How You Can Benefit from Nutritional Counseling
The foods we eat can impact our health in many ways. Learn how nutritional counseling can help you reach your health goals with food and how to get started.
What we eat impacts our health in many ways. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help us be physically active and fit. Foods we consume can also help prevent diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Chronic conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure can be managed by making dietary changes.
Nutritional counseling can give you personalized assistance in adopting healthy eating habits. Think of it as having a guide who can help you navigate through the maze of food choices, selecting the right path to reach your health goals. Let’s take a closer look at what nutritional counseling is and how you can benefit from it.
What is Nutritional Counseling?
It’s a process where a healthcare professional with training in nutrition helps people make dietary changes and teaches them how to eat healthier. Nutritional counseling can assist with meal planning, portion control, and addressing eating patterns.
What Professionals Offer Nutritional Counseling?
Registered dietitians most often provide nutritional counseling. Nutritionists can also offer this support.
How Does Nutritional Counseling Work?
The counselor meets with you to do an initial assessment. They’ll discuss your health history and any food allergies, current dietary habits, physical activity levels, and your goals. They’ll learn about your food budget and cultural preferences.
Some of the questions the counselor may ask include:
- What do you want to change about your diet?
- What are your biggest barriers to healthy eating?
- How do your dietary habits affect your daily activities?
The counselor will then develop a personalized nutrition plan for you. The plan may include suggested meals tailored to your preferences and dietary restrictions. The counselor will also discuss strategies around meal preparation, grocery shopping, and eating out. Counseling may include recommended changes in your eating behaviors.
The counselor will monitor your progress through regular follow-up sessions and adjust your personal plan as needed. The goal is to help you make gradual changes that you can sustain over time. The counselor will also provide ongoing guidance and assistance.
What Kind of Education is Provided?
Nutritional counseling includes education about good nutrition, such as:
- How different foods impact your health
- Reading food labels and understanding serving sizes
- How to identify hunger cues and triggers for overeating
- Making mindful food choices
- •Understanding your nutrient and calorie requirements
Who Can Benefit from Nutritional Counseling?
You can benefit from nutritional counseling if you:
- Have a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, or kidney disease
- Are at risk of developing a condition such as osteoporosis or diabetes
- Are looking to manage your weight
- Have a digestive or eating disorder
- Want to improve your physical fitness or overall health
- Are pregnant or planning to have child
- Have one or more food allergies
Does Blue Cross Vermont Cover Nutritional Counseling?
Our qualified health plans for individuals and families cover nutritional counseling by in-network providers. Some of our group health plans also cover nutritional counseling. Check your outline of coverage to see if your plan includes nutritional counseling and for details on cost-sharing, such as copayments or coinsurance.
How Do I Get Nutritional Counseling?
Use our online Find-a-Doctor tool to search for an in-network registered dietician or nutritionist near you.
Is Nutritional Counseling Available Online?
Yes, Blue Cross Vermont members have online access to nutritional counseling through the Amwell telemedicine platform. For answers to common questions about Amwell nutrition counseling, click here.
What If I Have Questions?
If you need more information about nutritional counseling or have any questions, please call our customer service team at (800) 247-2583. They are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also log into your Member Resource Center account and send a secure email.
