What do Registered Dietitians Nutritionists Do?

When people think of a dietitian, they often imagine meal plans, calorie tracking, or “eat this, not that” lists.

But in reality, dietetic work goes far beyond food rules — it’s about people, their goals, and the context that shapes their choices.

Today, I want to pull back the curtain and show you what real, evidence-based, compassionate nutrition support looks like.

 

✨ Client 1: Navigating Supplements Safely

From social media ads to influencer “miracle cures,” it seems like everyone’s selling a supplement these days.

One of my clients came to me feeling completely overwhelmed — she wanted to improve her energy levels and immunity but didn’t know which products were actually necessary or safe.

Together, we reviewed her current health status, medications, and lab results. We discussed what evidence supports (and what doesn’t), identified potential nutrient gaps, and built a simple, sustainable supplement routine that fit her lifestyle without overloading her body or wallet.

The takeaway: More isn’t always better. The goal is targeted, not trendy.

 

🔥 Client 2: Managing Menopause + Weight Changes

Another client came to me struggling with the changes that menopause brought — disrupted sleep, hot flashes, and shifts in weight that felt frustrating and unfamiliar.

We focused on realistic, supportive strategies: balancing macronutrients, optimizing protein for muscle health, incorporating movement she actually enjoyed, and addressing emotional wellbeing alongside nutrition.

Through small, consistent changes, she began feeling stronger, more energized, and more at peace with her body’s transitions.

The takeaway: Nutrition in menopause isn’t about restriction — it’s about reconnection.

 

💬 Client 3: Supporting a Teen’s Relationship with Food

This family reached out because their teenager was showing signs of anxiety around eating. We worked alongside her therapist to educate and identify if further intervention was needed.

That meant open conversations, exposure to fear foods, and helping the parents model positive language around meals.

The takeaway: Supporting a teen with food is about compassion, not control.

 

💡 The Real Work of a Dietitian

These stories might sound completely different — because they are.

Each client brings a unique background, set of goals, and lived experience. What ties them together is a shared commitment to learning, self-compassion, and growth.

Real dietitian work is:

• • Evidence-based, not influencer-driven

• • Personalized, not one-size-fits-all

• • Compassionate, not judgmental

 

🌱 Curious if Working With a Dietitian Could Help You?

Whether you’re trying to manage symptoms, improve your relationship with food, or just feel more confident about your choices, working with a registered dietitian can help you find balance that lasts.

💬 Let’s chat — book a free discovery call and let’s see what your version of “balanced, not perfect” could look like.

 

Michele Pflug, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist