4 reasons to see a dietitian or nutritionist

Getting your diet and nutrition right can help you feel more energised, maintain a healthy weight, perform at your best, and reduce your risk of future health problems¹.

But what does ‘eating right’ mean for you? And who can you trust to help you on your way to better health?

At HBF we have you covered (pardon the pun) with our extras coverage. Depending on your cover, we can pay benefits towards consultations with approved dietitians or nutritionists, who can give you expert advice on healthy food choices and the relationship between your body, your diet and your health.

What’s the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?

To begin, let’s take a quick look at the difference between dietitians and nutritionists. Both dietitians and nutritionists offer evidence-based advice on food selection, nutrition, and the relationship between your body, your health and the food you eat.

Dietitians are regulated and meet strict standards as set out by the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP). This includes holding an accredited dietetics degree, commitment to ongoing training and education throughout their careers, and adherence to a code of conduct as set out by Dietitians Australia².

Nutritionists, on the other hand, are not regulated in Australia under NASRHP or certified under a single regulatory body, and are not qualified to provide medical advice or work in medical centres and hospitals². Instead, they are consultants in public health, deal in food policy, ensure food safety standards are maintained, and can work with you to create healthy dietary goals.

Reason 1: Take your fitness to the next level

While your favourite footy team probably has a couple on staff, specialised sports dietitians aren't exclusive to elite athletes. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming swim, cycle or run (or all three), dietitians and nutritionists can help you achieve your best in training, recovery, and performance.

Nutrition planning is an essential tool for athletes, helping you to boost your strength, speed, and endurance, and tailor hydration and sodium requirements to your specific needs. Dietitians and nutritionists can also offer valuable insights into portion control, macronutrient balance, and supplementation³.

Reason 2: Help your digestive health

Ever wondered why our gut is referred to as a second brain? Also known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), our gut contains a staggering 100 million nerve cells, which regulate everything from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food, and the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption and elimination⁴.

Dietitians and nutritionists possess in-depth knowledge of this complex system, including how different foods and dietary patterns impact digestive processes, enabling them to identify potential triggers for digestive discomfort or disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and food intolerances⁵.

Once identified, a dietitian or nutritionist can recommend foods to alleviate discomfort and reduce triggers, while ensuring no key nutrients are missing from your diet⁵.

Reason 3: Support during pregnancy

Visiting a dietitian or nutritionist during pregnancy can offer invaluable support in helping to ensure the health of mum and bub. This can include developing personalised meal plans that provide essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for fetal development⁶.

Dietitians and nutritionists can also offer guidance on managing common pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, and constipation through dietary adjustments and supplementation recommendations.

If you’re concerned about weight gain, gestational diabetes, or food safety, a dietitian or nutritionist can help you make informed choices to support a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Reason 4: Tackle fussy eating habits

While fussy eating is common among children, it can be a source of stress for parents. If you're worried about your child's eating habits, consulting a dietitian or nutritionist can offer invaluable advice and strategies to encourage healthy eating behaviours within your family.

Dietitians and nutritionists specialise in understanding the complexities of dietary preferences and behaviours, recognising that fussy eating often stems from a combination of psychological, sensory, and environmental factors⁷.

Dietitians and nutritionists employ evidence-based approaches to gradually expose individuals to new foods, incorporating sensory exploration techniques and fun mealtime strategies to reduce anxiety and resistance⁷.

What's covered by extras insurance?

With Complete 60 extras or Top 70 extras from HBF, you can receive 60% or more reimbursement on every consultation, subject to your annual limit*. This coverage extends to all dietitians and nutritionists recognised by HBF.

Find a dietitian or nutritionist by using our Find a provider tool.