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
Although my goal is to loss weight, Helen has an attitude and approach that doesn’t make me feel judged, outcasted, or downgraded. Her focus is on healthy life style changes and not the number on the scale. I lost my first 20lbs 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!
Helen has really helped me get the most out of my diet and exercise plan. She taught me to really understand the nutrition label and how to make healthier choices that make a difference. Helen doesn’t use the word “diet” I have learned from her that I am making a lifestyle change. She is easy to work with and has a lot of great ideas to make your favorite meals healthier.
I am so thankful for finding Helen. She has been great in helping me lose weight (over 20 pounds!) but more importantly, helping me learn to live a healthier lifestyle with food and exercise. Helen is very patient and encouraging on this journey. I have learned to read labels better and also the importance of putting the right combination of foods together for sustainable energy. There are no gimmicks or prepackaged foods with Helen. It is about making right choices, eating whole foods and exercising. Thank you, Helen!
I have never been able to lose weight until I met Helen. She is a great motivator and always has a smile and something good to say to me in a positive way. Before seeing Helen twice a month I ate chips, cookies, crackers and all the quick and fattening foods that are easy to get and a quick fix. I now go to the gym and swim and exercise when before I sat and ate all evening. Now I have lost almost 25 pounds and I feel so much better. To be continued!!
I went to see Helen about losing weight. I’ve tried to lose weight in the past and would lose 4 or 5 pounds and then gain it right back. I’m an unusual client because I work 3rd shift. Helen helped me figure out what I should be eating and when. She also said I would lose 20 pounds in 2 months and I thought she was crazy but before the 2 months was up I had lost 20 lbs. I now realize by eating right and adding some exercise anyone can lose the weight if they set their mind to it. I still have a little farther to go to reach my goal but I know with Helen’s help I will achieve the goal I set out for.