birth.

An RND can help you get all the nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy. After giving birth, they can also assist you in ensuring that you and your child receive the necessary nutrients to sustain good health.

5. You’re either too busy or undergoing a diet or lifestyle change.

If you're too busy with taking care of family or a high-demanding job, an RND can guide you on regularly nourishing your body by preparing the proper meals to power through the day. It may be the ideal time to get expert guidance on adjusting to a new routine and habits if you're starting a new job or shift. Are you planning to go vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian? Get expert guidance on how to make the transition successfully.

6. You want to improve your athletic performance.

Whether you're working out at the gym, playing a sport, or preparing for a marathon, an RND can help you perform better, especially since food is fuel. Sports nutrition is the foundation of athletic performance. That’s why a personalized dietary strategy is essential for athletes and active individuals to function to their highest potential.

9. You want to be healthy overall.

Perhaps your motivation isn’t to lose or gain weight. You want to live a healthier lifestyle overall. Yes, it is possible to do so on your own. But if you're having trouble, it never hurts to get guidance. Aside from proper accountability, RNDs can offer new ideas and set the facts straight regarding nutrition. Whether learning how to read food labels, cook more healthily, or even stay healthy while you’re out, RNDs will help you stay on track towards a healthier life. With NutriCoach, we connect you with registered RNDs based on your personalized needs. We extensively select health professionals to ensure they give clients the right support you need in one streamlined system: The NutriCoach App. Let’s find the right coach for you!