If you’ve ever wondered what you should be eating based on your age, health goals, and lifestyle, or if you’re unsure if you’re getting sufficient nutrition from your food, seeing a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) could be helpful. “Whether you’re managing a health condition or simply want to feel your best, an RD can be a valuable partner in your wellness journey,” says August Espinal, registered dietitian and manager of Condition Care Programs at HMSA. “They offer the tools, knowledge, and support to help you make informed food choices and live a healthier life.”
According to Espinal, here are five benefits of seeing a registered dietitian:
Benefit 1: Get personalized nutrition guidance
Registered dietitians create customized nutrition plans based on your medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. Whether you’re managing a health condition, trying to lose weight, or simply wanting to improve your eating habits, an RD can provide a plan that fits your unique needs.
Benefit 2: Receive support for chronic conditions
Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease. RDs help patients understand how their food choices impact their health and guide them in making sustainable changes that can improve their overall well-being.
Benefit 3: Improve your relationship with food
Dietitians support individuals in developing a healthier, more balanced relationship with food. This includes moving away from restrictive diets and embracing mindful eating practices that promote enjoyment and nourishment without guilt.
Benefit 4: Obtain reliable, evidence-based advice
With so much conflicting nutrition information available, it can be hard to know what to trust. RDs are trained to provide evidence-based guidance, translating complex nutrition science into practical, everyday advice.
Benefit 5: Enjoy long-term wellness and prevention
Dietitians don’t just help when there’s a problem — they also focus on prevention. By promoting healthy eating habits, RDs help individuals maintain energy, prevent illness, and support healthy aging.
Espinal urges anyone interested in seeing a dietitian to check their Guide to Benefits for a medical nutrition therapy benefit so they can make an informed decision. If you have questions about your benefits, call the number on the back of your HMSA membership card.
You can find registered dietitians on HMSA’s Online Care®. This telehealth option is convenient and available 24/7, 365 days a week. Online Care providers are Hawaii-licensed and HMSA-credentialed. Please note that you must be in Hawaii to use Online Care.
You can also search for a registered dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and verify if they accept your plan.
We’re here for you
If you’re interested in receiving support for your health and well-being goals, check out the HMSA Condition Care Program. Your care manager will work closely with your doctors and a team of Hawaii-based caregivers, which may include registered nurses, certified diabetes care and education specialist, registered dietitians, and health coaches.
Through this program, which is voluntary and has no cost for HMSA members, you’ll receive:
- Guidance to address needs such as transportation, finances, living conditions, and cultural and language preferences.
- Help managing stress, understanding your medication, and setting and achieving health goals.
- Support and information on how to access health screenings, tests, and treatments.
- Tips on healthy eating and nutrition.
- Tips for increasing physical activity.
- And more!
For more information about the HMSA Condition Care Program, visit our website or call HMSA Health and Well-being Support at 1-855-329-5461, option 1.
Get cooking
Here are some quick and easy recipes with a variety of healthy options:
greek chicken
This tasty chicken is a lean and versatile protein you can enjoy on a salad, with brown rice or steamed vegetables.
mini vegetable garden
Why eat your hummus and vegetables on a plate when you can create an adorable dish filled with your favorites? You can also substitute taro hummus for regular hummus or use a healthy spinach dip instead!
pizza bites
Pizza? Healthy? This isn’t a trick! We’ve turned a greasy, late-night indulgence into a gluten-free and guilt-free snack that still hits the spot.
pretend potstickers
These dumplings are actually peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in disguise. Use whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, and no-sugar added (or sugar-free) jam for a filling and delicious snack or meal.
salmon with strawberry salsa
You don’t need to be a fancy chef to make a restaurant-quality salmon dish at home! You’ll love how the sweet and savory salsa elevates the salmon fillets.
Check out our e-cookbook!
The Island Scene team is excited to share our e-cookbook: weeknight dinners. Discover 10 easy weeknight dinners, complete with photos and step-by-step instructions to help make cooking a breeze.
Amwell is an independent company providing hosting and software services for HMSA’s Online Care platform on behalf of HMSA.
