March is Nutrition Month! Food is more than fuel.

March is Nutrition Month! Food is more than fuel. Food is connection, culture, comfort, and a pathway to flourishing.

At the Rideau Family Health Team, our Registered Dietitian is available to support you in making informed choices that will help you feel your best. Consultations with our dietitian are free and available, call or book online.

What is a Dietitian?

Dietitians are regulated health professionals who use their expertise in food and nutrition to enhance the lives and improve the health of Canadians. Dietitians are trained to use the most up-to-date science and translate it into practical guidance that you can use to make nutritious food choices that are right for you.

What can I expect when I go see a dietitian?

Your doctor may have suggested that you visit a dietitian, or you may have decided that you want to speak to someone about healthy eating or your diet. Working with a dietitian is the best way to get personal advice about food and lifestyle choices that can affect your health. They will help you identify eating habits and patterns, answer any questions about food or nutrient needs, and give you knowledge and skills to help you make the most out of your food choices.

What happens when I see a dietitian?

The first appointment, whether it be in-person, online, or on the phone, will be about 45 minutes to 1 hour. During this appointment, your dietitian will ask you questions to get to know you and the reason you contacted them. You may want to make changes in the way that you eat, have a food allergy, digestive issue, or you have a nutrition-related health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or celiac disease. Each person’s reason for speaking with a dietitian is different. A dietitian’s job is to work with you as a partner to look at your needs and set personal nutrition goals.

What will I take away from my first visit with a dietitian?

Your dietitian will consider your personal goals, culture and food traditions. They will think about the information that you have given them about your diet history, medical history, eating patterns, personal preferences and support you in creating a nutrition plan that meets your needs. Your dietitian will provide you with the tools and resources needed to help you implement your goals.

Will I have a follow-up appointment?

Diet and lifestyle changes are a gradual process and learning new information and skills can take time. You and your dietitian can decide on the number of appointments that you need and when they should be. During a follow-up appointment, your dietitian will track your progress, provide you with more tips and information, adjust your nutrition plan based on how things are going, and discuss the next steps. These appointments allow you to ask questions, talk about what’s going well, what’s not going well, learn about new tools or resources and receive support and feedback from your dietitian.

Get started!

Self referrals to our Registered Dietitian are accepted and there is no cost associated with this service. Visit our online booking page to schedule your visit today: https://www.rideaufht.ca/book-online