Find a Nutritionist or Dietitian near you
The average rating for Bark Nutritionists & Dietitians is 4.88, based on 97,458 reviews
5/5
based on 97,458 reviews
Want to live a healthier lifestyle with help of a nutritionist or a dietitian, but not sure how much it will cost you? Read our handy guide to find out how much you’ll pay depending on your needs.
When it comes to all things food, the terms ‘nutritionist’ and ‘dietitian’ are often used interchangeably. But what is the difference between the two, and more importantly, which option should you choose?
In the US, a nutritionist refers to an individual who can offer nutritional advice. Whereas a dietitian is an expert in the field of dietetics which specifically looks at the effects of diet on health and medical conditions. To certify as a registered dietitian in the US, it’s necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete supervised experience, and pass a national exam.
Nutritionists often work on a freelance basis and some also work alongside dietitians within a clinical setting.
The practice as a whole combines elements of biochemistry, physiology, and research methods that relate to the science of nutrition.
To help you understand the difference in price between Nutritionists and Dietitians, we’ve put together a breakdown of rough costs so you can choose the right specialist for your budget:
| Type of profession | Highest average price (per hour) | Lowest average price (per hour) |
| Nutritionist | $150 | $50 |
| Dietitian | $300 | $50 |
The cost of a nutritionist or dietitian is impacted by a few key factors, including:
Whether you opt for a nutritionist or dietitian
Where you live
How many visits you need
As they are not qualified to give nutritional advice concerning certain medical conditions, nutritionists are the cheapest option to access, starting at around $50. But if you are just looking to feel healthier in your day-to-day life, then a nutritionist is a suitable option.
Starting at $100 on average per hour, dietitians are at the higher end of the pricing scale. Freelance dietitians may offer half or full-day appointments, which start at $500 and can jump up to $2,000 a day for the most experienced professionals.
However, if you need expert advice for a particular medical condition, then it’s well worth investing in a dietitian to maintain your health.
Your location is another factor to impact price. If you happen to live in a larger city and area with a higher cost of living generally, then your nutritionist will probably charge higher rates (we’re looking at you, New York!).
After your initial consultation, your nutritionist or dietitian will be able to advise you on how many sessions you’ll need. If you need multiple sessions they may offer a discount for a block booking, which will reduce the hourly rate. Alternatively, you can pay per session if you don’t have the money to pay for multiple sessions upfront, but this may cost you more overall.
If you are thinking about hiring a nutritionist or a dietitian, there are some health considerations you will need to take into account:
Switching up your diet is a huge step, and while it can produce amazing results it does need to be done in accordance with any allergies or dietary issues you have. It’s important to flag any food allergies to your dietitian or nutritionist so that they can incorporate this into your plan.
If you’re not sure whether you have any allergies, it’s advisable to take a food allergy test. This can cost anywhere between $50 - $1,000 depending on the type of test you need.
When pricing up the cost of a nutritionist or dietitian, it’s always helpful to have a list of goals in mind. For example, are you looking to lose weight, train for a marathon, or to reduce inflammation in the body?
Understanding what you want to achieve from the get-go will help you to make sure you and your nutritionist or dietitian are working towards the same goal, which will reduce the time needed to get there.
Every nutritionist will focus on a different area of specialism, so it’s important to know what you want to get out of the experience so you can choose the right professional for the job.
Food and lifestyle are closely linked. Your nutrition or dietitian must have a solid understanding of your diet, especially if you eat a lot of unhealthy foods, as this could severely impact your progress.
To ensure you’re eating the right foods, your expert will probably suggest meal prepping. While this does take time to organize it will ensure you stay on track with your nutrition. Whatsmore from a price perspective, meal prepping will save you a lot of money in the long run. Especially compared to expensive takeouts!
Diet and exercise go hand in hand. In terms of your nutrition plan, the specialist you see will need to factor in how many calories you are realistically burning. After all, if you are very active then you’ll need to ensure your calorie intake is enough to sustain this, otherwise, you could end up feeling fatigued.
Even a brisk walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will support the work you put in with your nutritionist or dietitian. However, it’s also important to be honest if you have no desire to exercise as the plan could be tailored incorrectly for your needs.
As the old saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’. If your diet isn’t making you feel energized and healthy, then a nutritionist is just what you need to set you on the right path towards a healthier lifestyle. Alternatively, if your dietary issue is related to a specific medical condition, then a dietitian will be better value for money as they are most equipped to tailor your plan to treat the issue. Either way, investing in your diet could help you save money in the long run by avoiding the wrong foods. It will also ensure you feel your absolute best.
Transform your health with the help of a Nutritionist or Dietitian on Bark.
The average rating for Bark Nutritionists & Dietitians is 4.88, based on 97,458 reviews
5/5
based on 97,458 reviews
