Nutritionist advice? Mine was horrible..

HayleyAnne012911
HayleyAnne012911 Posts: 79 Member
edited December 1 in Food and Nutrition
Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?
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Replies

  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    BecomingBane wrote: »
    Nutritionist is a title that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Not to say that all nutritionists are bad, but I could get a nutritionist certification online in under a day.

    If you are looking for accurate dietary advice, you'll need to see if you can see a registered dietitian. They will have a degree behind their name and be far more knowledgeable in the subject matter.

    Pretty much this. Glad you saw that fool for what she was. Keep doing what you know is best for you.
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  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    vinegar_husbands wrote: »
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    Are doggies just meant to exercise themselves or something? :D

    Doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists tend to be pretty freakin' stupid when it comes to dietary advice, regardless of their credentials. Keep doing what works for you.

    eh Doctors I agree with unless a specialist...they don't get a lot of training in nutrition etc..about 6 hours on average.

    Nutritionist can get their papers online.

    Registered dietitians are specialist and as long as they are up to date those are the ones that you need to go to.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,744 Member
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    vinegar_husbands wrote: »
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    Are doggies just meant to exercise themselves or something? :D

    Doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists tend to be pretty freakin' stupid when it comes to dietary advice, regardless of their credentials. Keep doing what works for you.

    I agree, my puppy is also chubby so I figured why not do this together? We do spurts of running and then walking and alternating because I'm no track star yet, but I almost felt she made me feel guilty like I wasn't trying, and clearly with my results I have been. Here I am on day 19 with no soda and have lost 8 pounds in a less than a month. Thanks for your opinions guys. I'm cancelling my appointment with her for the follow up in 4 weeks and will just keep doing what I'm doing. Just had to vent some.

    Good idea. Doesn't sound like she's a good fit for you at all. And, ANY movement we do is good, particularly walking and even better with a dog! Yeah, I'd completely ignore what you were told and just keep doing what you're doing now. Quite disappointing to hear, though. I'm sure you were looking forward to some good advice and assistance.
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I really can't imagine anyone suggesting not to walk, it is probably the safest low impact exercise there is. That and the "eat more bread" has me scratching my head. If I were you I would ask the nutritionist "can you explain why?"
  • chunky_pinup
    chunky_pinup Posts: 758 Member
    rsclause wrote: »
    If I were you I would ask the nutritionist "can you explain why?"

    This. Make them explain themselves and their research behind what they tell you. I am an RD. I have made a career change in the past three years, but keep my credentials up to date. There is a MASSIVE difference between the education a nutritionist gets vs a Registered Dietician. And if you are being treated for PCOS, your primary or GYN should be referring you to a dietician. I am trying really hard to understand this "nutritionist" and their reasoning...but I cannot come up with any explanation for that bs they fed you...

  • 2snakeswoman
    2snakeswoman Posts: 655 Member
    edited April 2016
    haha about the dog remark. In my case, it was true. My dogs would rather stand and sniff things than walk, so it's take 10 steps and stop to read their pee-mail. Gah! I've taken to doing squats or various leg lifts (high knees, etc) while they do what dogs do so that I feel I get a little exercise out of it.
  • HayleyAnne012911
    HayleyAnne012911 Posts: 79 Member
    BZAH10 wrote: »
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    vinegar_husbands wrote: »
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    Are doggies just meant to exercise themselves or something? :D

    Doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists tend to be pretty freakin' stupid when it comes to dietary advice, regardless of their credentials. Keep doing what works for you.

    I agree, my puppy is also chubby so I figured why not do this together? We do spurts of running and then walking and alternating because I'm no track star yet, but I almost felt she made me feel guilty like I wasn't trying, and clearly with my results I have been. Here I am on day 19 with no soda and have lost 8 pounds in a less than a month. Thanks for your opinions guys. I'm cancelling my appointment with her for the follow up in 4 weeks and will just keep doing what I'm doing. Just had to vent some.

    Good idea. Doesn't sound like she's a good fit for you at all. And, ANY movement we do is good, particularly walking and even better with a dog! Yeah, I'd completely ignore what you were told and just keep doing what you're doing now. Quite disappointing to hear, though. I'm sure you were looking forward to some good advice and assistance.

    Thanks you, yes I was looking to get some advice because I was just recently diagnosed with diabetes as well so that's given me more of a motivation to change a lot of things. Some settings on here say I should have like a ridiculous amount of sugar grams a day and over like 200 carbs and I'm just like I'm not trying to gain weight. So I wanted target goals to try to reach and she wouldn't do that. :(
  • HayleyAnne012911
    HayleyAnne012911 Posts: 79 Member
    2snakeswoman wrote: »
    haha about the dog remark. In my case, it was true. My dogs would rather stand and sniff things than walk, so it's take 10 steps and stop to read their pee-mail. Gah! I've taken to doing squats or various leg lifts (high knees, etc) while they do what dogs do so that I feel I get a little exercise out of it.

    Yeah, usually when mine stops I jog in place or something, so It's not like i'm not moving at all times.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    Is she a dog hater or something?? :( That comment alone would have made me leave and never return! Even if they walk at a snails pace, like mine.. They're still getting the benefits, even if I'm not.

    Sorry lol I'm a dog lover and a huge proponent of walking them everyday.

  • Larissa_NY
    Larissa_NY Posts: 495 Member
    Don't even get me started. Some of the worst advice I've ever seen given to people trying to lose weight was from nutritionists or dietitians. I had a free appointment with one as part of my gym membership, and she honestly had no idea what to say to a middle-aged woman who was trying to gain muscle and improve performance, not lose weight. Like, she literally looked at me and said "Well, what do you want me to do for you?"

    You can get better advice on MFP. Hell, you can probably get better advice on Reddit.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    I went to a registered dietician once. She was a complete waste of time. Not every professional is qualified to do their job unfortunately.

    Poor puppers. Will she pay for the dog walker when you're not taking him anymore - or does he no longer get any exercise?
  • peacemongernc
    peacemongernc Posts: 253 Member
    I have PCOS, too, and I was very disappointed with the nutrition advice I got from everyone... expert or not. I got so fed up I decided to figure it all out on my own, as if I was reinventing the wheel. It is the only thing that ended up working for me. It has taken years, but I'm gradually figuring out what works and what doesn't, and some of it has been (even continues to be) a serious mystery!

    One of the first commitments I made, and I've held fast to, is to log everything, no matter what. Sometimes that means I can't face putting it all in on the day I did the damage, and I have to go back in the next day and add things. But it is all in there. And I measure things carefully because I want an accurate record. But the result has been that I've figured out what works for me and what doesn't, and when I pack on 15 pounds, I know exactly how I did it. Most interestingly, I have determined that I gain weight with fewer calories that it takes me to lose it... that whole 3500 calorie per pound thing doesn't seem to be a 100% sort of thing! My best guess is that the foods I eat when I'm gaining are less nutrient dense than those I eat when I'm losing, and somehow that makes a difference in how I metabolize them. I don't know... I have my data, but I don't have a lab or anything! But the point is, I'm becoming my own expert! It is very empowering! And if you are living with health conditions like PCOS, it is absolutely worth the time it takes to master this! You are in this, one way or another, for the long haul!
  • KDar1988
    KDar1988 Posts: 648 Member
    I met with one once who talked about her kids the whole time. I had to pay $250.00 for the visit! Odd why she'd suggest not walking the dog. It's good for both of you! Good luck. If what you're doing is working...keep doing it!
  • Charleen2
    Charleen2 Posts: 223 Member
    edited May 2016
    OK, we all know there is always one in every bunch, it was your day to find *that* looney to give you advice. Laugh it off, because you know a thing or two she obviously still needs to learn. Motion of any kind is a good thing. Motion that involves a commitment, like walking the dog, will keep you honest. Give pup a hug, grab the leash and go burn off some calories. B)
  • tugsandpulls760
    tugsandpulls760 Posts: 206 Member
    vinegar_husbands wrote: »
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    Are doggies just meant to exercise themselves or something? :D

    Doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists tend to be pretty freakin' stupid when it comes to dietary advice, regardless of their credentials. Keep doing what works for you.

    I had wls and the whole team was awesome my dietician is great
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    You're right! That advice is horrible. I haven't read everything else, so I may change my response. I'm sure it's been pointed out that a nutritionist is not the same as seeing a registered dietician. If what you are doing is working (short of it being very low calorie), then there is nothing wrong with it. Walking your dog is amazing for both of you! It gets you out, gets your pup out, and gives you some bonding time together.

    Unless there is context missing here.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    edited May 2016
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    What was her reasoning?
    Regarding protein shakes, I am not going to get on a debate here, but I seriously doubt any dr or dietician will tell you to use them. Especially if there is an issue with diabetes, I would talk to a dietitician specialising on diabetes, and not drink shakes or artificial sweeteners without approval from a medical team.
    As for bread or other carbs, while low carb might or might not be recommended, if you are on meds for blood sugar control, drastically changing your total intake without dr knwoing about it, can cause trouble.
    For the walks, did she tell you to stop walking the dog, or to not rely on walking a puppy for exercise? Big difference.
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    Yes, I'm curious, too, as to why she would advise you to stop walking your dog. What was her reasoning behind her saying it wasn't beneficial for you?
  • sabrinafaith
    sabrinafaith Posts: 607 Member
    I'm a certified personal trainer and weight loss coach, and i have never heard of such crazy suggestions. Losing weight and becoming healthy is very different for each person. You need someone that will work with you, not lecture you or make a program for you. It needs to be done together so you can follow through with it easily with your lifestyle.
  • HayleyAnne012911
    HayleyAnne012911 Posts: 79 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    HayleyAnne012911 wrote: »
    Has anyone ever had bad experiences with seeing a nutritionist? I went to one yesterday and it was the worst experience i've ever had. She basically wanted me to change everything I was doing (that's working for me to lose weight) She wants me to stop protein shakes and eat more bread? I have PCOS I'm not supposed to have a lot of starchy carbs...She also told me to stop walking my dog, because it's not beneficial for me...wtf?

    What was her reasoning?
    Regarding protein shakes, I am not going to get on a debate here, but I seriously doubt any dr or dietitian will tell you to use them. Especially if there is an issue with diabetes, I would talk to a dietitian specializing on diabetes, and not drink shakes or artificial sweeteners without approval from a medical team.
    As for bread or other carbs, while low carb might or might not be recommended, if you are on meds for blood sugar control, drastically changing your total intake without dr knowing about it, can cause trouble.
    For the walks, did she tell you to stop walking the dog, or to not rely on walking a puppy for exercise? Big difference.

    Regarding the protein shakes- they keep me full and are sugar free. I use the mix, 6 ice cubes, and water, with one teaspoon of pb that only has 3 grams of sugar in it. My whole shake is 140 calories, keeps me full until lunch and only has 3g of sugar and 2g of carbs. My primary doctor knows I do this. She says I can't cut out sugar completely and that i'll need some carbs in order to burn fat. As for the dog, she said that it's not beneficial to me. Didn't go into detail. Regardless I'm going to try to go to a dietitian instead.
  • HayleyAnne012911
    HayleyAnne012911 Posts: 79 Member
    sabrinafaith wrote: »
    I'm a certified personal trainer and weight loss coach, and i have never heard of such crazy suggestions. Losing weight and becoming healthy is very different for each person. You need someone that will work with you, not lecture you or make a program for you. It needs to be done together so you can follow through with it easily with your lifestyle.

    I agree. I haven't been getting to much help. I have been sorta teaching myself and changing my eating habits on my own. It seems to be working so I'm rolling with it. I haven't had soda or super starchy stuff in 23 days. I feel great.
  • rigden1992c
    rigden1992c Posts: 10 Member
    edited May 2016
    One of the ladies I work with told me that a nutritionist advised her 72 year old mother that she should stop walking because it wasn't "proper excercise" and should start running instead.

    I wasn't suprised that she walked out and didn't go back!
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    I think i stopped reading when i saw "Nutritionist".

    But seriously, OP. Anyone and their mom can call themselves a nutritionist without knowing jack snazz about nutrition.


    If you are looking for more in-depth help with your diet i recommend you see a registered dietician. These are people who have actually received YEARS of training in this field. They won't blindly recommend you something without any reasoning as to why and they've received training on how to assist people in special populations (like you) on how to adjust their intake accordingly.

    Matter of fact, considering you have PCOS your insurance may even cover this.
  • shaumom
    shaumom Posts: 1,003 Member
    Man, hugs, hon!

    Just for future issues - if you ever decide to see a dietician instead of a nutritionist? I would have a brief interview or list of questions to ask them. While perhaps good for generic dietary advice, dieticians are rarely good for specialized diets past a few common ones, in my experience. They get very little training for many types of diet restrictions, so it's good to ask them some questions to help you gauge whether YOUR particular dietary issue happens to be one of THEIR dietary specialties, you know?
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