Nutritionists and Dietitians in Des Plaines, IL
Wholistic, realistic, and sustainable. These three words are at the core of how I live, why I became a registered dietitian, and how I engage with my clients. I have a unique perspective as a registered dietitian: There are a limited number of male dietitians, I am a husband, a father, and significant life experience that allows me to truly understand client’s situations, and provide wholistic, realistic, and sustainable changes that can improve not only their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well.
Wholistic, realistic, and sustainable. These three words are at the core of how I live, why I became a registered dietitian, and how I engage with my clients. I have a unique perspective as a registered dietitian: There are a limited number of male dietitians, I am a husband, a father, and significant life experience that allows me to truly understand client’s situations, and provide wholistic, realistic, and sustainable changes that can improve not only their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well.
I’m a Registered Dietitian and the owner of BLS Nutrition, a nutrition practice based in Schaumburg, Chicago Suburbs.
From Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and tailored meal planning to practical nutrition counseling and culinary guidance, I provide the tools and support needed to take charge of your health and feel your best. I am passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to take charge of their health with personalized nutrition strategies.
My practice is open to everyone, and I strive to help individuals of all cultural backgrounds to the best of my ability. Additionally, children are always welcome in my office!
I’m a Registered Dietitian and the owner of BLS Nutrition, a nutrition practice based in Schaumburg, Chicago Suburbs.
From Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and tailored meal planning to practical nutrition counseling and culinary guidance, I provide the tools and support needed to take charge of your health and feel your best. I am passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to take charge of their health with personalized nutrition strategies.
My practice is open to everyone, and I strive to help individuals of all cultural backgrounds to the best of my ability. Additionally, children are always welcome in my office!
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
Amy is a Registered Dietitian who practices at Health Loft. She specializes in personalized dietary guidance and evidence-based nutrition strategies. Her mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Amy mentors, educates, and inspires clients to make informed nutrition and wellness decisions, believing lasting change is built through patience and a strong client-provider relationship. She is honored to be part of your wellness journey.
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes. Kristin offers a positive approach to nutrition by focusing on building a healthy relationship with food, making lifestyle changes, goal setting and problem solving to overcome barriers. She believes in staying positive, and that it’s never too late to make lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier life. Kristin became a dietitian after the experience of caregiving in high school for her grandmother.
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes. Kristin offers a positive approach to nutrition by focusing on building a healthy relationship with food, making lifestyle changes, goal setting and problem solving to overcome barriers. She believes in staying positive, and that it’s never too late to make lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier life. Kristin became a dietitian after the experience of caregiving in high school for her grandmother.
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition.
I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way.
We look forward to meeting and working with you!
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition.
I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way.
We look forward to meeting and working with you!
My ideal client feels stuck between wanting to improve their body composition and not wanting to fall back into restrictive, all-or-nothing patterns. They may have a history of dieting or disordered eating, struggle with consistency, and feel frustrated that what “should” work isn’t working. They want a realistic, sustainable approach that supports their metabolism, strength, and long-term health without extremes, rigid rules, or sacrificing their relationship with food.
My ideal client feels stuck between wanting to improve their body composition and not wanting to fall back into restrictive, all-or-nothing patterns. They may have a history of dieting or disordered eating, struggle with consistency, and feel frustrated that what “should” work isn’t working. They want a realistic, sustainable approach that supports their metabolism, strength, and long-term health without extremes, rigid rules, or sacrificing their relationship with food.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Are you looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your health but don’t know how? Are you also tired of trying everything, and your health conditions are the same or even worse? I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I’m a bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and plant-based expert, passionate about helping patients change their lifestyle to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases. With mindfulness and respect, we can work together to achieve your nutritional goals, offering personalized nutrition recommendations based on your preferences, needs, schedule, and more.
Are you looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your health but don’t know how? Are you also tired of trying everything, and your health conditions are the same or even worse? I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I’m a bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and plant-based expert, passionate about helping patients change their lifestyle to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases. With mindfulness and respect, we can work together to achieve your nutritional goals, offering personalized nutrition recommendations based on your preferences, needs, schedule, and more.
Emily’s ideal patients are individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. She especially enjoys working with those experiencing GI disorders, as these conditions can be deeply debilitating and require strong motivation. Emily also loves working with pediatric patients, finding joy in helping children build healthy nutrition habits that can positively impact their lives long term.
Emily’s ideal patients are individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. She especially enjoys working with those experiencing GI disorders, as these conditions can be deeply debilitating and require strong motivation. Emily also loves working with pediatric patients, finding joy in helping children build healthy nutrition habits that can positively impact their lives long term.
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our DEXA scan to analyze body composition), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our DEXA scan to analyze body composition), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Carol is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery and health-driven goals. Her approach to nutrition emphasizes a size-inclusive framework, prioritizing peace with food and fostering a healthy relationship with the body. Carol utilizes patient-centered care to provide a non-diet approach to nutrition.
Carol is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery and health-driven goals. Her approach to nutrition emphasizes a size-inclusive framework, prioritizing peace with food and fostering a healthy relationship with the body. Carol utilizes patient-centered care to provide a non-diet approach to nutrition.
Meredith Starr is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness in Chicago. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago Coordinated Nutrition Program and began her nutrition career at UI Health general inpatient services while working part-time at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. Meredith is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and has been practicing in this field for the past ten years.
Meredith Starr is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness in Chicago. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago Coordinated Nutrition Program and began her nutrition career at UI Health general inpatient services while working part-time at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. Meredith is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and has been practicing in this field for the past ten years.
My ideal client has done everything right, followed plans, taken supplements, read the books, but still feels anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from their body. They often struggle with digestion, hormones, or stress related symptoms and want to understand why. They are ready for a compassionate, science based approach that honors both body and mind. Together, we restore a sense of safety first so energy, digestion, and calm can follow naturally.
My ideal client has done everything right, followed plans, taken supplements, read the books, but still feels anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from their body. They often struggle with digestion, hormones, or stress related symptoms and want to understand why. They are ready for a compassionate, science based approach that honors both body and mind. Together, we restore a sense of safety first so energy, digestion, and calm can follow naturally.
I am a registered dietitian who believes nutrition care should feel supportive, realistic, and even enjoyable. I take a weight-inclusive, nonjudgmental approach and meet patients where they are, focusing on small, attainable weekly goals to support sustainable lifestyle change. I specialize in PCOS, diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, cholesterol management, weight loss, and overall healthy living. I bring warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor into every session.
I am a registered dietitian who believes nutrition care should feel supportive, realistic, and even enjoyable. I take a weight-inclusive, nonjudgmental approach and meet patients where they are, focusing on small, attainable weekly goals to support sustainable lifestyle change. I specialize in PCOS, diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, cholesterol management, weight loss, and overall healthy living. I bring warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor into every session.
Carly is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about helping people live their healthiest lives while fostering a positive relationship with food. She believes in taking a holistic approach to address the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and chronic conditions. Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Carly is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about helping people live their healthiest lives while fostering a positive relationship with food. She believes in taking a holistic approach to address the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and chronic conditions. Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Are you struggling with one or more life-disrupting symptoms that have been dismissed by other medical providers, despite being on one or more medications? As a DNA-Focused Nutritionist, let me help you use food as medicine, in customized, realistic steps! I add a functional nutrition approach, with herbs and supplements as needed, to discover the root cause of symptoms and develop a personalized plan that evolves with you while you optimize your health. This approach works incredibly well to lift mood, minimize medications, lose weight, increase energy, balance blood sugar and insulin levels, lower blood pressure, and sleep better.
Are you struggling with one or more life-disrupting symptoms that have been dismissed by other medical providers, despite being on one or more medications? As a DNA-Focused Nutritionist, let me help you use food as medicine, in customized, realistic steps! I add a functional nutrition approach, with herbs and supplements as needed, to discover the root cause of symptoms and develop a personalized plan that evolves with you while you optimize your health. This approach works incredibly well to lift mood, minimize medications, lose weight, increase energy, balance blood sugar and insulin levels, lower blood pressure, and sleep better.
I SOLVE ATHLETE PROBLEMS. I work with athletes of every age and ability, helping them improve performance through sport-specific nutrition. Doing an Ironman? Making weight for an MMA fight? Need that DI scholarship? Have cramping issues, GI problems, hate your body, just tore your ACL or are paralyzed by all the conflicting diet ads? Do you run out of energy during workouts? Are you a masters athlete with medical issues and multiple meds? Maybe you're a parent and your kid wants to make the varsity team by using a sketchy supplement. Or you're a coach and just don't know what to say when your athletes get dehydrated. I CAN HELP!
I SOLVE ATHLETE PROBLEMS. I work with athletes of every age and ability, helping them improve performance through sport-specific nutrition. Doing an Ironman? Making weight for an MMA fight? Need that DI scholarship? Have cramping issues, GI problems, hate your body, just tore your ACL or are paralyzed by all the conflicting diet ads? Do you run out of energy during workouts? Are you a masters athlete with medical issues and multiple meds? Maybe you're a parent and your kid wants to make the varsity team by using a sketchy supplement. Or you're a coach and just don't know what to say when your athletes get dehydrated. I CAN HELP!
As a Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in metabolic health, clinical homeopathy, functional medicine and sports nutrition. I create personalized diet and nutrition plans tailored to support weight loss, muscle health, metabolic balance, and long-term vitality.
As a Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in metabolic health, clinical homeopathy, functional medicine and sports nutrition. I create personalized diet and nutrition plans tailored to support weight loss, muscle health, metabolic balance, and long-term vitality.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Des Plaines?
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.