No matter what your fitness or wellness goals are, eating the right foods to maximize nutrition can help get you there. One way to do this is to work with a RD or registered dietitian. But what exactly does a registered dietitian do? “We work in a variety of spaces and capacities to help people live healthier lives through nutrition,” says registered dietitian Chanel Kenner.

“This may include helping people manage chronic conditions, implement safe food elimination protocols for certain conditions such as IBS, work through and recover from eating disorders, identify nutrient deficiencies, and prevent lifestyle-influenced diseases among other things.”

If you’ve been considering using a registered dietitian, here’s what you need to know about the costs of hiring a RD, the info you'll want to share with them, and what to expect when working with a RD for the first time.

1. Should you work with a RD?

While many associate RDs with weight loss, their professional scope is far beyond that. “Someone might be interested in voluntarily working with a RD if they are struggling with a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, where diet plays a critical role in disease management. Someone might have lifestyle goals, such as improving the quality of their diet, losing or gaining weight, improving their relationship to food, supporting physical fitness (especially athletes), and more,” Kenner explains.

2. What does a RD cost?

If you are planning to work with a RD because of specific health conditions, your sessions may be covered by insurance. So check your benefits, and remember that you may need to look for a registered dietitian who's in your network.

Kenner says private practice registered dietitians generally charge between $100-$200 per hour, but rates may vary by location and specialty.

3. What does a RD need to know about you?

It’s important to go into your appointment with as much information as possible so you can get a proper assessment. “Go in prepared to share things like your medical history, family health history, medications and supplements you are taking, typical food intake, food and diet history, and allergies,” Kenner says. It’s also a good idea to ask the RD if there are any forms or questions they would like you to complete in advance.

4. What if a RD gives you an unrealistic plan?

It’s crucial to be honest with your RD about your lifestyle. For example, if you travel frequently for work and stay in hotels, a plan that requires a fresh fruit smoothie every morning isn’t one you can likely stick to.

If your dietitian can't find realistic alternatives, Kenner says to consider working with someone else. “The goal of a dietitian’s work is not to write out diet plans. It is to help guide clients or patients to develop goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant to the client, and time-bound).”

5. You still need to do the work.

Once you have a plan, it’s important to be proactive. After all, if you don’t follow it, you’re unlikely to meet your goals. “RDs can’t make anyone change behaviors. The real work comes from the individual hiring the RD.” A registered dietitian can help you create a plan and guide you, but you'll be responsible for enacting those changes.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

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