WHAT TO EXPECT

The Food Therapist is a weight-inclusive, virtual nutrition counseling practice specializing in reproductive health. We meet for sessions on video chat via Healthie, a HIPAA-compliant, secure online portal. This convenient and effective way of working with your dietitian that saves time and money. No more traveling to and from appointments. No more paying for parking, transportation or a babysitter for your little ones. We can chat on your lunch break or nap time, from the comfort of your own home, or even while you're taking a walk! Plus you can stay connected and feel supported between appointments via secure messaging.

Through this online portal, you can schedule your next appointment, keep a photo food journal, check in with your hunger and mood before and after meals, log water intake, track your goals, and upload relevant health records and lab reports from your physician to help us make nutrition recommendations specific to your unique health needs and conditions. All of this can be done on your computer or phone via the free Healthie app.

What’s Included in 1:1 Nutrition Sessions with The Food Therapist

  • Initial consultation and nutrition assessment (75min)

  • Follow-up sessions (45 min) (may be purchased per session or as a 5-pack)

  • Free Healthie app - our online portal for video consultations, scheduling appointments, text messaging, goal check-ins and photo food journaling

  • A recap of your goals from each session

  • Handouts on food & nutrition topics related to our sessions as needed

  • Messaging between sessions for support, guidance and accountability

  • Personalized supplement recommendations

  • Communication as needed with other healthcare providers for a team-based approach to your care

  • Optional: weekly meal plans

NEW! Fully Supported Fertility Package

The best of both worlds - personalized nutrition counseling plus access to all of the content in our Fertility Foundations nutrition course. You can watch or listen to the course modules in between sessions to get more nutrition education and reinforcement of topics discussed in session while making the most of one-on-one time with Rachelle, addressing barriers and figuring out what works and feels right for you to support your fertility. (The course modules are approximately 20 minutes long, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule!)

Includes an initial consultation and nutrition assessment and 5 follow-up sessions with Rachelle, one month of a customizable meal planner, and one year of access to the Fertility Foundations nutrition course.

What Can I Expect during Sessions?

In our initial consultation, we'll spend 75 minutes together so I can get to know you. We'll explore your medical history, weight and dieting history if applicable, eating patterns, food preferences, allergies, sensitivities and/or restrictions, and your lifestyle. Then we'll create sustainable, actionable steps together to help you achieve your health and wellness goals, which may include collaborative meal and/or snack planning. I will provide nutrition education as needed/when appropriate and recommendations tailored for you. All appointments are conveniently held via secure video chat, or over the phone if preferred. After our initial consultation, we'll spend 45 minutes together during follow-up sessions to check in, discuss successes and challenges since our last visit, and add or adjust goals as needed to continue working towards your larger health and wellness goals.

How often do we meet?

We generally meet at least every other week when we start working together. Clients can work with Rachelle on a short-term or long-term basis, but we do recommend a minimum of 3 months for most folks. At the end of each session we discuss when it would be best to schedule a follow-up session based on individual needs and progress. Packages of follow-up sessions are available at a discounted rate.

Payment Options

We accept credit cards and HSA/FSA cards for payment. Additionally, if you have out-of-network insurance coverage, you may be able to get reimbursed for the nutrition counseling services you receive. We can provide you with a Superbill after our sessions that you can submit to your insurance to seek reimbursement.

For rates, please click on the hyperlinks above. You can purchase an initial consultation and book the appointment directly. If you have additional questions before booking, please email hello@rachellemallik.com or schedule a complimentary intro call to discuss.

If you are in need of financial assistance for fertility treatment, consider applying for a grant with the Chicago Coalition for Family Building. Rachelle’s company The Food Therapist is a proud partner of CCFB and she donates nutrition counseling services to IVF cycle grant recipients.

Can you work with clients outside of Chicago?

Absolutely. Telehealth offers the flexibility to work with clients outside of the Chicagoland area; however state licensure and telehealth regulations for dietitians vary. Rachelle is a Registered Dietitian, which is a national certification, and she is licensed in Illinois, Missouri and as a telehealth provider in Florida. If you are located in another state and are interested in working together, please contact us as regulations vary by state and do change over time.

Are you interested in nutrition counseling to…?

Promote FertilitY

NOURISH PREGNANCY

Support Postpartum & Breastfeeding

Support Postpartum & Breastfeeding

Manage IBS & the Low FODMAP Diet

What should you eat if you’re trying to conceive? How does diet impact fertility? What if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), or endometriosis? Nutrition can play an important role in your reproductive health and ability to conceive, plus it can impact the future health of your baby. We can provide tailored nutrition recommendations to optimize your fertility.

Are you really "eating for two"? Confused about what to eat (or not to eat) or which prenatal vitamin to take? Craving “carbs” and struggling to eat other foods? Need help managing gestational diabetes? In addition to your OB or midwife, a dietitian can be a crucial part of your prenatal care team. Let's work together to help you feel your best and create a nourishing environment for baby.

Worried about your milk supply or the quality of your milk? Feeling pressured to lose the baby weight? Finding it hard to feed yourself when you're exhausted and there's a baby who needs you? Let's design a plan to address your postpartum nutrition needs and support your baby in their first 1000 days.

Worried about your milk supply or the quality of your milk? Feeling pressured to lose the baby weight? Finding it hard to feed yourself when you're exhausted and there's a baby who needs you? Let's design a plan to address your postpartum nutrition needs and support your baby in their first 1000 days.

Given a handout on the low FODMAP diet with no other guidance? Feeling limited in your food choices or scared to re-introduce high FODMAP foods? What about if you’re trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding and managing IBS? If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS, the low FODMAP diet can provide relief from your GI symptoms. It’s also complicated and not intuitive, and there may be times when it is not appropriate, so don’t go at it alone. We can provide guidance and support to help determine your dietary triggers, allowing you to enjoy food without worry.