Frequently Asked Questions
Your Nutrition Questions Answered
What does a Dietitian do?
Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level.They use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. They work in the NHS and in private clinics. They work with healthy and sick people in a variety of settings.
What will happen during the sessions?
How each professional will carry out their sessions varies depending on the professionals themselves, the client, and what the purpose of the sessions are.
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Before the first session, the client may be asked to complete a questionnaire, detailing their diet, lifestyle, and any health problems they may have. During the first session, the dietitian will discuss the findings, going into greater detail. They may make some simple recommendations that can be carried out straight away, and, if needs be, suggest some supplements. The professional will also develop a personal plan, to be carried out and monitored long term. It will include meal plans, exercise regimes, supplements, and suggestions of any alternative therapy which may be beneficial.
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The subsequent sessions then monitor progress, amending the plan as necessary, and providing motivation and support. These sessions may take place face-to-face, or some nutrition professionals may offer phone and email support instead of, or in addition, to this.
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Typically sessions last can last from 45 minutes.
I have a few medical conditions and dietary requirements. Is this plan suitable for me?
YES! Just let me know your history and your dietary requirements and we’ll get a plan to suit you. For example, I have clients that come to me with low cholesterol and high blood pressure, who are able to change to a healthier lifestyle, making a huge change when they go back to the doctors. We also offer session for disease prevention, diabetes and cholesterol if those are the first line issues which you woud like to address. And don't worry if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, we can still work around those and give the perfect diet plan for you.
Will I need to exercise along with following the diet plan that is recommended?
Start Nutrition focuses on food, but I do believe that exercise is another key to a healthy mind and healthy body. It’s not compulsory for you to add exercise to your routine, but it’s something that could be helpful along side the food changes you will be making. But we all know how daunting it can be to take that first step o go to the gym, so don't worry because gym is also no the only option. We may be able to discuss options once you have a handle on your food. Whatever you’re most comfortable with, and remember you never have to do something you don't want to!
What forms of payment does Start Nutrition take?
We accept online card payments or bank transfers only. Please email and get in touch with us to get bank details for bank transfer.
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Is there a minimum number of sessions I need to sign up for?
No there is no minimum requirement of sessions that you need to sign up for. Everyone's body is different, so the rate at which each individual progresses or sees changes will be different. Additional your plan will be customised to you, your lifestyle and current habits, which could be very different to another person's. So you can do as many sessions as you want with us, with no minimum or maximum number of sessions required.
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However there are membership plans which are available for you to purchase, where you need to sign up and pay up front for a certain number of session, these can be discussed in your initial consultation.
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
Dietitians are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level for individuals that require either clinical or non-clinical input. Dietitians are also the only nutrition professionals to be regulated by law, and are governed by an ethical code to ensure that they always work to the highest standard. Whereas nutritionist are qualified to provide information about food and healthy eating, but only to people that do not have any underlying clinical conditions, so they cannot advice on special diets for medical conditions.
I feel like I am underweight, are there any plans for weight gain?
Yes of course, the weight counselling plan is for both groups of people, those that are looking to lose weight as well as those looking to gain weight. It is an ideal plan if weight gain is your focus and the reason as to why you are starting your nutrition journey with us. Gaining weight in a healthy way can be quite difficult sometimes
Does Start Nutrition also consult with growing children for diet plans?
Yes along with adults we also consult with children of all ages, addressing issues with weight, sports nutrition, faltering growth, food allergies and intolerances and type 1 diabetes.