Nutritionists and Dietitians in Ames, IA

Photo of Rebecca Harken, MS, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Rebecca Harken
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Verified Verified
Online Only
My mission is to help my clients end the obsession with food, exercise, and their body and finally free up their mental space to focus on what truly matters to them. I provide virtual nutrition counseling for individuals struggling with disordered eating, unhealthy relationships with exercise, and body image concerns. I utilize principles of intuitive eating to help you learn how to take care of your body through food and movement without obsession. I work with individuals of all backgrounds, but for those who desire, I can also incorporate biblical scripture and Christian principles into the counseling experience.
My mission is to help my clients end the obsession with food, exercise, and their body and finally free up their mental space to focus on what truly matters to them. I provide virtual nutrition counseling for individuals struggling with disordered eating, unhealthy relationships with exercise, and body image concerns. I utilize principles of intuitive eating to help you learn how to take care of your body through food and movement without obsession. I work with individuals of all backgrounds, but for those who desire, I can also incorporate biblical scripture and Christian principles into the counseling experience.
(515) 679-3043 View (515) 679-3043

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Jocelyn Evans, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Jocelyn Evans
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Not Verified Not Verified
Cambridge, IA 50046
Hi, my name is Jocelyn Evans. I’ve been a registered dietitian since 2016. I am also Board Certified in Gerontological Nutrition.​ In my free, time you can find me at home on the farm with my husband and our three kids. We love to ride tractors, cook good food, play with magnatiles and of course, lots of dress up! I have an immense passion for nutrition and lifestyle modifications!
Hi, my name is Jocelyn Evans. I’ve been a registered dietitian since 2016. I am also Board Certified in Gerontological Nutrition.​ In my free, time you can find me at home on the farm with my husband and our three kids. We love to ride tractors, cook good food, play with magnatiles and of course, lots of dress up! I have an immense passion for nutrition and lifestyle modifications!
(515) 800-2031 View (515) 800-2031
Photo of Jane M Hemminger, RDLD, CPT, DiplAc(NCCAOM), Nutritionist/Dietitian
Jane M Hemminger
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDLD, CPT, DiplAc(NCCAOM)
Verified Verified
Altoona, IA 50009
I am happy to work with anyone needing or wanting to change eating behaviors to meet a nutrition related goal.
I am happy to work with anyone needing or wanting to change eating behaviors to meet a nutrition related goal.
(515) 635-5962 View (515) 635-5962
Photo of Amy Lodes, MFCS, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Amy Lodes
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MFCS, RD, LD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a Registered Dietitian who provides medical nutrition therapy via telehealth. I am passionate about helping individuals be their best self, both physically and emotionally. I believe food plays a major role in our physical and emotional health, and work to help patients find lifestyle changes that are attainable and individualized. I use a functional approach to find the root cause of your digestive issues. As a dietitian I create practical, individualized goals to help clients build a healthier life, not just a fad diet. I live in the Des Moines area and I'm licensed to see clients in Iowa and 19 other states!
I am a Registered Dietitian who provides medical nutrition therapy via telehealth. I am passionate about helping individuals be their best self, both physically and emotionally. I believe food plays a major role in our physical and emotional health, and work to help patients find lifestyle changes that are attainable and individualized. I use a functional approach to find the root cause of your digestive issues. As a dietitian I create practical, individualized goals to help clients build a healthier life, not just a fad diet. I live in the Des Moines area and I'm licensed to see clients in Iowa and 19 other states!
(515) 575-2394 View (515) 575-2394
Photo of Olivia Wee, MS, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Olivia Wee
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am passionate about working with clients in eating disorders/disordered eating populations, sports nutrition, and women's health. My values align with the HAES (Health At Every Size), anti-diet, and intuitive/mindful eating approaches, and I am committed to meeting you where you are at on your health journey. Ultimately, my goal is to form lasting connections and make a meaningful difference in my clients' lives. Let's work together to achieve your health and wellness goals, and become the best version of yourself.
I am passionate about working with clients in eating disorders/disordered eating populations, sports nutrition, and women's health. My values align with the HAES (Health At Every Size), anti-diet, and intuitive/mindful eating approaches, and I am committed to meeting you where you are at on your health journey. Ultimately, my goal is to form lasting connections and make a meaningful difference in my clients' lives. Let's work together to achieve your health and wellness goals, and become the best version of yourself.
(515) 789-3110 View (515) 789-3110
Photo of Allyson Terpstra, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Allyson Terpstra
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Do you find yourself thinking about food all day, "overeating" at night, not being able to keep that one food in the house, and preoccupied about your weight? You are not alone in these struggles. Unfortunately, these things feel normal in our culture, but you don't have to have a bad relationship with food any longer. As a registered dietitian and nutrition and body image coach, I've helped so many women step out of the obsession and chaos and into peaceful food freedom. Imagine a life where you can trust your body, eat food you love and not feel guilty, and respect and value your body as it is.
Do you find yourself thinking about food all day, "overeating" at night, not being able to keep that one food in the house, and preoccupied about your weight? You are not alone in these struggles. Unfortunately, these things feel normal in our culture, but you don't have to have a bad relationship with food any longer. As a registered dietitian and nutrition and body image coach, I've helped so many women step out of the obsession and chaos and into peaceful food freedom. Imagine a life where you can trust your body, eat food you love and not feel guilty, and respect and value your body as it is.
(515) 420-1562 View (515) 420-1562
Photo of Melissa Freer-Smith, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Melissa Freer-Smith
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Verified Verified
Urbandale, IA 50323
As a Registered Dietitian for over 20 years, I am committed to providing excellent nutrition therapy services with compassion and inclusivity. I have witnessed the harm caused by chronic dieting and eating disorders, and maintain expertise in eating disorder recovery, utilizing a Health At Every Size approach. In addition, I respect the science of nutrition and stay abreast of best Medical Nutrition Therapy practices for diabetes management, cardiovascular health, and general wellness.
As a Registered Dietitian for over 20 years, I am committed to providing excellent nutrition therapy services with compassion and inclusivity. I have witnessed the harm caused by chronic dieting and eating disorders, and maintain expertise in eating disorder recovery, utilizing a Health At Every Size approach. In addition, I respect the science of nutrition and stay abreast of best Medical Nutrition Therapy practices for diabetes management, cardiovascular health, and general wellness.
(630) 349-5764 View (630) 349-5764
Photo of Gina Coduto, MPPD, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Gina Coduto
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPPD, RDN, LD
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50310
If you are tired of chronic dieting and want to heal your relationship with food, you are in the right place! I help women create sustainable lifestyle changes to find food freedom and body confidence to become the best version of themselves. Eating to create a healthy lifestyle doesn't need to be complicated or restrictive. Imagine a life where you can stop dieting, eat without feeling guilty, and become more confident in yourself and in your body.
If you are tired of chronic dieting and want to heal your relationship with food, you are in the right place! I help women create sustainable lifestyle changes to find food freedom and body confidence to become the best version of themselves. Eating to create a healthy lifestyle doesn't need to be complicated or restrictive. Imagine a life where you can stop dieting, eat without feeling guilty, and become more confident in yourself and in your body.
(360) 845-6055 View (360) 845-6055
Photo of Mackenzie Woolwich, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Mackenzie Woolwich
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50313
My mission as an intuitive eating dietitian and body image coach is to help you end the vicious cycle of restriction and dieting that only leads to failure and frustration. I help individuals heal their relationship with food & body that has been challenged or harmed by chronic dieting, disordered eating, and/or eating disorders. There is an overwhelming amount of nutrition information out there and it can be difficult to escape the urge to diet and/or pursue weight loss. I'm here to tell you that you don't need to diet or feel like weight loss is your only option to achieve health!
My mission as an intuitive eating dietitian and body image coach is to help you end the vicious cycle of restriction and dieting that only leads to failure and frustration. I help individuals heal their relationship with food & body that has been challenged or harmed by chronic dieting, disordered eating, and/or eating disorders. There is an overwhelming amount of nutrition information out there and it can be difficult to escape the urge to diet and/or pursue weight loss. I'm here to tell you that you don't need to diet or feel like weight loss is your only option to achieve health!
(262) 518-9534 View (262) 518-9534

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Abbie Nichole Scott, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Abbie Nichole Scott
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a non-diet Registered Dietitian, certified yoga instructor, and certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. I’m passionate about using weight-inclusive nutrition expertise to help clients facilitate body image healing and recovery from disordered eating. Aligned with the Health at Every Size principles, I believe all healthcare should be trauma informed and social justice oriented - because all people, (regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation/expression, abilities, & socioeconomic status) deserve appropriate and affirming care.
I am a non-diet Registered Dietitian, certified yoga instructor, and certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. I’m passionate about using weight-inclusive nutrition expertise to help clients facilitate body image healing and recovery from disordered eating. Aligned with the Health at Every Size principles, I believe all healthcare should be trauma informed and social justice oriented - because all people, (regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation/expression, abilities, & socioeconomic status) deserve appropriate and affirming care.
(651) 615-5474 View (651) 615-5474
Photo of Katie Murray - VidaEats Nutrition, RD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
VidaEats Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you have Chronic Kidney Disease or a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or a genetic condition that may affect your kidney health? At VidaEats, we specialize in getting to know your specific needs and working with them to help prevent or delay kidney failure. Our goal is to reduce the amount of people who end up on renal replacement therapy (dialysis). If you are on dialysis, we can provide nutrition care in step with your in-center dietitian to help you feel more energized and improve your lab parameters. We also provide general nutrition services to individuals who are looking to lose weight or eat healthier.
Do you have Chronic Kidney Disease or a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or a genetic condition that may affect your kidney health? At VidaEats, we specialize in getting to know your specific needs and working with them to help prevent or delay kidney failure. Our goal is to reduce the amount of people who end up on renal replacement therapy (dialysis). If you are on dialysis, we can provide nutrition care in step with your in-center dietitian to help you feel more energized and improve your lab parameters. We also provide general nutrition services to individuals who are looking to lose weight or eat healthier.
(319) 458-5019 View (319) 458-5019
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians

How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Ames?

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.

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.

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.

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.