Nutritionists and Dietitians in 60532
I have a Masters degree in nutrition and am a licensed and credentialed registered dietitian. I’m experienced in addressing nutritional needs for diverse populations; specifically infants, children, prenatal and postnatal care, and lactating people. I also have experience with managing and preventing diabetes. On a personal note, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes years ago and know too well the impact that a big health diagnosis can have on your life. Through this experience, I’ve understood the importance of being in touch with your food and wellbeing, and always checking nutrition labels!
I have a Masters degree in nutrition and am a licensed and credentialed registered dietitian. I’m experienced in addressing nutritional needs for diverse populations; specifically infants, children, prenatal and postnatal care, and lactating people. I also have experience with managing and preventing diabetes. On a personal note, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes years ago and know too well the impact that a big health diagnosis can have on your life. Through this experience, I’ve understood the importance of being in touch with your food and wellbeing, and always checking nutrition labels!
Whether or not you want to improve your run time, or improve your glucose control, the evidence is clear that working with a Registered Dietitian can help you do that! Our goal at DuPage Dietitians is to assist each client in learning how they to move toward a lifetime of health. We do that by closing the knowledge gap, writing sound nutrition prescriptions based on solid evidence and by coaching our clients toward lasting changes.
Whether or not you want to improve your run time, or improve your glucose control, the evidence is clear that working with a Registered Dietitian can help you do that! Our goal at DuPage Dietitians is to assist each client in learning how they to move toward a lifetime of health. We do that by closing the knowledge gap, writing sound nutrition prescriptions based on solid evidence and by coaching our clients toward lasting changes.
The ideal client I treat is ready intentionally to implement changes that involve thought processes and behaviors involving food culture and healthy food adoption. Additionally, a willingness to partner exercise with nourishing eating positively impacts mental, emotional and physical health. I have worked extensively with individuals to achieve a healthy relationship with their bodies. I create an atmosphere to support change via individual treatment plans, meal planning, assessment of emotions' role with eating, and exercise prescription when appropriate.
The ideal client I treat is ready intentionally to implement changes that involve thought processes and behaviors involving food culture and healthy food adoption. Additionally, a willingness to partner exercise with nourishing eating positively impacts mental, emotional and physical health. I have worked extensively with individuals to achieve a healthy relationship with their bodies. I create an atmosphere to support change via individual treatment plans, meal planning, assessment of emotions' role with eating, and exercise prescription when appropriate.
I'm Bella, a Registered Dietitian based in the suburbs of Chicago, specializing in an anti-diet approach that promotes intuitive eating and inclusivity. My counseling philosophy emphasizes embracing all foods without guilt and fostering balanced, enjoyable eating habits. I believe in empowering individuals to listen to their body's cues for hunger and fullness, guiding them toward a positive relationship with food that supports sustainable health and wellness.
I'm Bella, a Registered Dietitian based in the suburbs of Chicago, specializing in an anti-diet approach that promotes intuitive eating and inclusivity. My counseling philosophy emphasizes embracing all foods without guilt and fostering balanced, enjoyable eating habits. I believe in empowering individuals to listen to their body's cues for hunger and fullness, guiding them toward a positive relationship with food that supports sustainable health and wellness.
Natalie was born and raised in the Chicago area but has lived in Wisconsin, Georgia, and Florida before ultimately finding her way back to the windy city. She received her first degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in communication science and disorders and spent the early days of her career working in special education. As a former gymnast, Natalie always had a passion for food, nutrition, and its effect on athletic performance. She became a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and went on to receive her second degree in nutrition and dietetics from Dominican University in Chicago.
Natalie was born and raised in the Chicago area but has lived in Wisconsin, Georgia, and Florida before ultimately finding her way back to the windy city. She received her first degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in communication science and disorders and spent the early days of her career working in special education. As a former gymnast, Natalie always had a passion for food, nutrition, and its effect on athletic performance. She became a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and went on to receive her second degree in nutrition and dietetics from Dominican University in Chicago.
Kelly Minarick is a Registered dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Kelly takes a weight-inclusive and person-centered approach to nutrition. She helps her clients become champions of their own bodies by encouraging mindful and attuned eating practices. She takes a non-diet approach to wellness and encourages balanced living and gentle nutrition. Kelly works with her clients to find a way of eating that works for them as an individual by taking their personal preferences, access to food, health history, lifestyles, and more into account.
Kelly Minarick is a Registered dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Kelly takes a weight-inclusive and person-centered approach to nutrition. She helps her clients become champions of their own bodies by encouraging mindful and attuned eating practices. She takes a non-diet approach to wellness and encourages balanced living and gentle nutrition. Kelly works with her clients to find a way of eating that works for them as an individual by taking their personal preferences, access to food, health history, lifestyles, and more into account.
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in 60532?
To find dietitians and nutritionists near you, input your city, town, suburb, zip code, or a provider's name in the search bar at the top of the page. From there, you can filter by specialty, treatment technique, and gender to find a dietitian or nutritionist who matches your needs.
When you visit a dietitian or nutritionist's profile, you can get a better idea if they're the right fit for you. Consider things like session cost, accepted insurance plans, and their location or telehealth options. If someone seems like a good match, you can email them or call the number on their profile. When speaking with a professional, pay attention to whether or not you feel comfortable in the conversation and how knowledgeable they are about your specific nutrition concerns. It may also be helpful to ask more about their general approach to nutrition and the training behind their credentials.
When you visit a dietitian or nutritionist's profile, you can get a better idea if they're the right fit for you. Consider things like session cost, accepted insurance plans, and their location or telehealth options. If someone seems like a good match, you can email them or call the number on their profile. When speaking with a professional, pay attention to whether or not you feel comfortable in the conversation and how knowledgeable they are about your specific nutrition concerns. It may also be helpful to ask more about their general approach to nutrition and the training behind their credentials.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
The terms dietitian and nutritionist are often used interchangeably. However, there are actually key credential differences between dietitians and nutritionists that are important to keep in mind when seeking a nutrition professional.
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has earned at least a graduate degree from an accredited program, completed a supervised practice program, passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam, and continues their education regularly. The RD and RDN credentials are regulated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest nutrition-related organization in the country. Only professionals who meet their standards can call themselves an RD or RDN and enjoy privileges like billing insurance. Additionally, RDs and RDNs can get board certifications in specialized areas such as gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR), or oncology nutrition (CSO). They also need state licensure, which usually aligns with national requirements.
In contrast, the title "nutritionist" doesn't require any formal education or credentials; anyone can use the title of nutritionist, including those with very limited or no formal training in nutrition. Although there are certification programs that are marketed toward those interested in nutrition counseling, the rigor and academic requirements for such programs varies greatly. These important differences between dietitians and nutritionists are thus very important to consider when choosing the right nutrition professional for your needs. To be listed in the HealthProfs directory, Nutritionists must have a minimum of a Masters Degree in a relevant field.
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has earned at least a graduate degree from an accredited program, completed a supervised practice program, passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam, and continues their education regularly. The RD and RDN credentials are regulated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest nutrition-related organization in the country. Only professionals who meet their standards can call themselves an RD or RDN and enjoy privileges like billing insurance. Additionally, RDs and RDNs can get board certifications in specialized areas such as gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR), or oncology nutrition (CSO). They also need state licensure, which usually aligns with national requirements.
In contrast, the title "nutritionist" doesn't require any formal education or credentials; anyone can use the title of nutritionist, including those with very limited or no formal training in nutrition. Although there are certification programs that are marketed toward those interested in nutrition counseling, the rigor and academic requirements for such programs varies greatly. These important differences between dietitians and nutritionists are thus very important to consider when choosing the right nutrition professional for your needs. To be listed in the HealthProfs directory, Nutritionists must have a minimum of a Masters Degree in a relevant field.
When should I see a dietitian or a nutritionist?
Clients seek nutritional support from dietitians and nutritionists for various reasons, ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle concerns like weight loss or dietary requirements; however, it's always important to find a professional who is a good fit for you. Consider factors such as insurance coverage, your specific medical or dietary concerns, and the availability of professionals near you to determine whether a dietitian or nutritionist may be a better fit.
Generally, nutritionists are not covered by insurance, whereas Registered Dietitians (RDs) often are, especially for those with medical conditions. If you have a chronic medical condition like cancer or kidney disease, you might want to seek out an RD with specialized expertise, such as a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) or a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR). These credentials indicate advanced education and a commitment to ongoing learning within a specific area. Additionally, consider the availability of professionals in your area and their openness to telehealth sessions. While the field of dietetics is growing, there may not always be a wide selection of professionals, especially in rural areas. In such cases, focusing on the experience and expertise of the nutrition professional can be more important than their specific credentials.
Generally, nutritionists are not covered by insurance, whereas Registered Dietitians (RDs) often are, especially for those with medical conditions. If you have a chronic medical condition like cancer or kidney disease, you might want to seek out an RD with specialized expertise, such as a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) or a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR). These credentials indicate advanced education and a commitment to ongoing learning within a specific area. Additionally, consider the availability of professionals in your area and their openness to telehealth sessions. While the field of dietetics is growing, there may not always be a wide selection of professionals, especially in rural areas. In such cases, focusing on the experience and expertise of the nutrition professional can be more important than their specific credentials.
Do I need a referral to see a dietitian or a nutritionist?
A referral is not required to see a dietitian or nutritionist, and many individuals independently seek nutritional support without prior medical advice. However, for a nutrition service to be covered by insurance, a referral from a primary care physician or another medical professional may be necessary. In such cases, a referral is typically made for those who have been formally diagnosed with a medical condition requiring nutrition counseling, such as diabetes or hypertension. If insurance coverage is critical to a client's ability to see a dietitian, they should contact their insurance provider to determine if a referral is needed for nutritional counseling and to understand any potential co-pays or coverage limits that may apply in their individual circumstance.
How much does it cost to see a dietitian or a nutritionist?
The cost of seeing a dietitian or nutritionist depends on a number of variables, including their location, their specialty, whether they take insurance, and the professional's experience and training. On average, the cost of out-of-pocket sessions with a dietitian or nutritionist within the United States ranges from $50-$150. In some cases, nutrition professionals will require a longer initial evaluation session that will cost more than ongoing follow-up sessions. Dietitians and nutritionists may also offer packages for clients interested in longer-term nutritional support; in such cases, they may charge monthly or other periodic fees for more comprehensive services, such as a combination of nutrition sessions and out-of-session coaching support. If nutrition services are covered by a client's insurance plan and they are eligible for coverage based on any referral requirements, the out-of-pocket cost of seeing a dietitian may be completely covered or significantly reduced.
Are consultations with a dietitian or nutritionist covered by insurance?
If your insurance covers nutrition services, the cost is usually lower than paying out-of-pocket. However, insurance coverage can vary based on factors like your specific plan details, whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network provider, and whether you have a referral for nutrition services based on a medical diagnosis.
Coverage also depends on the type of nutrition service. Typically, insurance plans only cover services provided by a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) and do not cover those offered by nutritionists or nutrition coaches without the RD credential. If nutrition services are not covered by your insurance, some dietitians and nutritionists may offer sliding scale rates or lower-cost services for clients who cannot afford their full fee. However, these spots are often limited and may not always be available.
Coverage also depends on the type of nutrition service. Typically, insurance plans only cover services provided by a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) and do not cover those offered by nutritionists or nutrition coaches without the RD credential. If nutrition services are not covered by your insurance, some dietitians and nutritionists may offer sliding scale rates or lower-cost services for clients who cannot afford their full fee. However, these spots are often limited and may not always be available.