FAQs

What is a non-diet dietitian? What is a non-diet approach?

A non-diet dietitian is a dietitian who won’t put you on a diet — ever. While this might sound contradictory, it means that we will focus on improving your relationship with food and how to fuel your body instead of letting any external food rules dictate your eating habits. This approach aligns with the principles of Intuitive Eating. Instead of teaching you how to control portions, we will teach you how to listen to your hunger and fullness cues. Instead of counting calories, we can help you discover a way of eating where you are mindfully able to tune into the needs of your body. 

Non-diet dietitians don't recommend diets because diets do not work! Diets put the clock, the scale, the measuring cups, some other inanimate / external object, or another person in charge of your eating. This leads to further distrust and confusion between your body and your mind. While we are here to help you challenge anything that may be preventing you from listening to your body, such as an eating disorder or diet culture, you are ultimately the only person living in your body, and the expert of you.
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Non-diet is not non-health. This is a common misconception about Intuitive Eating. Intuitive Eating has research to back it up. The studies show that Intuitive Eating participants have less disordered eating, decreased biomarkers like triglycerides and blood pressure, reduced body dissatisfaction, higher self-esteem, greater life satisfaction, more variety in the foods they consume, and they find more pleasure from eating. Eating and moving intuitively will be freeing and open up your life in so many ways, while diets (and eating disorders) isolate you. And that freedom is sustainable, unlike diets.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes! Leg Up Nutrition is in-network (INN) with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Mass General Brigham (formerly Allways) insurance plans and its affiliated products, excluding Medicare Advantage plans. Because all plans differ in their specific coverage of  nutrition services provided by a Registered Dietitian, we strongly encourage all clients to call the member services number on the back of their insurance card and to follow this guided script we offer here when speaking to the representative in order to verify their exact coverage prior to their first appointment. This ultimately helps to give you the most accurate information about costs you might owe, such as co-payments, co-insurances, and/or deductibles.

All other insurance plans besides BCBS products are considered out-of-network (OON). Some insurance plans offer reimbursement for out-of-network care; we are happy to provide you with a "Superbill," which is a detailed receipt of services provided, that you can then submit to your insurance plan for potential OON reimbursement. You can use this script on our website to help you determine if your plan might offer OON reimbursement. *Please note that a Superbill does not guarantee that you will be reimbursed by your insurance provider, and that payment is required at the time of service prior to receiving a Superbill. 
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We understand that dealing with insurance can be a complete headache; please don't hesitate to reach out should you need help verifying your insurance benefits!

What can I expect from working with Allegra?

Whether this is your first time working with a dietitian and you're feeling a little hesitant, or you've worked with a dietitian before and are simply looking for a different approach, Allegra is ready to meet you where you're at in your health journey. Sessions with Allegra feel welcoming and safe, giving clients the space and time to talk about what's on their mind, and process their thoughts and emotions in a supportive environment. Allegra is dedicated to getting to know each of her clients on an individual level and to make them feel understood and empowered to improve their relationships with food, body, and self. 

Here is what you can expect upon booking an appointment with Allegra:
  • You will receive an email confirming the day/time of your appointment, along with the link to your HIPAA-compliant virtual session.
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  • You will be instructed to fill out a handful of intake forms via our secure client portal prior to your session with Allegra in order to give her a bit more information about you.

  • In your first (intake) appointment, you and Allegra will discuss your health journey thus far, particularly in terms of your relationship with food. You will have the opportunity to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with about your history with Allegra, as well as what you're interested in working on together. Allegra will take the time to genuinely get to know you in this initial session, and will begin to discuss next steps and goals.

  • In your follow-up appointment (typically 1-2 weeks after the initial session), you and Allegra will discuss what went well and what was challenging in between sessions, and what you both want to focus on that day. Follow-up sessions might include learning a new topic or coping skill; discussing potential food exposure(s) to try; brainstorming meals/snack ideas; or delving deeper into your relationship with food, movement, and/or body image. Ultimately, you get to decide what is discussed in your appointments, and Allegra will always meet you where you're at and empower you to guide the work!

How many nutrition appointments will I need?

The amount of appointments you need will depend on your goals and how much support you need to reach them. For individuals in eating disorder recovery or working to heal their relationship with food, the nutrition work is often part of a bigger, longer journey and can take years of sessions before you feel like you're "done." For others with more specific or shorter-term goals, you may find that you’re able to make steady progress and feel ready to move on in just a few months. You and Allegra will determine the best frequency of your visits as you go along.