How to Choose the Right Nutrition Professional for You

This article was written by Maeve Hanan (Food Freedom Specialist and Lead Dietitian at Dietetically Speaking).

With an overwhelming amount of nutrition information available online, it can be difficult to know who to trust. From dietitians and nutritionists to health coaches and wellness influencers, many people claim to offer expert advice—but not all have the right qualifications or training. When seeking 1:1 support, choosing a credible professional is essential to ensure you receive safe, evidence-based and helpful support. 

This article breaks down the process of finding a nutrition professional into four manageable steps so that you learn how to find trustworthy professionals that align with your values to meet your needs. Because making the right choice can make a huge difference to your experience and outcomes. 

Step 1: Understanding Nutrition Credentials

Not all nutrition professionals have the same level of training, expertise or regulatory oversight. Understanding the different titles can help you make an informed decision.

Registered Dietitian (RD)

• Holds an accredited university degree in dietetics and supervised clinical training.
• The only legally protected title for nutrition professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional issues.¹
• Regulated by professional bodies such as the HCPC (UK )and CORU (Ireland).
• Qualified to provide nutrition therapy for diagnosed medical conditions e.g. eating disorders, IBS, PCOS, diabetes.
• Can work in various settings, including hospitals, private practice, public health or research settings.

Nutritionist

• Anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist, but only those on the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) can call themselves a Registered Nutritionist (RNutrs) or an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr).
• May specialise in areas such as: public health, food policy, education, sports nutrition or animal nutrition.² 
• Can’t provide clinical or medical nutrition therapy, unless under close supervision from a regulated health professional (e.g. a dietitian or doctor).²

Other Nutritional Therapists, Coaches and Unregulated Titles

• Some have legitimate training, but others may lack formal education or their training is based on alternative medicine or ‘complementary therapies’ rather than evidence-based science.
• Many are not regulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” or “nutrition coach.”
• Always check for accredited qualifications and affiliations with reputable organisations.

Step 2: Identify Your Needs

Clarifying your goals and the type of support you need will help you narrow your search to professionals best suited to help you.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Specialism: Do you need support with a specific condition or goal (e.g., IBS, PCOS, eating disorders, sports nutrition, general healthy eating)?
• Values and Approach: Are there specific traits that are important to you? Do you prefer an evidence-based, empathetic or straightforward approach? Would you like someone who follows a specific philosophy e.g. non-diet or Intuitive Eating? Finding someone whose values resonate with you can make a big difference to your experience.
• Level of Support: Are you looking for one-time guidance, occasional 1:1 sessions, ongoing check-ins, a structured program, community support or accountability coaching? Do you need someone who can collaborate with your healthcare team?
• In Person vs. Online: If you prefer face-to-face sessions, look for a professional with a convenient location. If you’re open to virtual consultations, you’ll have access to a wider pool of specialists.
• Financial Considerations: Costs vary widely. Some professionals offer payment plans, package discounts, student rates, or sliding scale options. If you have private health insurance in Ireland, you may be eligible for 30-75% reimbursement for dietitian services—always verify with your provider.

By evaluating these factors, you can find a nutrition professional whose services are not only accessible and practical but also aligned with your needs and goals.

Step 3: Finding a Nutrition Professional

There are multiple ways to search for a qualified nutrition professional.

Online Directories Such As:

• British Dietetic Association’s “Find a Dietitian” tool
• Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute’s “Find a Dietitian” tool
• Nutritionist Resource
• Beat Eating Disorders HelpFinder tool

Social Media & Websites:

• You can search for relevant terms online e.g. “Disordered Eating Dietitian Online UK”.
• Follow registered dietitians and evidence-based nutritionists on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. This can also give you a good feel for who they are, their approach and how they communicate. You can check out our instagram page here.

Personal Recommendations:

• Ask friends, family, or healthcare providers (e.g., GP or therapist) for recommendations or a referral. 

Step 4: Narrowing Down Your Options

Nutrition advice is not one-size-fits-all, here’s how to determine if a professional is right for you:

• Check Their Website and Social Media – Review their content to see if their messaging and philosophy resonate with you. Do they promote balanced, evidence-based guidance?
• Consider Their Communication Style – Do they explain concepts in a way that makes sense to you? Are they supportive and open to your preferences and concerns?
• Read Testimonials and Reviews – Look for client feedback on their website, Trustpilot, Google, or professional directories. Testimonials can provide insight into their communication style, expertise and success with clients. For example, see our Trustpilot reviews here.
• Book a Discovery Call (If Available) – Many professionals offer free or low-cost calls to see if it’s the right fit. Use this opportunity to ask about their approach, how they work with clients, and whether they align with your goals and preferences. Enquire about a discovery call with a Dietetically Speaking Dietitian here. 

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Claims of being a “nutrition expert” without formal credentials.
• Over-promising results (e.g., “detoxes,” “guaranteed weight loss”).
• Selling expensive supplements or meal plans without clinical justification.
• Demonising certain food groups.
• Promoting restrictive diets, extreme weight loss, or prioritizing appearance over health.
• Dismissing medical treatments in favour of alternative remedies.
• Dramatic “one size fits all” claims
• Hyperfocusing on nutrition or physical health at the expense of mental wellbeing and relationship with food

Taking the time to consider these factors will help you feel comfortable and confident in your choice of nutrition professional.

Conclusion

Choosing the right nutrition professional is essential for receiving safe, supportive, and effective care. By understanding your personal needs and how to narrow down your search, you can make an informed choice that best supports your health and well-being. 

Whether you need guidance for a medical condition, general nutrition or improving your relationship with food, the right nutrition professional can have a life changing impact by providing the tools and support to help you succeed.

If you are looking for support with healing your relationship with food, we provide compassionate, practical, and evidence-based support for people of all ages. You can learn more about our 1:1 support services here. 

References:

1. BDA Website “What is a dietitian” [accessed March 2025 via: https://www.bda.uk.com/about-dietetics/what-is-dietitian.html]
2. AfN Website “What nutritionists do?” [accessed March 2025 via: https://www.associationfornutrition.org/careers-nutrition/what-nutritionists-do]