What is a Virtual Dietitian or Online Nutritionist?
A virtual dietitian or online nutritionist is a registered and regulated health professional who provides evidence-based nutrition counselling through secure video or phone sessions. Just like an in-person appointment, you receive personalized guidance and support from a trusted expert, only with the convenience of connecting from home, work, or anywhere you are.
Since 2000, our experienced online Registered Dietitian team has been providing virtual nutrition counselling by Zoom Healthcare video conference.
Our mission is simple: to help you build a healthy & joyous relationship with food and your body.
Struggling with your relationship with food, a health condition, or simply not feeling your best?
Our online dietitian team have supported thousands of clients with a wide range of nutrition concerns, including:
Looking for help with something else?
Contact one of our Registered Dietitian team members today!
Why Clients Choose Our Online Nutritionists
- ✔️ Trusted by thousands of clients and referred to by doctors and therapists.
- ✔️ One of the most established Registered Dietitian practices in Canada, we have pioneered the industry since year 2000
- ✔️ Clear, science-backed, and practical guidance to help you nourish your body without fear, confusion, or food rules.
- ✔️ Experience sustainable, life changing results: Our approach blends science, psychology, and real-life strategies to create lasting, life-changing results – no gimmicks, no restrictive diets.
- ✔️ Hundreds of 5-star client reviews speak to our trusted, real-life approach to nutrition and lasting results.
- ✔️ Leaders in online nutrition counselling and in-person sessions: highly secure HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant
- ✔️ Specialized and leading team of Online Registered Dietitians. We help you determine who is the best fit and work in a team environment to share best practices, experience and solutions.
- ✔️ Access to hundreds of our exclusive and credible resources developed over 25 years from our collaborative team
- ✔️Get high-touch personalization: We go far beyond generic handouts or one-size-fits-all meal plans – our coaching is personalized, practical, and rooted in real human connection.
- ✔️ Ongoing individual and family support programs helping you maintain progress and navigate challenges as they arise
- ✔️ Covered by many health benefit plans: We’ll help you maximize your insurance.
Who Are Our Clients?
We support a wide range of clients virtually across Canada and beyond, from those looking to improve their health to individuals managing complex nutrition concerns. Whether you’re struggling with your relationship with food, navigating a medical diagnosis, or just want more confidence with meals, we’re here to help.
- People navigating weight concerns and emotional eating, including those struggling with binge eating, chronic dieting, yo-yo weight changes, those wanting to gain weight, etc.
- Clients dealing with digestive issues, including IBS, IBD, celiac disease, acid reflux, bloating, constipation, or food intolerances.
- Individuals with eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, orthorexia, or those in recovery seeking a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
- Women’s health across the lifespan, including PCOS, perimenopause and menopause, fertility, pregnancy, endometriosis and postpartum nutrition support.
- People managing medical conditions, including high cholesterol, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic health concerns requiring evidence-based nutrition therapy.
- Individuals struggling with mental health concerns, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, or burnout, especially when emotional eating, low appetite, or fatigue impact your ability to eat well.
- Anyone exploring intuitive eating and body neutrality, looking to let go of food rules, reconnect with hunger cues, and build a more healthy and joyous relationship with food and body image.
- Individuals looking for practical meal planning support, whether you’re a busy professional, parent, or someone who wants help simplifying grocery shopping and prepping balanced meals.
- Families and children, including picky eaters, neurodiverse eaters (ADHD, autism), growth concerns, and parents looking to reduce mealtime stress.
- Athletes and active individuals, including teens and adults seeking guidance on performance nutrition, building muscle, energy availability, or managing medical conditions like diabetes or PCOS while training.
- Vegetarians and plant-based eaters, including those new to vegetarianism or looking to optimize nutrient intake, balance meals, and reduce deficiencies.
Learn more about our Online Nutritionist team specializing in a wide range of nutrition counselling services from digestive health and emotional eating to women’s health, ADHD, and more.
Perks of Seeing an Online Dietitian
Life can get busy! Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to carve out time for yourself, in-person appointments aren’t always realistic. That’s why our virtual sessions aren’t just a convenient backup…they’re a powerful way to connect, support, and create lasting change.
👀 We Can See Your Pantry, Fridge, Supplements and Food Habits
One of the best parts of seeing a nutritionist? You can show us around your kitchen. No need to guess or try to remember what’s in your pantry or what supplements you are taking, we can take a look together. That means more practical advice, tailored to your real life.
🕒 Easy, Convenient, and Saves You Time
No commute. No parking. No rushing. You can meet with us from your home, your office, or wherever you feel most comfortable. That flexibility makes it easier to stick with your goals.
🌎 Support, No Matter Where You Live
We work with clients across the country. We’re just a click away.
🔒 Safe, Simple, and Professional
We use Zoom for Healthcare, a secure video platform trusted by hospitals and health professionals. It’s fully compliant with HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA standards, so your privacy is protected. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, it’s easy to use. All you need is a webcam and an internet connection, and we’ll guide you through the rest.
Are virtual sessions as effective as in-person appointments?
Yes, virtual dietitian sessions are just as effective as in-person appointments. Research shows that online nutrition counselling provides the same quality of care, personalized advice, and accountability, while offering the added convenience of accessing a registered dietitian from home.
As seen in
Personal Success Stories
“Working with my dietitian has been life changing! She helped me break free from dieting, transform my beliefs about food, and embrace self-acceptance. I highly recommend Health Stand Nutrition—100 stars!”
– Anne Marie Shutt, Nutrition Counseling Client
“I’m a family physician and cannot recommend the Health Stand team enough. Their dietitians do more than give food advice, they help clients make deep, sustainable changes for lifetime health.”
– Dr. Deb Putnam, Family Physician
“Thanks to Health Stand Nutrition, I’m more productive, energized, and committed to my long-term health. I’ve learned what to eat, why, and how to maintain it. Nutrition has never been this fun!”
– Leslie Fryers, Nutrition Counseling & Workplace Wellness Client
“I’ve struggled with eating problems and fad diets for years, but my dietitian was an angel—knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. She has genuinely changed my life. 10 stars!
– Devon Crewe, Nutrition Counseling Client
“I’m a psychologist, and Health Stand is my only source for exceptional dietitians. Andrea and her team provide compassionate, practical support that I trust my clients with completely.”
– Adele Fox, Psychologist
“My quality of life has improved since seeing a Health Stand dietitian. She gave me the tools and knowledge to manage my IBS, and now my tummy is no longer a problem. Highly recommend!”
– L.H, Nutrition Counseling Client
Testimonials displayed on this page have been condensed for length
Our 3 Nutrition Counseling Programs
Work with your very own Registered Dietitian / Nutrition Coach for the confidential and individualized support you need. Appointments are available at our local office or virtually by phone or video conferencing for individuals, couples or small groups. Meet our diverse, experienced team here.
Program 1:
Learning
A customized program designed to help you make a fresh, fast start and learn how to change independently.
What’s Included:
- Personalized nutrition counseling on your most important goals over a few appointments
- Access to hundreds of our credible resources developed over 25 years from our collaborative team
Program 2:
Guided Change
A personalized program for those with health concerns or that have multiple goals and are committed to change.
What’s Included:
- Detailed nutrition assessment and customized food and nutrition plan
- Personalized nutrition counseling and support meetings typically spread out over 2-4 months
- Access to hundreds of our credible resources developed over 25 years from our collaborative team
Program 3:
Comprehensive Support
A personalized and highly supportive program for those with health concerns and bigger goals that understand that accountability and motivation is key for sustaining change.
What’s Included:
- Detailed nutrition assessment and customized food and nutrition plan
- Personalized nutrition counseling and support meetings typically spread out over 4-8 months
- Optional access to customized one-on-one services such as:
- computer analysis of your intake
- tailored meal plans, shopping lists and recipes
- virtual pantry assessment or in-person grocery shopping tour
- virtual healthy cooking classes & instruction
- collaboration with your care team (such as physicians, therapists, coaches and loved ones)
- Unlimited text message support through our secure platform in between appointments
- Access to hundreds of our credible resources developed over 25 years from our collaborative team
We understand that cost is an important part of your decision.
Individualized pricing, along with guidance on choosing the right package for your insurance plan, is shared during your free discovery call. If you’re looking for longer-term support, we’ll also walk you through the extra savings we offer.
How Do I Book a Virtual Consultation?
Book a Free Discovery Call!
Connect with our friendly intake team to learn more and ask any questions you may have, no pressure, no commitment.
Here’s what to expect:
✔️ A judgment-free space to briefly share what you’re looking for help with.
✔️ We’ll learn a little about you so we can match you with the best-fit Online Dietitian on our team.
✔️ You’ll learn about our approach and how our programs and sessions work — including virtual and in-person options.
✔️ We can answer your questions about fees, insurance, scheduling, and support options.
✔️ You decide if it feels like the right step for you, we’ll support you either way!
Our virtual nutritionists are in high demand, and availability can be limited. Reaching out soon helps us support you faster!
Our Nutrition Roadmap: What to Expect
When you are working with an online nutritionist on our team – no expedition is complete without a roadmap. This helps us determine where we are and where we need to go for sustainable change.
To give you the big picture, we break down your nutrition journey into 3 phases, with steps build in along the way. Since one of our core values is customization, we tailor the entire process to your unique needs, spending more time where it matters most for you.
Our 3-Phased Approach to Nutrition
PHASE 1:
Structure
Goal:
Set the stage by building a framework that supports long-term eating habits and nutrition success
Topics we address may include:
The timing & consistency of
eating
Understanding the science
behind why we eat what we eat
Learning how to balance meals
to meet your individual needs
Guidance on how much to eat
and how to build out a meal plan
In this phase, eating may feel
more “planned” as we are setting
the foundation of fuelling our
body well so that eventually
we will be able to rely more on
hunger/fullness cues to guide
eating decisions
Phase 2:
FLEXIBILITY
Goal:
Build your confidence in different
eating environments and social
situations, while keeping in mind
the foundation you’ve built.
Areas to explore may include:
Expanding your food variety and
options at home. We will help you
build out a repertoire of recipes
that work within your goals
Navigating social settings, festive
traditions related to food, trying
new foods, and eating on the go.
Additional topics that may be
explored include: Emotional
Eating, Sports Nutrition, Digestive
Symptom Management, Eating
with Medical Concerns
We will also start to do some work
on listening for hunger or fullness
cues within the safety net of your
eating plan from phase 1
Phase 3:
FREEDOM & SPONTANEITY
Goal:
Personalize the eating experience
and continue to build a toolkit for
long-term success.
This usually includes:
Identifying vulnerable situations
where there may be urges to fall
back on old behaviors
Practicing new skills in
challenging environments and
building confidence in navigating
new challenges
Incorporating principles of
mindfulness and/or Intuitive
Eating, as appropriate
Your team is still here for support,
as your life, health, goals, and personal experiences change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do not use
What’s the difference between an online dietitian and an online nutritionist?
All Dietitians are Nutritionists (but not all Nutritionists are Dietitians).
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only regulated and licensed health professionals in the field of nutrition in Canada, we are held to ethical standards of practice. In some provinces like Alberta, the word Nutritionist is also a protected title. To be sure you are accessing advice from the most qualified nutrition professional, look for the initials RD or PDt (DtP in French) after a health professional’s name.
Seeing an online Registered Dietitian is one way you can be assured the nutrition education you are receiving is credible. You wouldn’t ask a celebrity interested in home construction how to wire your basement, you’d ask an electrician. You wouldn’t ask your child’s soccer coach who has an interest in health to provide you with medical treatment. Apply this same thinking when it comes to nutrition advice.
Just like electricians, engineers and medical doctors, Dietitians are accountable to provincial regulatory bodies for the highest standards of education and ethical practice. Provincial regulatory bodies protect the public and serve as a point of contact for consumer complaints and malpractice.
Titles such as Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Nutritional Practitioner, RONP, RNCP, ROHP, RHN, CNP are not the same as a Registered Dietitian and do not indicate the person is a provincially regulated health professional. These are often used by those who have completed much less intensive privately owned training programs that vary in length and rigor.
To ensure your nutrition care provider is a Dietitian, look for RD or PDt (DtP in French) behind their name. Dietitian is a protected title across Canada, just like physician, nurse and pharmacist. Nutritionist is also a protected title in Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a dietitian online?
A doctor’s referral is not required to book an appointment with an online dietitian. If you have complex medical issues it is ideal to have your doctor provide us with a referral note to update us on your medical situation so we can best take care of your needs. With your permission (signed) we can collaborate with your doctor, psychologist, coach or other health professional to ensure we are all working well as a team.
Are virtual dietitian services covered by insurance or health benefits?
Many private medical insurance plans and health spending accounts cover nutrition counselling by a Registered Nutritionist/Dietitian. Check your plan to see what is covered for you. Since every insurance company has different policies, please be sure to check with them regarding coverage per session, per year and per family member.
In private insurance and health benefits plans, dietitians are typically listed under the paramedical section. They might have a separate category for nutrition services or registered dietitian services.
If dietitian services aren’t covered under standard benefits, clients can often use a health spending account to get reimbursed.
We do not direct bill to insurance companies, but upon request after your session, we will provide you with a detailed receipt that includes our Registered Dietitian practice permit number, description of service, dates of counselling sessions and consulting fee breakdown per hour.
Thousands of our clients successfully get reimbursed this way.
Also note, in many provinces in Canada, Dietitians are classified as an “Authorized Medical Practitioner” as shown on the Canada Revenue Agency website. What this means is that you can save your receipts and supply them to your accountant for medical expense tax credit.
I’m not tech-savvy: can I or a loved one still do virtual nutrition counselling?
Yes! For new clients who are nervous about technology, be assured that as experienced Online Dietitians and Virtual Nutritionists, we’ve got you covered.
We can hand-hold the process of how to use Zoom conferencing for online nutrition counseling seamlessly. Virtual dietitian sessions are designed to be simple and accessible. You can join from a computer, tablet, or smartphone with just a few clicks. Our team provides step-by-step instructions before your first session and is happy to troubleshoot any technical issues. Even if you’re not comfortable with technology, we’ll guide you so you can focus on getting personalized nutrition support.
How does online nutrition counselling work?
Our online nutrition counselling sessions are held through Zoom for Healthcare, which is PIPEDA and HIPAA protected to keep your information secure. When you schedule your sessions, you’ll receive a link to your dietitian’s private Zoom room, along with all the details you need before your appointment.
What makes your service different from other programs?
- Professional & Established: As one of the most established Registered Dietitian practices in Canada, we have pioneered the industry since year 2000. We serve the global community online. One of our top referral sources for nutrition counselling is by referrals from respected physicians, psychologists and health professionals that value our approach, professionalism and results. Our HIPAA and PIPEDA/PHIPA compliant virtual nutrition counseling services, online education resources, and online nutrition courses allow you to learn globally and seamlessly.
- Customization and Follow-Up: Our services specialize in personalizing plans just for you. Since there are a million and one ways to eat, following a book, internet plan or a group program often will likely not address your own preferences and needs. We believe working one-on-one with each person is the best way to achieve success and ideas you can sustain for the long term. We also know that in order for you to achieve results a single nutrition counselling session won’t work. Since we have worked with thousands of people since the year 2000 we have set up our three programs to address your needs.
- Qualified Nutrition Experts: All of our nutrition experts are experienced, credible, and university-trained. As Registered Dietitians (the only regulated and licensed health professionals in the nutrition field in Canada), we are held to ethical standards of practice). We make sure you are getting advice that is current, credible, and scientifically based.
- Added Value! Not only do we provide you with personalized nutrition counselling, you can count on us for many other added resources and tools we have developed over the years to facilitate learning. We are constantly updating our resource bank as well as subscriptions to research updates and databases to make sure you have the most current up-to-date information. We work in a team environment to share best practices, experience and solutions.
How can I book an online appointment with a dietitian, and what can I expect in the first session?
Before booking an appointment with a Dietitian, we like to learn more about you in a free discovery call so we can match you with the best-fit Online Dietician on our team, answer all your questions, and from there, book your first session!
To book your free discovery call, you can call us at 403 – 301-4106, or use or contact us form.
In your first online session with your Dietitian, we’ll take the time to get to know you – your health history, lifestyle, eating habits, and any specific concerns you’d like support with. From there, we’ll create a personalized nutrition plan that meets you where you’re at, with realistic strategies you can actually stick with.
You might also wish to check out our roadmap, which describes our 3-phased approach to nutrition during your dietitian sessions.
Still have a question we didn’t answer?
Our friendly Dietitian team can give you a hand. To ask a question drop us an email or phone our office.
Ready to discover your food freedom?
Give our Nutritionists and Dietitians a call to discuss your nutrition needs...
Eat Fully with Your
Left + Right Brain
The human brain is divided into two broad hemispheres. The left brain is responsible for logic, science, math, patterns and analytical tasks. The right brain is responsible for feeling, creativity, art, imagination, taste and intuition.
We think of eating fully in using both parts of your brain.
Our left analytical brain can be leveraged to help you build habits to eat healthfully (get enough nerdy nutritious foods for health). Our right creative brain can guide you to eat soulfully (with taste, intuition, joy and flexibility in your eating choices).
Overall our goal is to empower you to create a healthy and joyous relationship with food and your body. No extreme clean eating regimes here, only balanced living you can sustain for life.
Live Fully
#BalancedNotClean
Eating fully = healthfully (left brain) + soulfully (right brain)