Nutrition

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is trained to be an expert in food and nutrition. RDs are trained to have a thorough understanding of scientific, medical, and nutrition information, and use this information to help children and their families. RDs support families across a spectrum of nutrition issues, ranging from helping families develop healthy eating habits to feeding-related issues for children with complex medical issues.

RDs must follow standards to become a dietitian; they must complete an accredited honours university degree in human nutrition followed by an accredited dietetic internship, and must successfully complete the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination. RDs are a regulated health profession in Ontario, and licensed through the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Keep in mind that “nutritionists” are not held to this same standard as RDs and do not have these qualifications. To learn more about the difference between the terms, and why it is recommended to work with an RD for all nutrition-related care, please read this comprehensive article from the College of Dietitians of Ontario.

All of the RDs at Boomerang Health have extensive experience working with infants, children, and teenagers, often with complex medical issues. They are able to provide highly specialized care to children, and understand the unique issues that children face when it comes to eating. They are passionate about helping families understand nutrition and apply it in their lives, and encouraging children to adopt healthy eating habits to last them a lifetime.

Conditions We Assess/Treat

All children and youth with any nutritional concerns are welcome at Boomerang Health. The following is a list of areas that may be targeted for assessment/treatment by an RD:

• Anemia
• Celiac Disease
• Constipation
• Food allergies
• Gastrostomy tube feeding (including blenderized tube feeds)
• General healthy eating
• Infant nutrition
• Non-IgE mediated food allergies (including eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastritis, and food protein induced enterocolitis)
• Nutrient deficiencies related to Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Nutrition for the child athlete/athletic performance
• Overweight
• Picky eating
• Underweight (“Failure to thrive” or “growth faltering”)
• Vegan and vegetarian diets 

Our Approach

The RDs at Boomerang Health approach nutrition care in a client-centered manner. Your child’s nutrition concerns and goals for treatment will be discussed at the beginning of the appointment. Care is individualized, recognizing that each child and family has unique eating habits, food preferences, cooking styles, and values around food that impact their eating habits. RDs will work with you and your child to develop goals that are feasible for you to achieve. You will leave the appointment with a summary of the areas of concern, and identified goals, as part of your child’s nutrition care plan.

Interdisciplinary Care

For families and clients who are involved in other medical or rehabilitation services at Boomerang Health, our RDs will work closely with the other team members to align and communicate treatment goals.

Prices

Rehabilitation services, including nutrition, are not covered by OHIP, but may be covered under your extended health insurance benefits.  Check with your insurance provider for details. Appointments with our physicians are covered by OHIP.

Initial Assessment Including Care Plan (60 minutes) – $200.00

Consultation/Treatment Session (60 minutes) – $180.00

Consultation/Treatment Session (30 minutes) – $90.00

Initial Eating Disorders Assessment (Including assessment, education, and treatment) – $230.00

Eating Disorders Consultation/Treatment Session (60 minutes) – $180.00

AboutKidsHealth

For more information related to Nutrition, visit the following pages on AboutKidsHealth, SickKids’ trusted health education website for children, youth, and their caregivers:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Celiac Disease
• Food Likes and Dislikes
• Iron Deficiency Anemia