Wellness

Why Working with a Registered Dietitian Changes Everything

Aug 5, 2026

You don't need another restrictive meal plan or viral nutrition hack—you need a strategy that actually fits your life.

Whether your goal is losing weight, building muscle, improving athletic performance, or simply feeling healthier, the right nutrition can make all the difference. That's where working with a registered dietitian comes in. Unlike generic advice online, a dietitian provides personalized guidance, ongoing accountability, and a plan that evolves with you.

We sat down with Angelique Gouin, RD, a sports nutrition and weight loss specialist with Fay Nutrition, to discuss what it's really like to work with a dietitian, the biggest nutrition myths she sees every day, and the simple changes that can help you get more out of every workout at NYSC.

What changes when someone starts working with a dietitian versus following a generic meal plan or online advice?

When someone starts working with a dietitian, they realize that what they needed was so much more than just a meal plan. Having accountability, professional guidance, and ongoing personalized support makes all the difference when you are trying to shift habits for good.

What are some common misconceptions people have about RDs?

That we are the food police and will forbid you from eating the foods you love. We are here to help you find balance, not make you miserable. Dietitians eat chocolate too!

How do you personalize recommendations for each client?

While nutrition comes with general guidelines, every recommendation must be personalized. From different food preferences, allergies, varied lifestyle and cultures, nutrition is not a one size fits all!

How do dietitians act as partners in accountability, not just “rule-setters”?

Accountability is huge when making nutrition changes. A lot of people know what to do, but struggle with the doing part. That’s where we come in and help you stay accountable week after week so you can keep the promises you made to yourself!

Can you walk us through what a typical plan with Fay Nutrition looks like? (Frequency of sessions, communication, and support)

When you start with Fay, you will meet with your registered dietitian for an initial intake where you will be able to share your goals, struggles, questions, and concerns. Your dietitian will then work with you to build a nutrition plan completely customized to you and your needs. Meeting with your dietitian weekly, especially at first, is crucial for success in my experience. Having that person every week to report to, share your wins, walk through your struggles, and make adjustments to your plan in real time makes the biggest difference in keeping the momentum going.

If someone has never worked with a dietitian before, what should they know going into their first session?

They should know that working with a dietitian is an ongoing collaborative journey between you and your provider. It is not a one-time meet to get a meal plan.

What advice do you give people who want to build healthy routines without feeling overwhelmed or restricted?

Take baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day! Wanting to make all these changes is great, but doing it all at once is setting yourself up for failure. While small changes might seem insignificant on their own, they do add up over time and help build the foundation and overall confidence!

How would working with a dietitian complement someone’s workouts and training at NYSC?

It is not new that nutrition and movement go hand in hand. Whether your goal is fat loss, muscle gain, or improving different health markers, nutrition plays a big role in this. Working with a dietitian will help you optimize the hard work you are already putting in to see even more results!

What’s one common nutrition mistake you see among active individuals?

Not eating enough carbs! Carbs are not the devil, they are the preferred source of fuel for the body. Active individuals have even higher needs and are compromising their results and overall wellbeing by restricting them.

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about booking their first dietitian appointment?

To try it, no strings attached! You can even switch dietitian if it’s not a good fit. There’s no harm in getting more support!

What’s one simple nutrition tip you’d want every NYSC member to walk away with?

Keep your protein shake or bar for AFTER your workout. Your pre-workout snack should be light and carb focused. For example, a banana, dates, or apple sauce are great, easily digestible snack options!

Angelique Gouin is a Florida-based dietitian and former collegiate tennis player who specializes in helping clients achieve their weight loss, sports nutrition, and general nutrition goals. She providers her clients personalized and flexible nutrition plans that provide them with long-term results, not just quick fixes. Angelique creates a safe and nonjudgemental space for her clients to achieve their results. Book an appointment with Angelique here!