Nutritionists and Dietitians in Mcdowell County, NC
Do you struggle knowing what foods are good for your kidney health? Do you see conflicting information online and feel confused about what is best for you? Did you only get a one page handout from your nephrologist with foods to avoid and foods to eat? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place! Feeling overwhelmed about what to eat to improve and protect your kidney function is all too common. As a Renal Dietitian with over 10 year of experience, I help adults with CKD protect their kidneys and improve energy levels by increasing confidence with food.
Do you struggle knowing what foods are good for your kidney health? Do you see conflicting information online and feel confused about what is best for you? Did you only get a one page handout from your nephrologist with foods to avoid and foods to eat? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are not alone and you are in the right place! Feeling overwhelmed about what to eat to improve and protect your kidney function is all too common. As a Renal Dietitian with over 10 year of experience, I help adults with CKD protect their kidneys and improve energy levels by increasing confidence with food.
Healing Nutrition provides a positive and sustainable relationship with food and your body. Whether you are seeking weight management, blood sugar control, discovering the root cause of GI distress, addressing food sensitivities, or meal planning, my passion is helping you achieve your wellness goals and to feel your best.
Healing Nutrition provides a positive and sustainable relationship with food and your body. Whether you are seeking weight management, blood sugar control, discovering the root cause of GI distress, addressing food sensitivities, or meal planning, my passion is helping you achieve your wellness goals and to feel your best.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support to improve their health through evidence-based, personalized nutrition. They may feel overwhelmed by symptoms, medical needs, or lifestyle challenges and want realistic, sustainable guidance. I help them by meeting them where they are and focusing on education rather than restriction. Together, we explore the “why” behind symptoms and behaviors and build practical strategies that fit their daily life, goals, and needs for lasting, meaningful change.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support to improve their health through evidence-based, personalized nutrition. They may feel overwhelmed by symptoms, medical needs, or lifestyle challenges and want realistic, sustainable guidance. I help them by meeting them where they are and focusing on education rather than restriction. Together, we explore the “why” behind symptoms and behaviors and build practical strategies that fit their daily life, goals, and needs for lasting, meaningful change.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
If you are struggling to develop a peaceful relationship with food, know that you are not alone. Confusing messages telling us how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat can make us wonder why eating has gotten so complicated. The short answer: it doesn't have to be. Whether you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, suffer from disordered eating, or just want to know how to nourish your body without going on another diet, I can help.
We know change is not easy. We know finding food freedom can sound scary (maybe even impossible). It is our mission to guide you through uncharted territory and give you the knowledge and support you need to make real and lasting changes. Our approach to health and nutrition is weight-inclusive, and will always focus on finding peace and balance with food and exercise. We are continuously educating ourselves to provide a safe and welcoming space for all individuals. We work to analyze eating habits together and make changes based on where you are.
We know change is not easy. We know finding food freedom can sound scary (maybe even impossible). It is our mission to guide you through uncharted territory and give you the knowledge and support you need to make real and lasting changes. Our approach to health and nutrition is weight-inclusive, and will always focus on finding peace and balance with food and exercise. We are continuously educating ourselves to provide a safe and welcoming space for all individuals. We work to analyze eating habits together and make changes based on where you are.
Hello! My name is Becca! I specialize in pediatric nutrition with a focus on eating disorders, picky eating, FTT, supporting neurodivergent children, and many more! My approach is warm, supportive, and rooted in evidence-based practices. I work closely with families to create personalized strategies that help kids feel safe around food, build confidence at mealtimes, and develop a healthy relationship with eating—without power struggles or shame. Whether your child is a selective eater, struggling with food anxiety, or just needs a little extra support, I’m here to help you navigate it with compassion and clarity.
Hello! My name is Becca! I specialize in pediatric nutrition with a focus on eating disorders, picky eating, FTT, supporting neurodivergent children, and many more! My approach is warm, supportive, and rooted in evidence-based practices. I work closely with families to create personalized strategies that help kids feel safe around food, build confidence at mealtimes, and develop a healthy relationship with eating—without power struggles or shame. Whether your child is a selective eater, struggling with food anxiety, or just needs a little extra support, I’m here to help you navigate it with compassion and clarity.
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
Melissa is a dedicated Registered Dietitian who strives to build rapport with her clients and fully understand their nutritional challenges and needs while fostering a positive relationship with food and self-kindness. She enjoys helping others achieve positive changes in their mental and physical health through nutrition counseling and education. Melissa is particularly passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and the connection between nutrition and mental health.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking support in building an intentional relationship with their body. I specialize in disordered eating dynamics that involve binge eating, fear of body changes, struggles with body image, and anxiety around food. I am additionally passionate about working with folks who experience sensory sensitivities, low appetite and/or trauma-associated food dysregulation. I create a space that celebrates queerness and those who identify as neurodivergent. My practice is fundamentally based in harm reduction, curiosity, and an individualized care approach.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking support in building an intentional relationship with their body. I specialize in disordered eating dynamics that involve binge eating, fear of body changes, struggles with body image, and anxiety around food. I am additionally passionate about working with folks who experience sensory sensitivities, low appetite and/or trauma-associated food dysregulation. I create a space that celebrates queerness and those who identify as neurodivergent. My practice is fundamentally based in harm reduction, curiosity, and an individualized care approach.
Do you or a family member have stress or anxiety around food, eating or body image? Do you notice yourself feeling anxious about what may be served for dinner? Do you ever feel discouraged because the last diet you tried "didn't work"? If you are a person that struggles with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, body image dissatisfaction, over/under eating, or emotional eating, I am here to help and you are not alone in this journey. I believe you can love your body and food simultaneously. It is possible for you to have a healthy relationship with food and your body so you can enjoy your life again.
Do you or a family member have stress or anxiety around food, eating or body image? Do you notice yourself feeling anxious about what may be served for dinner? Do you ever feel discouraged because the last diet you tried "didn't work"? If you are a person that struggles with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, body image dissatisfaction, over/under eating, or emotional eating, I am here to help and you are not alone in this journey. I believe you can love your body and food simultaneously. It is possible for you to have a healthy relationship with food and your body so you can enjoy your life again.
Looking for relief from chronic health conditions and a deeper level of nutritional support? Struggling to get answers? My focus is to identify and address the root cause of symptoms in order to help you achieve optimal health.
Looking for relief from chronic health conditions and a deeper level of nutritional support? Struggling to get answers? My focus is to identify and address the root cause of symptoms in order to help you achieve optimal health.
Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with more than 15 years of experience, primarily serving as a dietitian for the U.S. Army. Her clinical background centers on eating disorders, and she’s passionate about helping clients define their own values around food, weight, and movement. She also facilitates eating-disorder recovery support groups through the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, supporting individuals and families throughout recovery.
Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with more than 15 years of experience, primarily serving as a dietitian for the U.S. Army. Her clinical background centers on eating disorders, and she’s passionate about helping clients define their own values around food, weight, and movement. She also facilitates eating-disorder recovery support groups through the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, supporting individuals and families throughout recovery.
I’m Kyle Maiorana, a functional medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I take a whole-person, evidence-based approach to wellness and work with adults experiencing digestive issues, fatigue, inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, hormone concerns, cardiovascular and bone health issues, or those looking to optimize long-term health and longevity. Using an integrative, root-cause approach, we connect the dots between your symptoms, health history, nutrition, lifestyle, and lab work to create personalized, sustainable strategies that help you feel your best.
I’m Kyle Maiorana, a functional medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I take a whole-person, evidence-based approach to wellness and work with adults experiencing digestive issues, fatigue, inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, hormone concerns, cardiovascular and bone health issues, or those looking to optimize long-term health and longevity. Using an integrative, root-cause approach, we connect the dots between your symptoms, health history, nutrition, lifestyle, and lab work to create personalized, sustainable strategies that help you feel your best.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for heart disease, diabetes, and overall wellness. They often want practical ways to improve their health but feel unsure where to start or how to create lasting habits. I provide evidence-based, personalized nutrition guidance that helps clients better understand their health conditions and how lifestyle changes can improve outcomes. Together, we develop realistic strategies that fit their lifestyle, empowering them to take ownership of their health and create sustainable, positive change.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for heart disease, diabetes, and overall wellness. They often want practical ways to improve their health but feel unsure where to start or how to create lasting habits. I provide evidence-based, personalized nutrition guidance that helps clients better understand their health conditions and how lifestyle changes can improve outcomes. Together, we develop realistic strategies that fit their lifestyle, empowering them to take ownership of their health and create sustainable, positive change.
Hello! I am an Integrative & Functional Registered Dietitian specializing in Gut, Inflammatory and Metabolic Conditions.
I believe in the power of food as medicine and root-cause methodology to support my patients optimal health, to prevent and manage chronic diseases, and to promote wellness.
My approach utilizes an expanded toolkit of evidence-based Integrative and Functional Nutrition practices and can be employed to support a wide range of conditions. I offer advanced functional nutrition testing for food sensitivities, micronutrient deficiencies and stool testing.
Hello! I am an Integrative & Functional Registered Dietitian specializing in Gut, Inflammatory and Metabolic Conditions.
I believe in the power of food as medicine and root-cause methodology to support my patients optimal health, to prevent and manage chronic diseases, and to promote wellness.
My approach utilizes an expanded toolkit of evidence-based Integrative and Functional Nutrition practices and can be employed to support a wide range of conditions. I offer advanced functional nutrition testing for food sensitivities, micronutrient deficiencies and stool testing.
I help people build a healthier relationship with food while also meeting their real-life nutrition needs and goals. My approach is grounded in science, but always uniquely tailored to fit the needs of my clients - no one-size-fits-all solution. Sessions are collaborative and judgment-free, and I tailor strategies to your schedule, preferences, culture, and budget so they are realistic and sustainable. While I specialize in athletes and active individuals of all ages, my skills extend to serve a wide variety of nutrition needs. My goal is for you to leave our sessions feeling more confident, informed, and empowered.
I help people build a healthier relationship with food while also meeting their real-life nutrition needs and goals. My approach is grounded in science, but always uniquely tailored to fit the needs of my clients - no one-size-fits-all solution. Sessions are collaborative and judgment-free, and I tailor strategies to your schedule, preferences, culture, and budget so they are realistic and sustainable. While I specialize in athletes and active individuals of all ages, my skills extend to serve a wide variety of nutrition needs. My goal is for you to leave our sessions feeling more confident, informed, and empowered.
At Avance Care Nutrition, our highest priority is your health and well-being. Partner with one of our dietitians and your healthcare team to meet your health and wellness goals. We can partner with you to: reach a healthier weight without deprivation with a personalized, flexible lifestyle and eating plan, improve your relationship with food and your body, learn to listen to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness, reduce your risk for developing chronic conditions like heart disease or manage chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, with fewer medications.
At Avance Care Nutrition, our highest priority is your health and well-being. Partner with one of our dietitians and your healthcare team to meet your health and wellness goals. We can partner with you to: reach a healthier weight without deprivation with a personalized, flexible lifestyle and eating plan, improve your relationship with food and your body, learn to listen to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness, reduce your risk for developing chronic conditions like heart disease or manage chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, with fewer medications.
Welcome! I’m Amanda (she/her), one of the registered dietitians at Redefined Nutrition. I specialize in helping individuals with ADHD/Autism navigate the challenges they face with eating and nourishing their bodies, as it can often feel like one more thing to juggle. Distractions, sensory sensitivities, and inconsistent eating habits make things like meal planning and staying on track feel like a constant struggle. As a neurodivergent dietitian, I understand these challenges firsthand. Managing nutrition isn’t just about food—it’s about understanding how your unique brain works and finding ways to make eating less overwhelming.
Welcome! I’m Amanda (she/her), one of the registered dietitians at Redefined Nutrition. I specialize in helping individuals with ADHD/Autism navigate the challenges they face with eating and nourishing their bodies, as it can often feel like one more thing to juggle. Distractions, sensory sensitivities, and inconsistent eating habits make things like meal planning and staying on track feel like a constant struggle. As a neurodivergent dietitian, I understand these challenges firsthand. Managing nutrition isn’t just about food—it’s about understanding how your unique brain works and finding ways to make eating less overwhelming.
As a dietitian I am able to help people in a variety of ways. From sports performance, weight management, diabetes and disease management and other client needs I have been trained in a variety of areas to understand and apply science and research to develop the plan of action to help. Using evidenced based practices, I am able to create and execute a realistic and achievable plan for my clients.
As a dietitian I am able to help people in a variety of ways. From sports performance, weight management, diabetes and disease management and other client needs I have been trained in a variety of areas to understand and apply science and research to develop the plan of action to help. Using evidenced based practices, I am able to create and execute a realistic and achievable plan for my clients.
Our hope is to accompany you on your journey of re-discovering the sacred connection to your body while healing your relationship with food. Everyone is born with intuitive wisdom to nourish and care for themselves, no matter how dormant it may feel. We use a non-diet approach to nutrition based on intuitive eating principles, weight-inclusive, and flexible thinking. We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. We are passionate about incorporating somatic modalities and integrating functional nutrition approaches and eco-therapy into nutrition counseling.
Our hope is to accompany you on your journey of re-discovering the sacred connection to your body while healing your relationship with food. Everyone is born with intuitive wisdom to nourish and care for themselves, no matter how dormant it may feel. We use a non-diet approach to nutrition based on intuitive eating principles, weight-inclusive, and flexible thinking. We specialize in nutrition therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. We are passionate about incorporating somatic modalities and integrating functional nutrition approaches and eco-therapy into nutrition counseling.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Mcdowell 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.