Take time to focus on your physical well-being this spring by scheduling a nutrition counseling visit with the University Health Center registered dietitian. Not sure if nutrition counseling is right for you? Check out these frequently asked questions below.
How can nutrition counseling help me?
Everyone can benefit from seeing a registered dietitian. Although it is often used as a tool for managing weight, nutrition counseling can also help with other concerns such as:
• Anxiety and depression
• Diabetes
• Digestive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Fatigue
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Heart health
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Hormone health
• Kidney/renal concerns
• Migraines
• Stress
• Special diets such as vegan or vegetarian
• When BMI is below 18.5 or greater than 25.0
• To eat according to your genes
• To use a “whole systems” approach to personalize and restore function and outcome.
Nutrition counseling can also be helpful for those who are simply looking to fine-tune their food choices or get inspiration for new, healthy recipes.
What happens during a nutrition counseling appointment?
Your first appointment is a one-hour initial assessment where you will discuss your goals and reasons for visiting. The dietitian will review your medical history, including any medications or supplements you are currently taking. He may ask about your lifestyle, including your stress and energy levels, exercise, current eating habits, sleep patterns, and more. From there, you will work collaboratively to develop a nutrition plan that will help you achieve your goals.
To a certain extent, rather than follow generic nutrition guidelines that take a one-size-fits-all approach, our dietitian uses a combination of nutrition guidelines and genetic testing to create personalized nutrition care proven to be effective for your specific DNA. For example, the general recommendation for coffee consumption is no more than four cups a day. However, your DNA test results may reveal you carry a gene that increases your risk of heart disease, which means you should limit your coffee consumption to a different amount each day because your metabolism of caffeine is slow compared to a faster metabolism. This same approach is used to determine your body’s unique limitations for sodium, omega-3 fats and more.
How many appointments will I need?
This varies depending on your goals. Most patients come in for at least two to three sessions. You may need to schedule a follow up visit every so often to review your goals or help get back on track.
How much does it cost?
If you are a student who pays student fees, your first nutrition counseling appointment is no additional cost. Each 30-minute return appointment will incur a charge, which can be submitted to your private insurance. To determine how much your visit will cost, contact your health insurance provider for coverage information. All visits have a charge for UNL faculty and staff.
Students enrolled in the university’s student insurance plan can receive all nutrition counseling visits for no cost in most cases. If you do not have insurance, you can pay out-of-pocket at a discounted rate or apply for the Nebraska Medicine financial assistance program.
Do I have to visit in person?
If you live outside of Lincoln or do not feel comfortable coming to the health center, you may be eligible to schedule your nutrition counseling visit as a telehealth appointment. This allows you to meet with the registered dietitian from the comfort of your home through your mobile device or computer.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call the health center at 402.472.5000 anytime Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment. Nutrition counseling is offered Thursdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Learn more about nutrition counseling services by visiting the health center website.
More details at: https://health.unl.edu/welcome