How Much Do Nutritionist Services Cost in Houston?
Working on our health is not as hard as we think it is. In fact, it is good for us to find time to take morning walks in parks, visit the farmer’s market, cook good food, and breathe fresh air.
Still, we have to admit – we do need some professional help sometimes. And that’s where dietitians and nutritionists come in.
These specialists offer services that not only evaluate and monitor our diets, but also alter it to produce the best results. Their advice can greatly impact our health and resolve our nutrient deficiencies, but we also need to make sure that we’re working with the right one.
Initial consultations may be more expensive, ranging from $100 to $250, while follow-up visits are charged at a lower rate. Still, we consider this a valuable investment, considering the insight you can get about your health and how your current diet affects it.
If your goal is to lose some weight, or to gain some, they know how to go about it without being too hard on your body. So do away with those fad and crash diets, and take the sustainable route.
Learn more about what nutritionists in Houston can do for you.
What is a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists are specialists that offer advice regarding nutrition and dieting for better health, to manage chronic disease. Some athletes preparing for sports or open swimming tournaments also make consultations to reinforce their diets.
Their services come in programs that are specifically designed to help you move towards your goal.
They are the top choice consultant for people looking to lose weight without having to hustle hard at the gym. They are also the better source of information for meal prepping, instead of going for fad diets like mediterranean, pescatarean, vegetarian, or keto.
In fact, a study from the East Carolina University showed that obese female patients who worked with nutritionists and dietitians had a better weight loss success rate, when compared to those who didn’t.
However, the only difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian is that the latter is required to complete a program and maintain their license.
Most nutritionists work under community nutrition, so you may find them at schools, health clinics, agency programs, and recreational centers. Now, you can find more under clinical nutrition, setting up their own private practice to accommodate their network of clients.
What are Nutritionist Services?
When people seek the services of a nutritionist, most have no idea what questions to ask or how to establish their goal. That said, let’s go over the different specializations to guide you on what kind of services you may need.
Pediatric nutritionists aim towards the optimal health of children and adolescents, generally those below 18 years of age. These specialists conduct assessments to develop a good diet for kids, whether they have chronic illness or simply just picky eaters.
Gerontological or geriatrics nutritionists specialize in the diet and nutrition of the elderly or adults with eating disorders. They normally work under hospice centers or nursing homes for aging seniors.
Sports nutritionists require both extensive knowledge on nutrition, fitness, and sports performance, making it a complex specialization. They work closely with high-performing athletes to help them reinforce their physique and stamina for future strenuous activity.
Nephrology or renal nutritionists, on the other hand, work alongside patients with kidney disease to ensure optimal nutrient consumption while managing the complications of the sickness.
While most chronic illnesses require the evaluation and monitoring of diet, renal nutrition aims to keep the patients at their best health. Some of these patients may even have high blood pressure and diabetes, which determines their nutrition program.
How Much Does Nutritionist Advice Cost?
In 2019, nutritionists in Houston will charge $40-$50 for half-hour sessions, $60 to $90 for one hour sessions, and monthly packages ranging from $200 to $550.
The rates may also vary if the nutritionist is an exclusive private practitioner, or if they are also working with community clinics. Their specializations also affect the cost, since gerontological or geriatric nutritionist services are cheaper than those for sports and fitness.
According to Women’s Health, we should prepare a budget of $100 to $250 for the initial appointment just to be safe.
Another thing to note is that insurance doesn’t always cover the cost. Indeed, nutritionist services are not cheap, and we still need to factor in the location, speciality, and expertise of your nutritionists to determine eligibility for coverage.
What to Consider When Choosing a Nutritionist
At the heart of the matter, we should always ask ourselves if we truly need the services of a nutritionist. And, if we do, we need to know the main considerations before making our choice.
That’s because choosing the right professional to work with you can make all the difference between reaching your goal or not. Yes, finding the right one is a challenge, so let’s focus on other factors to consider.
Checking for Credentials and Certifications
Given that they are not medical doctors, nutritionists should have enough certifications and credentials to show that they are qualified to practice.
However, we must note that nutritionists in Houston are not obligated by the state to undergo an educational program, or apply for licensure. Still, we urge interested clients to check the background, as well as the experience of their chosen nutritionist.
Matching the Specialization
Nutrition is a wide field of study. So, we recommend you ask your nutritionist what their specialty is before making the choice.
Knowing their specialty determines how well they can help you with your goal – whether it be for weight loss, treatment, diet monitoring, or making your own personal program. This also gives you the best value for your money.
It also helps if you inquire about the flexibility of their programs – if they offer online support groups, or one-on-one sessions. This way you know if it fits your schedule.
