Have you ever wanted to have more energy to spend time skiing or hiking in the mountains? Maybe you want to feel stronger, sleep better, or feel good in your own skin? You’re not alone.

As the new year begins, many people are thinking about how to take better care of themselves. In fact, exercising more and eating healthier are two of the most popular goals people set. And a Registered Dietitian (RD) can help.

What is a Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian, also called a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), is a food and health expert with years of training: they earn a four-year college degree, complete over 1,000 hours of hands-on practice, and pass a national exam. Some dietitians even have extra training to work with specific health needs.

This means they’re not just giving you generic advice from the internet. They understand how your body works, what challenges you might face living in our community, and how to help you reach your goals in a way that fits your life.

How Can a Dietitian Help You?

• They’ll Listen to You – Dietitians take time to get to know you and your goals. They ask about your daily routine, eating habits, and how you like to stay active, as well as any challenges that make it harder to feel your best. Most importantly, they focus on what matters to you.
• They Create a Plan Just for You – No two people are the same; what works for your neighbor might not help you (and that’s okay!). Dietitians customize their recommendations and will create suggestions to fit your lifestyle, your food preferences, and your goals.
• They Give You Confidence – Dietitians help you understand how to fuel your body so you can make confident choices. They give you the tools and support you need to nourish your body and work towards your health goals.
• They Help You Set Goals – A dietitian helps you figure out what’s most important and create doable steps to get there. Think of it like climbing a mountain — you don’t leap to the top; you take one step at a time.
• They’re Your Accountability Buddy – Dietitians are there to support and guide you through the challenging moments without judgement.

Nutrition Support Is for Everyone

You don’t need to be a hospital patient or have a health problem to meet with a dietitian. In fact, most people can benefit from meeting with a dietitian and working with one can help prevent health issues down the road.

Ready to Meet with a Dietitian?

Barton Health has a team of dietitians who offer personalized nutrition counseling services based on your unique needs — ask your healthcare provider for a referral to meet with a dietitian.

Becky Espinel, RD, CNSC is a registered dietitian nutritionist at Barton Health. Learn more about Barton’s team of dietitians, offering patients personalized nutrition therapy and counseling services based on each person’s unique needs, at BartonHealth.org or by calling 530.543.5825.