How Does a Nutritionist and Dietitian Differ?

Whether you’re seeking to shed that extra weight, add more whole foods to your diet, or address a chronic health condition through food versus medicine, you may wonder if you need to see a nutritionist or a dietitian. Understanding the difference between the two could significantly impact your wellness roadmap.

Nutritionists Focus on Personalized Plans

A functional nutritionist like Gabrielle Grandell focuses more on personalized plans, addressing root cause issues of health symptoms. This involves considering factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environment—also known as bio-individuality. Everyone’s different, so nutrition should be tailored, not generic.

A nutritionist also doesn’t just count calories or suggest a trendy diet. They consider various elements, including the gut microbiome, which influences the timing and types of food best suited for the individual. “I’m taking a deeper dive to set clients up for success,” said Gabrielle.

Dietitians Stick to Strict Guidelines

On the other hand, dietitians adhere to guidelines set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These guidelines are not individualized; they’re more like a standard dietary rule book that has evolved over time. The problem? These guidelines don’t account for each individual’s unique needs and circumstances, putting everyone into groups based on age and sex instead of addressing bio-individuality.

Follow the Funding

Without intending to vilify dietitians, a revealing aspect worth noting is that much of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ funding comes from big food companies. This raises questions about the influence these companies may have over dietary recommendations. Are our health interests truly at the forefront, or is it more about promoting certain commodities like corn and soy?

There’s always been a push for the American population to eat more of those foods when in reality, that’s not what helps us to be healthier. In fact, it makes us sicker
Gabrielle

Gabrielle’s Education & Certifications

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics at Texas Woman’s University, Gabrielle started her career in clinical nutrition at Baylor University Medical Center. She has been practicing as a Functional Nutritionist for the last 12 years.

She also earned her certification as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC) at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). She was also an adjunct faculty member at FMCA for two years. In addition she was one of the first National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches in the US and has several other certifications.