Dietitian (Outpatient)

You may benefit from working with a dietitian if you:

• Want to make healthier food choices
• Experience digestive issues, food allergies, or food intolerances
• Want to gain or lose weight
• Are considering or already had weight-loss surgery
• Have a heart and vascular condition, such as heart failure
• Need help managing a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Want to enhance your athletic performance through good nutrition
• Are Undergoing cancer treatment

During your first appointment, you and your dietitian may discuss:

• Your medical history and nutrition needs
• Your health and nutrition goals
• Your current diet, eating habits, and food preferences
• How you cook and shop for food
• Your activity level
• Dietary recommendations for your situation
• Ways you can modify your diet to meet your goals

Your dietitian will work with you to create a food plan that considers your medical condition, grocery budget, personal tastes and preferences. You may be asked to keep a food diary—a record of what you eat and drink each day—and bring it to your follow-up appointments.

Many Essentia dietitians are also Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs). If you have diabetes or your doctor has said you are at risk of developing diabetes, our CDEs will help you learn more about your condition and how to control your blood sugar and weight. Rely on us for help developing a food plan that lets you manage diabetes well for the long-term.

Some insurance plans pay for dietitian services with a doctor’s referral. To learn what’s covered under your plan, contact your insurance provider.