Telenutrition: How It Works and What It Can Do for You

When you’re not feeling your best—and you’ve ruled out illness—you may wonder if your ailment has something to do with what you’re putting into your body.

Your ideal nutrition intake can be hard to decipher. Something you see on social media that worked for a friend or a relative may not suit your personal needs. And spending time trying to figure out your optimal diet through trial and error is too time-consuming.

Telenutrition is a more efficient way to learn what’s going on with your body and take control of your health. This article will define telenutrition, explain how it works, and share the benefits.

Telenutrition, as defined by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “involves the interactive use, by an RDN (registered dietitian nutritionist) or NDTR (nutrition and dietetics technician), of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to implement the Nutrition Care Process with patients or clients at a remote location, within the provisions of their state licensure as applicable.”

Telenutrition allows registered dietitians to provide nutrition counseling using telecommunication. Examples include video conferencing, email, and text messages. 

Telenutrition is similar to telemedicine. This practice began as a way to offer health care services to people in remote areas with limited access to hospitals and health care providers. As the digital age progressed, it became more convenient to care for patients through telemedicine than face-to-face appointments. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. That's when telemedicine evolved into an essential service.

Telemedicine and telenutrition have similar attributes but different purposes.

Telemedicine is “the use of electronic information and communications technologies to provide and support health care when distance separates the participants,” according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Telemedicine allows health care professionals to diagnose and treat patients remotely. You can get clinical services from your health care system in real time without leaving your home. With telenutrition, you receive nutrition education, guidance, and support about your nutritional needs. And you don’t have to schedule an in-person visit at a registered dietitian’s office to get care. 

Telemedicine and telenutrition fall under telehealth services, which the Health Resources Services Administration defines as “the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, health administration, and public health.”

Telehealth is a broad term. It encompasses all types of remote health care, including telemedicine and telenutrition.

When you use telenutrition services, you talk with a registered dietitian on a video chat through tools like Zoom or Skype. You may also follow up with each other via electronic methods. Your registered dietitian deploys a holistic approach to give you high-quality nutrition guidance. 

Conversations with a registered dietitian will look different from person to person depending on an individual’s health history, current conditions, and nutrition goals. 

Some of the commonly discussed topics include but are not limited to:

• Nutrition assessment and reassessment
  
• Nutrition monitoring 
  
• Goal setting
  
• Meal planning
  
• Smart snacking
  
• Adding optimal foods to your diet
  
• Food logging

Partnering with a registered dietitian not only helps you make informed decisions, but it also allows you to customize a health and nutrition plan that’s tailored to you and your lifestyle. 

No matter where you are, telenutrition opens the door to a dietitian as long as you have an internet connection. 

Benefits of telenutrition services include: 

• Flexible scheduling 
  
• Real-time access to reliable nutrition information
  
• Improved access to patients
  
• Reduced transportation costs
  
• Compliance with social distancing 

A telenutrition program gives you access to nutrition care that’s convenient and personal. When you connect with your registered dietitian, they're more likely to learn about your unique issues. For example, your health conditions, food budget, and culinary abilities could affect the design of your nutrition plan.

Telenutrition can help you achieve goals that involve:

• Overcoming health challenges 
  
• Weight loss and weight management
  
• Improving athletic performance
  
• Taking your health to the next level 

For example, if you struggle with obesity and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your dietitian will target this challenge. Using your genetic makeup, they'll personalize a nutrition plan that involves meal planning. They’ll also educate you on things like how to create balanced meals, smart snacking, food logging, and how to have a healthy relationship with food. Your dietitian will then update your progress during follow-up visits.

The future of telehealth, telemedicine, and telenutrition is bright. 

Incorporating telenutrition into your wellness journey empowers you. Changing your habits can lead to living your best life.

At GenoPalate, we believe food is medicine. Our registered dietitians are ready to join your journey to a healthier you. Sign up for one of our nutrition programs today, and start eating for your genes.