In the current era of information explosion, health has become a widely discussed topic, be it in the alley of personal development or under the broad umbrella of lifestyle changes. In this context, the role of dietitians has become critical. However, the traditional face-to-face consultation model has been disrupted by the surge in online consultations. This shift to virtual platform requires us to be more vigilant in selecting the right dietitian. Let's delve into this topic by examining 11 critical questions which you should consider asking your online dietitian.

• What is your Education and Certification Background?

  The importance of this question lies in the fact that the term 'dietitian' is legally protected. Thus, anyone claiming to be a dietitian must have a specific educational background and registration with a professional body. This signifies competence and adherence to a specific code of conduct.

• What is your Experience and Specialization?

  This question helps ascertain if the dietitian has a specialized understanding of your specific needs. For example, if you have diabetes, a dietitian with a specialization in diabetes management would be ideal.

• What is your Approach to Diet Planning?

  Dietetics is not a one-size-fits-all field. The dietitian's approach should consider your lifestyle, food preferences, and any special needs or health conditions. The principle of individual differences, as propagated by Francis Galton, underlines the uniqueness of each individual's dietary needs.

• How do you Stay Updated with the latest Research and Developments in Nutrition?

  In the light of John Maynard Keynes' famous quote, "When the facts change, I change my mind", this question becomes relevant. It is essential for dietitians to stay current with the latest research to provide the most effective guidance.

• How do you Incorporate Behavioral Changes in your Diet Plan?

  According to the Social Cognitive Theory, Albert Bandura proposed that personal factors, behavior, and environment interact to influence human behavior. Hence, a dietitian should ideally help with sustainable behavior changes, promoting long-term dietary adherence.

• Do you provide Meal Plans or do I have to Figure it out Myself?

  This is a logistical question. Some dietitians provide specific meal plans; others provide guidelines and allow you to plan your meals. Your preference here depends on your comfort and confidence level in meal planning.

• How often will we have Follow-up Appointments?

  Frequent follow-ups can provide motivation and allow for necessary adjustments. However, according to the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility, too many follow-ups may lose their effectiveness over time.

• How can I Reach you if I have any Queries Outside of our Scheduled Appointments?

  This question pertains to your level of access to the dietitian. Some dietitians are available via text or email, others limit communication to scheduled appointments.

• How do you Handle Setbacks or Plateaus?

  Setbacks and plateaus are normal in any health journey. The dietitian's response can provide insight into their ability to provide emotional support and adjust the plan when necessary.

• What Success Stories can you Share?

  This question can help ascertain the dietitian's track record. However, this should not be the sole determinant of their competence, as results can vary due to individual variability.

• How can you Help me Maintain my Dietary Changes in the Long Run?

  Sustainability is key. A dietitian should ideally provide strategies for long-term maintenance, not just short-term weight loss.

In conclusion, choosing the right online dietitian is a meticulous process, with high stakes. The answers to these questions can provide insights into the dietitian's competence, approach, and reliability. Remember, it is your health on the line, and being an active participant in this process can pay dividends in the long run.

Remember, as Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel laureate in Economics, claimed in his book "Thinking, Fast and Slow", our cognitive biases often lead us to make wrong decisions. An informed, deliberate and systematic approach can help you select the right dietitian and avoid cognitive traps. Happy eating!