Worried that a dietitian is going to judge you? Don't be.
Many people hesitate to seek help from a dietitian because they fear being judged. There's a widespread misconception that dietitians will scold you for your eating habits or impose rigid, joyless rules about what you can and cannot eat. However, the reality couldn't be more different.
Sarah Howe McKenna, a registered dietitian with experience in both hospital and private practice settings, emphasizes that her role is to support clients in achieving their health goals, offering guidance in a way that's empathetic, nonjudgmental, and tailored to each individual. "The biggest misconception is that we're here to judge you or make you feel guilt or shame around the food that you're eating," Sarah explains. "That's absolutely not what we're here to do."
It's normal to be afraid of being judged
The fear of judgment that holds people back from seeing a dietitian often stems from societal guilt and shame surrounding food choices. Messages about "good" and "bad" foods dominate diet culture, creating anxiety about seeking professional advice.
Sarah notes that many people believe dietitians will focus on what they're doing wrong or forbid them from eating their favorite foods. "People often think dietitians are very prescriptive," she says. "They assume we're going to tell them what they're doing wrong and give them a list of things they need to change. But that's not how most of us work."
So what really happens when you work with a dietitian?
In truth, dietitians like Sarah prioritize collaboration and understanding. Sarah's practice is built on the idea of meeting clients where they are, focusing on their goals rather than imposing her own. "We're really here to help people figure out what they want to achieve and how we can support them in getting there," she says.
She emphasizes creating a supportive environment to alleviate any guilt or shame clients may feel about their past eating habits. "I always tell clients, 'This is a judgment-free zone. What are you hoping to achieve, and how can I help you get there?'"
A dietitian will work with you to set achievable, personalized goals. For Sarah's clients, that means walking through their current habits and identifying manageable changes. Over time, a dietitian can guide you through building small habits that add up to a big lifestyle change. "If it's easy, it's more likely to happen," Sarah explains. "If you have to change everything all at once, it can be really overwhelming and less likely to stick."
Your time with a dietitian should be a two-way conversation, not a time when you are just told what to do without giving any input. Sarah explains how this works with her clients: "I'll lay out several options and ask, 'What do you think would be easiest for you to start with?' Some people find one intervention easy, while others prefer a different route. It's all about what works best for them."
Dietitians can also direct you to other resources and tools that you might not find on your own. When needed, Sarah directs her clients to free and low-cost community resources and programs that support their goals.
Feel better, sooner
Whether you're managing a condition like prediabetes or simply looking to improve your nutrition, a dietitian can be an invaluable partner in your journey.
If you've been hesitant to seek help, Sarah encourages you to take the first step. "We're here to support you and work with you," she says. "The sooner you start, the sooner you can feel better and reach your goals."
Sarah Howe McKenna is a registered dietitian who loves helping people feel better. Learn more about her at howenutritious.com.