Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Registered Dietitian?
Is there a difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
What are the qualifications of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:
- Earned at minimum a four-year degree with course work approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.
- Completed 1,000+hrs of an accredited, supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency and foodservice corporation.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Completes continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
What should I expect during the initial visit?
Is it okay to snack?
Does insurance cover Professional Nutrition Consultations?
You will be provided with a receipt that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Individual appointments are scheduled for a specific time. A $25 cancellation fee will be billed to the individual for the missed appointment unless the RD is notified of cancellation at least 24 hours in advance.
How do I book an appointment?
Can I use your services if I live out of state?
Can I schedule an appointment for my child?
What is the difference between Fat Free, Reduced Fat and Lite?
- Low fat means 3 grams of fat or less per serving (or per 100 grams of food)
- Reduced fat means the food product contains 50% (or less) of the fat found in the regular version
- Less fat means 25% or less fat than the comparison food
- Fat free means the product has less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving, with no added fat or oil
- Light (fat) means 50% or less of the fat than in the regular version
- Light (calories) means 1/3 fewer calories than the regular version
See what people are saying
As soon as I met Helen I knew I made a life-changing choice. I have been struggling with losing a few pounds and trying to figure out what to eat for optimal health benefits. From my first visit, I knew I was on my way to a healthier me. Helen has educated me in several areas. Most importantly, learning how to fuel my body nutritiously. She also introduced me to an exercise program that fits my fitness level.
I recently began using Helen’s app that helps with meal planning. Helen created a nutrition prescription for me and the app gives menu options for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner. These are healthy choices that are easy and delicious. If there is something on the menu I do not find appealing, I am able to swap out the meal for other options. This app makes it easy to try new and different combinations of energizing food.
Helen has helped bring exciting variety to my meals. I am so grateful to have the expertise of Helen guiding me to a healthier lifestyle.
When it comes to meal planning, the app has been a game-changer! I can plan simple meals and snacks, and even swap out foods if I wish. By tracking my food choices, water intake, and exercise on a daily log within the app, I can hold myself accountable for the goals I have set for myself. The grocery list feature allows me to add any ingredients I need right into my Instacart app with a click and my meals are planned and shopped for!! So convenient.
I have been pleasantly surprised with the app and Helen’s input when it comes to making weeknights a little less hectic, and a little healthier!
Realizing you have an eating disorder is one thing, admitting it is another. Doing something about it can seem overwhelming. When you have help along the recovery route, it becomes manageable and you can begin to unlearn the old habits and replace them with better ones. My focus had always been on weight, exercise and calories at the expense of nutrition. Once I was ready to start addressing it, Helen helped me break things down into small digestible steps that I can learn one at a time. In less than two months my back pain has improved, my body and mind feel better and while I still have a lot to learn, the difference I’ve noticed in six weeks is remarkable. Helen doesn’t use the word diet. Rather, she focuses on your individual needs and helps you address things one by one. I’m grateful to have her guide the nutrition side of my recovery.
Although my goal is weight loss, Helen has an attitude and approach that doesn’t make me feel judged, outcasted, or downgraded. Her focus is on healthy lifestyle changes and not the number on the scale. I lost my first 20 lbs in less than 3 months, even with numerous celebration and parties. Helen encouraged me to have fun and enjoy my time. It makes what she teaches you realistic. This isn’t a fad diet. It is a new way of life and a reasonable one!
During high school, I was a three-sport athlete and I went from working out 5 to 7 days a week to starting college and living away from home during the pandemic. I found myself not having access to a gym or healthy meals and it resulted in weight gain and stress. Helen helped me set achievable goals and balance nutrition and exercise. I have more energy, lost the weight I had gained, and feel good about myself again.
I have made it to the gym 3 days in a row. One day my husband came also. I am trying Helen’s recipes and have decided to cook ahead on Saturday. Thank you for helping me reach my goals and as you say, “It is for me and my health”…I do feel better over all! I share what I have learned with others. And people are coming out of the wood work, coming up to me saying what a change they see in me. I am looking forward to wearing shorts this summer. I haven’t worn any for 3 yrs…. just capri’s!
I cannot express my gratitude enough to Helen Agresti of Professional Nutrition Consulting.
Recently, while at a social gathering, I was talking about the summer and all it will hold this year. Although tiring…the summer was full of activity. Helen smiled warmly and then noticed, as I proceeded to go through my third glass of water…not the water all the ice I was chewing. She mentioned this may be a sign of low iron. Upon her recommendation, I visited my family physician and had blood work done. One week later, the letter arrived. I am indeed anemic and need to start a Iron supplement immediately. Helen has always been a true champion for her clients, but it is also her skillful and comprehensive approach to her work that allows her clients to reach their true potentials. Through casual conversation, she demonstrated how she crosses into all aspects of her expertise…healthy on the inside and outside.
Many many thanks and so much Gratitude!