Nutrition Counseling

Nutrition Counseling is for anyone who would like to speak with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for a personalized nutrition care plan to address their unique needs and desired health outcomes.

Research shows that nutrition counseling can help you prevent and manage chronic disease, develop long-term, sustainable habits, and feel better overall.

The YMCA Nutrition Counseling Program helps adults find a healthier way of eating that’s right for them.

*Please note: sessions take place virtually via Microsoft Teams.

What can I expect in my sessions?

Together, the dietitian and client will:

Assess current nutritional status, and discuss desired health and lifestyle outcomes
Design a personalized nutrition care plan that is aligned with needs and preferences
Collaborate on S.M.A.R.T. goals for changing behaviors and building habits
Select evidence-based information, tools, strategies, and support for each step of the journey

Sessions are conducted on Microsoft Teams.

Do I qualify?

Yes! Nutrition Counseling is open to all, there are no specific eligibility criteria. You do not even have to be a member to purchase sessions with our Registered Dietitian.

Can I have a free consult first, to help determine if this is right for me?

Great question, yes you can! All YMCA members are offered complimentary consults with our Registered Dietitian. Your wellness team will share information about how to access this service in your wellness consult. Didn’t receive a wellness consult, or are a long-term member? You are still eligible for this service, simply email Caroline.Schmalz@ymcadc.org to set up your free consult today.

What do sessions cost?

Nutrition counseling is available for purchase in packages of 1, 3, 6 and 9 sessions.

DIETITIAN’S CORNER:

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Click on the Programs tab on the association’s home page to learn more about our Diabetes Prevention Program. The good news is that whether you’ve received a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes or discovered that you are at elevated risk, you can make lifestyle changes to impact its progression. As far as food and nutrition goes, you’ll want to focus your attention on carbohydrate-rich foods: specifically, the What, When, With, and How Much. Choose complex, nutrient-dense carbs whenever possible (the What), such as whole grains, nonstarchy vegetables, high-fiber fruits with skins and seeds, beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds. The timing is important (the When), as the body absorbs glucose better earlier in the day and after physical activity. Food combinations are key for slowing digestion (the With), always consuming carbs alongside foods that are high in protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber: think peanut butter with apple, cheese with crackers, meatballs with spaghetti, or turkey with sandwich bread. Finally, the number of servings at any one time (the How Much) makes the difference between meeting and exceeding your energy needs. Work on becoming an expert Carb Manager and reach out for help if you need it!

VIEW TESTIMONIALS

The Y Nutrition Counseling program surpassed my expectations! I particularly liked that tools and resources were provided for every session and my unique individual experience was considered for setting goals for life style changes. I saw the results: less aggressive cravings for junk food and alternatives for healthy snacks made it easy to sustain and I no longer have prediabetes. I highly recommend this program.

Working with Caroline helped me to look at my diet from a holistic perspective. We were able to focus on the areas within my diet that I needed to add or subtract and to develop realistic strategies to help me succeed.

I’m a very active and healthy person but my A1C was higher than it should be. Over the course of 3 months I made major, yet easy, changes to my diet. These changes have also trickled down to my wife and children and this is all thanks to Caroline. She made it very simple and easy to tackle, and answered my million questions!

If you are interested in Nutrition Counseling, please complete the interest form below and someone from our team will be in touch.

And look for Caroline at a Y near you!

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