A nutritionist is someone who studies food and advises people about healthy eating. Nutritionists learn how different foods affect the body, which vitamins and minerals people need, and how to create balanced meals that keep people healthy and strong.

You might meet a nutritionist if you're an athlete trying to improve your performance, if you have food allergies and need help planning safe meals, or if your doctor thinks better eating habits could help with a health problem. A school might hire a nutritionist to plan cafeteria menus that give students energy for learning and playing. Sports teams work with nutritionists to help players build muscle and recover quickly after games.

While nutritionists focus on general healthy eating advice, a dietitian is a specific type of nutritionist with special certification and training, often working in hospitals or helping treat medical conditions through diet. Someone calling themselves a nutritionist might have anything from a short course to a graduate degree, so people often check their qualifications. Many nutritionists don't just know facts about vitamins and calories: they understand that eating well can mean different things for different people, depending on their age, activity level, culture, and personal needs.