Online nutrition advice offers convenience and flexibility for clients. In addition, there are fewer costs. Typically, remote sessions are scheduled at times that suit the client’s lifestyle.
It appears that current online dissemination of evidence-based dietary guidelines does not have the reach needed to counter misinformation promoted on popular Facebook pages.
Cost
Online nutrition counseling is often less expensive than seeing a dietitian in person. Depending on the company and its rates, you may even be able to use your health insurance.
Many companies focus on different aspects of nutrition, from weight loss to recovery from disordered eating. Some offer a one-on-one approach to nutrition, while others have more structured programs. For example, Lemond Nutrition focuses on children and families, while Nourish uses a non-diet, intuitive eating approach.
Some nutritionists use telehealth platforms that integrate their services with other preventative clinical care, such as Teladoc. This allows clients to see all of their nutrition and wellness needs in one place. This can be particularly helpful for those with chronic conditions, like celiac disease, which require specialized diets.
Approach
Nutrition experts can offer a range of services to help clients maintain healthy diets. They can provide dietary recommendations and support during each step of the nutritional counseling process. Some dietitians also work with their clients via phone or email to deliver personalized resources. This can be a cost-effective alternative to face-to-face sessions.
Nutritionists who provide telenutrition can also benefit from additional revenue streams, including website advertising and social media marketing. However, RDs must take precautions to protect their clients’ privacy. They must use secure Internet connections and ensure that they are not talking to their clients in public settings where conversations could be overheard.
Moreover, RDs must be able to make good decisions about whether online nutrition counseling is appropriate for a particular client or situation. For example, a client with established cardiovascular disease may need to be referred to a physician for treatment.
Schedule
Seeking nutrition advice online usually involves an exchange of emails or a video programme that allows clients to talk to their nutritionist in real time. In some cases, the nutritionist may also provide additional support materials, such as worksheets and templates for meal planning. Typically, the consultations are confidential, and the nutritionist will ask questions to assess progress between meetings.
Some nutritionists offer email consultations as a standalone service, while others use it as an additional tool for their existing face-to-face practice. The cost of this option can vary, but it is generally less expensive than a one-to-one consultation.
Online and phone nutrition appointments offer huge flexibility – you can check in from home, work or whilst travelling abroad. Additionally, many telehealth appointments are covered fully or partially by insurance providers.
Credentials
Online nutritionists and dietitians can help you lose weight, improve your health, and change your relationship with food. They can also help you save money by providing dietary plans and nutritional supplements that are compatible with your budget.
When choosing an online nutritionist, you should consider your personal and professional goals. A certificate program is ideal for people who want to study nutrition from a personal health perspective, while a graduate degree is suitable for those looking for careers in nutritionist or nutrition coach.
Some online nutritionists create content, such as blogs and videos, to expand their audience and promote themselves. This can also help them reach a wider audience and potentially increase their income. However, this can be a risky strategy, as state laws on who can give nutrition advice can vary widely.
Reputation
Online nutrition counseling programs vary in their approaches, fees and benefits. Some offer real-time communication and support for clients, while others only provide informational handouts or templates for meal planning. Some also offer a telemedicine component that includes primary care visits and prescriptions for a low monthly fee. HealthTap is one example of an all-in-one medical provider that offers nutrition advice as part of its overall service.
A recent study examined popular online nutrition advice on Facebook and assessed the alignment with Australia’s Guidelines to Healthy Eating (AGHE). Although many sites promoted increased vegetable consumption and reduced processed food intake, most did not promote public health goals and frequently contradicted or deviated from AGHE recommendations. A dedicated evidence-based Facebook page and celebrity partnership could be explored to improve reach and impact of such content.Kostrådgivning online
