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What is a Dietitian?

Wait. Is it dietician or dietitian?

It’s dietitian. 

Although I think spelling it with a “c” makes more sense. 

I’ve been called many things: nutritionist, dietary, and an 11-year-old once called me a mortician. So let me clarify, my name is Elisa, and I’m a Registered Dietitian. I get it, no one really knows what that is or what I do, not even my parents.

I am writing this blog to explain.

A dietitian is an expert in the biology, chemistry, sociology, psychology, economics, and politics of food, nutrition, weight, and health. Registered dietitians are required to complete a bachelor’s degree, dietetic internship, and pass a registration exam. In addition, most dietitians have continued their education to include a master’s degree and/or some sort of specialization certificate. We are required to follow evidence-based guidelines and to stay up to date on the latest research in the field. 

I am not saying this to brag. Rather, to differentiate a registered dietitian from all the other people who talk about nutrition. Whether that’s your doctor, chiropractor, favorite news reporter, or family member sitting across from you at the dinner table. 

A lot of people think that we just tell people what to eat, but the reality is a bit different. In fact, we will rarely want to dictate your food choices. Instead, we provide you with information and tools to allow you to listen and respond to your natural body cues. There are many types of dietitians out there and we all specialize in different areas of the medical and mental health field. 

I specialize in eating disorder recovery, health at every size, intuitive eating, and body liberation. My experience in this field comes from both personal experience with my own eating disorder recovery and from over 5 years of professional work with clients who suffer with eating disorders and other mental health issues. I have also been professionally trained to use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Family Based Therapy (FBT) to help my clients reach full recovery. 

In our sessions, I become your guide through the recovery journey. I will be there to listen, provide education on important topics, collaborate with you to take on challenges, and help you to navigate through barriers and obstacles. 

I’d like to say that you’ll laugh in our sessions too, but most of my jokes are pretty cringe. You can expect that each session is tailored to your needs, because everyone’s journey is unique and different.

Hopefully this has cleared up some of the confusion for you and possibly even my parents.

Elisa Salvat is a registered dietitian, accepting new clients, at Elle. She is one of three specialists who work in tandem with our mental health therapists to treat those coping with an eating disorder or general nutrition needs. Elisa is also a certified personal trainer who can blend her nutrition work with a positive exercise experience.