Nationwide, a nutritionist costs roughly $70 $100 on average. Nutritionists provide expertise and guidance for help with weight loss, muscle gain, meal plans, improved sports performance, management of health conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol, and better overall health.
Nutritional counseling benefits clients of any age, following any particular dietary programs. People can get help with special diets such as low-sodium, gluten-free, low-carbohydrate, high-protein, vegetarian, or vegan. People who have food allergies or diabetes can also benefit from the help of a nutritionist. The choice is yours! Whether youre looking for help losing weight, or need a consultation for a new diet, theres a nutritionist in your ZIP code who can help. Lets look at the factors that affect the cost of nutrition counseling and how to choose the right nutritionist for you.
Several factors affect the cost of nutritionist services, including their education level, the pricing structure and packages they offer, and their reputation and geographic location. Lets break it down.
The title nutritionist is not protected by law and does not require regulation, whereas the title dietitian does require specialized education and clinical training. While many nutritionists may have completed formal training or have university degrees in nutrition, they are not required to do so to use that title. Registered dietitians (RDs) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are regulated and licensed by the state in which they operate. As such, RDs and RDNs may charge higher fees than someone operating solely as a nutritionist.
Well-known and sought-after nutritionists often have higher fees per session than those just starting out. Those with advanced degrees and training can also charge more. Geographic location has an effect on the cost of services; nutrition counselors in larger cities and areas with a higher cost of living usually charge higher rates.
Many nutritionists and dietitians require an initial consultation to assess the clients nutritional needs and determine the best course of action.
Here are pricing examples from two different professionals:
Ongoing sessions are usually priced less than the initial intake session and can be purchased on a visit-by-visit basis.
Here are examples of ongoing nutritional counseling session rates:
Typically, hiring a nutritionist costs less per session when purchased in bulk or as a package from one service provider.
For example, heres how Smathers Nutrition breaks down her pricing structure into different types of packages:
There are a few steps you can take to aid in your decision-making to ensure that you hire a nutritionist who will be the right fit for you and your health goals:
Hiring a nutritionist is a great and proactive move for your health, and it doesnt have to break the bank. Here are some ways to save money on the cost of hiring a nutritionist:
Your health is something that should be taken seriously, and any good nutritionist knows that one size does not fit all. Each person is a unique individual and the right pro can help you establish a tailored plan based on your health needs, food preferences, and lifestyle goals. Whether youre looking to lose weight or have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, celiac disease, food allergies, or problems with emotional eating, youll receive support to help you set priorities, monitor your progress, and maintain your success from a trained and certified nutritionist.
A nutritionist can also help you better understand any conditions that you may have and the impact nutrition can have on your health. In addition to providing nutrition information and advice, professional nutritionists are trained to empower their clients by providing support and motivation. They will help to hold you accountable for making and maintaining lifestyle changes and will celebrate both your short- and long-term successes.
Changing your lifestyle isnt easy, which is why professional nutritionists are equipped to handle inevitable roadblocks. A nutritionist can work with you to find solutions to challenges, and tweak your plan to make it work for you. Whatever your health goals are, theres a Thumbtack nutritionist who is the right fit for you and your lifestyle.