Nutritionists and Dietitians in Mchenry County, IL
Everyone has a journey. Our passion is supporting yours! It's about more than just "food". Nutrition is emotional, behaviorial, and is intertwined into every aspect of our lives. If you are tired of fad-diets, we are here to provide clarity and empower you with food freedom!
Everyone has a journey. Our passion is supporting yours! It's about more than just "food". Nutrition is emotional, behaviorial, and is intertwined into every aspect of our lives. If you are tired of fad-diets, we are here to provide clarity and empower you with food freedom!
Our mission is to provide weight inclusive medical nutrition therapy, using the principles of Intuitive Eating in a HAES aligned practice. The intent of our counseling is to help people find peace with food freedom, develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, and focus on gentle nutrition to manage and prevent chronic disease states.
Our mission is to provide weight inclusive medical nutrition therapy, using the principles of Intuitive Eating in a HAES aligned practice. The intent of our counseling is to help people find peace with food freedom, develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, and focus on gentle nutrition to manage and prevent chronic disease states.
It is not often we are encouraged to honor our bodies needs. We live in world that teaches us to "watch it" and "have it together", especially around weight and food. Unfortunately, this constant pressure to "be good" can play a role in constant dieting, restricting, binging, purging and an all or nothing attitude around exercise. Fortunately, we can make peace with food and our bodies again. Our approach of trauma informed nutrition counseling and coaching teaches non-diet eating and body wisdom skills to learn to trust and feel safe inside the body and manage chronic issues such as burned and stressed out, PCOS and gut health.
It is not often we are encouraged to honor our bodies needs. We live in world that teaches us to "watch it" and "have it together", especially around weight and food. Unfortunately, this constant pressure to "be good" can play a role in constant dieting, restricting, binging, purging and an all or nothing attitude around exercise. Fortunately, we can make peace with food and our bodies again. Our approach of trauma informed nutrition counseling and coaching teaches non-diet eating and body wisdom skills to learn to trust and feel safe inside the body and manage chronic issues such as burned and stressed out, PCOS and gut health.
We're here to help you find the fun in food again. We firmly believe that all of us can find joy in food - whether you are navigating a new diagnosis, struggling with disordered eating, or working on recovery from an eating disorder.
Emotional eating, binge eating, restriction, picky eating - we will walk along side you or your child and help you find calm with food again while understanding the science of nutrition.
We're here to help you find the fun in food again. We firmly believe that all of us can find joy in food - whether you are navigating a new diagnosis, struggling with disordered eating, or working on recovery from an eating disorder.
Emotional eating, binge eating, restriction, picky eating - we will walk along side you or your child and help you find calm with food again while understanding the science of nutrition.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
Hi, I'm Stephanie! I’m a Health at Every Size aligned dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and weight neutral medical nutrition therapy. I work with clients to develop an individualized nourishment plan based on their hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues – without relying on external factors like calorie counting or food restriction to guide eating. I believe that food should be satisfying, fun, and easy. I believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone. And I believe that people in all bodies deserve respectful, compassionate care.
Hi, I'm Stephanie! I’m a Health at Every Size aligned dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and weight neutral medical nutrition therapy. I work with clients to develop an individualized nourishment plan based on their hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues – without relying on external factors like calorie counting or food restriction to guide eating. I believe that food should be satisfying, fun, and easy. I believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone. And I believe that people in all bodies deserve respectful, compassionate care.
I am Board Certified in Integrative and functional Medicine. That means that I work with clients to find the root causes of their symptoms in a holistic way. We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more. I work with clients to figure out why they are struggling with a condition and treat it using food as medicine, identifying food sensitivities, providing nutrients to maximize the body's functioning, and if needed, I do cooking sessions to teach how to make healthy food taste great.
I am Board Certified in Integrative and functional Medicine. That means that I work with clients to find the root causes of their symptoms in a holistic way. We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more. I work with clients to figure out why they are struggling with a condition and treat it using food as medicine, identifying food sensitivities, providing nutrients to maximize the body's functioning, and if needed, I do cooking sessions to teach how to make healthy food taste great.
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
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.
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in educating and empowering clients by addressing the complex interconnections between nutrition, biochemical functions, lifestyle, and environment. My goal is to support whole-body function and long-term wellness by targeting key systems such as sugar metabolism, gastrointestinal health, brain and mental health, hormonal balance, immune function, and more.
Using a personalized, functional approach, I incorporate a wide range of tools—including comprehensive lab testing and individualized assessments—to uncover nutritional and lifestyle imbalances that may be contributing to health challenge
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in educating and empowering clients by addressing the complex interconnections between nutrition, biochemical functions, lifestyle, and environment. My goal is to support whole-body function and long-term wellness by targeting key systems such as sugar metabolism, gastrointestinal health, brain and mental health, hormonal balance, immune function, and more.
Using a personalized, functional approach, I incorporate a wide range of tools—including comprehensive lab testing and individualized assessments—to uncover nutritional and lifestyle imbalances that may be contributing to health challenge
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
My journey into the world of nutrition began with a profound fascination for the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. I am a firm believer in adopting a holistic approach to nutrition, considering the physical aspects, emotional and social factors that influence our relationship with food. As a passionate and Telehealth dietitian, my mission is to empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized and sustainable nutrition strategies.
My journey into the world of nutrition began with a profound fascination for the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. I am a firm believer in adopting a holistic approach to nutrition, considering the physical aspects, emotional and social factors that influence our relationship with food. As a passionate and Telehealth dietitian, my mission is to empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized and sustainable nutrition strategies.
Kristina (she/her) is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who has dedicated her life to helping individuals who are healing their relationship with food and body. Her expertise expands to helping individuals recovering from eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting and co-occurring mood disorders. Kristina believes in weight inclusive care, anti-diet approach and Health at Every Size. Kristina strives to create a safe environment for growth and healing by utilizing trauma informed principles. Kristina approaches health from emotional, physical, and mental well being.
Kristina (she/her) is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who has dedicated her life to helping individuals who are healing their relationship with food and body. Her expertise expands to helping individuals recovering from eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting and co-occurring mood disorders. Kristina believes in weight inclusive care, anti-diet approach and Health at Every Size. Kristina strives to create a safe environment for growth and healing by utilizing trauma informed principles. Kristina approaches health from emotional, physical, and mental well being.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
Lizzie received her bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics from The Ohio State University and went on to complete her dietetic internship at Loyola University Chicago. Prior to Allow Wellness, Lizzie has experience working in a residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care for eating disorder treatment. She also has experience in research, food insecurity and mental health acute care.
Lizzie received her bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics from The Ohio State University and went on to complete her dietetic internship at Loyola University Chicago. Prior to Allow Wellness, Lizzie has experience working in a residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care for eating disorder treatment. She also has experience in research, food insecurity and mental health acute care.
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.
I am a Registered Dietitian offering the gift of food freedom! Specializing in disordered eating, I promote self-regulated principles to foster permanent life changes.My goal is to individualize tools necessary to balance normalized eating in everyday life without fears and anxieties over food as fuel. As CEO of Midwest Dietitian, I treat Anorexia and Bulimia, Athletes and Compulsive Exercisers, Food Addiction, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, Obesity, Compulsive Overeating, PICA, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian by IAEDP -and Approved Consultant. HIPAA compliant Telehealth provided
I am a Registered Dietitian offering the gift of food freedom! Specializing in disordered eating, I promote self-regulated principles to foster permanent life changes.My goal is to individualize tools necessary to balance normalized eating in everyday life without fears and anxieties over food as fuel. As CEO of Midwest Dietitian, I treat Anorexia and Bulimia, Athletes and Compulsive Exercisers, Food Addiction, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, Obesity, Compulsive Overeating, PICA, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian by IAEDP -and Approved Consultant. HIPAA compliant Telehealth provided
When you are facing everyday pressure from school, work, friends, relationships, busy schedules, you can quickly feel at odds with your body or lost in your self care. Then, you layer on the mixed messages from social media and you can go down a spiral with negative thoughts on what you “should” or “shouldn’t be” doing. And that is why I’m so happy you’re here! Imagine being able to trust your body again, to take what it needs and leave what it doesn’t – this opens up space to focus on what’s really important (and fun!) in your life!
When you are facing everyday pressure from school, work, friends, relationships, busy schedules, you can quickly feel at odds with your body or lost in your self care. Then, you layer on the mixed messages from social media and you can go down a spiral with negative thoughts on what you “should” or “shouldn’t be” doing. And that is why I’m so happy you’re here! Imagine being able to trust your body again, to take what it needs and leave what it doesn’t – this opens up space to focus on what’s really important (and fun!) in your life!
I help my patients improve their relationship with food and their body and use an individualized, patient-centered approach and motivational interviewing. I believe that all foods have a place in a well-balanced diet and that small but powerful changes over time will help individuals reach their goals. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families on a range of food-related issues, including eating disorder recovery, self-esteem and body image, food allergies and intolerances, diabetes management, cardiovascular conditions, pre- and post-natal nutrition, and general wellness.
I help my patients improve their relationship with food and their body and use an individualized, patient-centered approach and motivational interviewing. I believe that all foods have a place in a well-balanced diet and that small but powerful changes over time will help individuals reach their goals. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families on a range of food-related issues, including eating disorder recovery, self-esteem and body image, food allergies and intolerances, diabetes management, cardiovascular conditions, pre- and post-natal nutrition, and general wellness.
I am especially passionate about working with individuals through all phases of life to address hormonal concerns, such as infertility, menopause, PCOS, endometriosis, and postpartum mood disorders. My practice is HAES-aligned and LGBTQIA-friendly. I believe that everyone deserves evidence-based, compassionate care that honors their identity, autonomy, and whole-person wellbeing.
I am especially passionate about working with individuals through all phases of life to address hormonal concerns, such as infertility, menopause, PCOS, endometriosis, and postpartum mood disorders. My practice is HAES-aligned and LGBTQIA-friendly. I believe that everyone deserves evidence-based, compassionate care that honors their identity, autonomy, and whole-person wellbeing.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. She works collaboratively with clients to set realistic and practical goals reflective of individualized nutrition plans. She believes that balanced nutrition looks differently for everyone, and client’s medical history needs to be considered along with their resources, schedules, and circumstances.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. She works collaboratively with clients to set realistic and practical goals reflective of individualized nutrition plans. She believes that balanced nutrition looks differently for everyone, and client’s medical history needs to be considered along with their resources, schedules, and circumstances.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Mchenry County?
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.