01
Stage 1: Consideration and Decision
I help patients set realistic expectations, understand how these medications work physiologically, and prepare nutritionally before the first dose.
For Healthcare Professionals
I am Eliana Witchell, MSc, RD, CDE - a Registered Dietitian specializing in metabolic health, therapeutic carbohydrate restriction, and GLP-1 medication nutrition optimization. I work collaboratively with your care team so your patients get better outcomes while reducing the nutrition-management burden on your practice.
Chief Dietitian, IPTN · Published researcher, UBC diabetes remission study · 600+ patients across military and civilian populations · Certified Diabetes Educator
The Problem
You already know the evidence: nutrition is foundational to outcomes for metabolic conditions. But the reality of clinical practice makes comprehensive nutrition counseling nearly impossible inside a standard visit.
Your patients are asking questions you do not have 30 minutes to answer, especially those on GLP-1 receptor agonists. What should I eat on Ozempic? Am I losing muscle? Why do I feel nauseous? These are nutrition questions, not medication questions, and they are showing up in your practice every day.
Patients who do not get adequate nutrition support are more likely to experience preventable side effects, lose lean mass, and struggle with regain if and when medication is reduced or discontinued.
You need a referral partner who understands the clinical context, speaks your language, and provides structured support that actually changes outcomes.
Lead Offering
Over 15 million patients in North America are now prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists. Most receive minimal dietary guidance beyond 'eat less, move more.' This page positions nutrition support where it belongs: as part of the clinical strategy, not an afterthought.
I have developed a structured protocol for patients on semaglutide, tirzepatide, and related GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonists. It covers the full patient journey, from pre-medication preparation through active weight loss and post-medication transition.
7-Stage Framework
GLP-1 treatment is not one intervention. It is a journey with distinct nutritional needs at each phase. My program maps support to where the patient actually is.
01
I help patients set realistic expectations, understand how these medications work physiologically, and prepare nutritionally before the first dose.
02
I establish baseline protein targets, meal structure, and hydration protocols so patients are not improvising when appetite changes begin.
03
I provide practical strategies for maintaining adequate nutrition with reduced appetite, including structured meal timing, protein-dense foods, and symptom management.
04
Each increase changes the equation. I adjust the plan, help patients distinguish effective from excessive suppression, and surface relevant response patterns.
05
This is where muscle preservation becomes critical. I emphasize protein, resistance training integration, and progress markers beyond the scale.
06
I assess readiness, build a taper-aware nutrition strategy, and make sure the behavioral foundation is in place before the medication safety net comes away.
07
When appetite returns, structure matters. I help patients maintain results with skills and systems that can survive beyond medication.
Beyond GLP-1
GLP-1 support is the sharpest current referral need, but the practice covers the broader metabolic-health landscape as well.
Therapeutic carbohydrate restriction, medication-nutrition coordination, A1C optimization, and insulin resistance management aligned with current care guidelines.
Insulin resistance-driven PCOS management, fertility nutrition, and coordination with endocrinology and reproductive medicine.
A full-spectrum approach to dyslipidemia, hypertension, central adiposity, and insulin resistance as one interconnected picture.
Post-cardiac event nutrition, lipid management, and blood pressure optimization coordinated with cardiology goals.
Patients with four to six concurrent conditions, multiple specialists, and overlapping medications who need one coherent nutrition strategy.
Collaboration
I do not operate in a silo. When you refer a patient, I become an extension of your care team rather than a separate wellness track.
I coordinate nutrition recommendations with your treatment plan, especially when dietary changes may affect insulin, sulfonylurea, or antihypertensive dosing.
Meal planning, side-effect troubleshooting, appetite management, and day-to-day implementation questions come to me so your team can stay focused on prescribing and monitoring.
With patient consent, I send concise summaries on nutrition progress, adherence, and concerns that may require your clinical attention.
I do not work at cross-purposes with your plan. I adjust nutrition strategy to the diagnoses, medications, and constraints already in play.
I practice as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator using evidence-based protocols and refer back when concerns move outside nutrition scope.
Credentials
Brief, scannable, and credential-forward because physicians read for signal.
Protocols are built on peer-reviewed research, diabetes remission work, therapeutic carbohydrate restriction literature, and current evidence on protein requirements for patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Referral Process
Fax the referral to the secure line at +1.855.325.9933. This matches the current privacy-safe workflow used on the live Eat Different RD website.
The team reaches out by email and phone and attempts to book the appointment within 3 weeks of receiving the referral.
Following the appointment, chart notes are sent back within 3 to 7 business days, with immediate outreach if there are any medical concerns.
Referral Contact
Because patient referral details must stay inside a privacy-safe workflow, referrals are handled by secure fax rather than an on-site intake form. This section now matches the current process used on eatdifferentrd.com.
Licensed Jurisdictions
Eliana is currently registered to provide care in the following jurisdictions:
FAQ
I hold a Master of Science in Nutrition, I am a Registered Dietitian regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario, and I am a Certified Diabetes Educator. I serve as Chief Dietitian at IPTN, contributed to UBC diabetes remission research, and have managed more than 600 patients across military and civilian populations.
I use evidence-based, food-first approaches grounded in therapeutic carbohydrate restriction and protein optimization. I work within regulated scope and coordinate with referring providers so nutrition recommendations support the patient's full treatment plan.
Yes. GLP-1 nutrition support is a core specialization. My protocol addresses protein preservation, side-effect management, meal structure by titration stage, and post-medication transition planning.
With patient consent, I send a structured summary after the initial assessment and follow-up updates at the frequency you prefer. For GLP-1 patients, I also flag titration-related nutrition concerns and symptoms that may need clinical review.
I offer both individual Medical Nutrition Therapy consultations and self-paced education pathways with community support. Pricing is discussed directly with the patient after referral, and eligible patients can use extended health benefits where Registered Dietitian services are covered.
I am currently registered to provide care in Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. For patients outside those jurisdictions, I can provide general nutrition education where appropriate, but individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy depends on jurisdiction and regulatory scope.
That is common in my practice. Most patients present with multiple diagnoses, medications, and specialists. I build one coordinated nutrition plan that serves the full clinical picture rather than treating each condition in isolation.
Absolutely. While GLP-1 support is a growing focus, I also accept referrals for Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, PCOS, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk reduction, and complex multi-condition presentations.
Closing CTA
I am accepting new referrals for GLP-1 nutrition support, metabolic health, and complex multi-condition patients.
Direct contact: eliana@eatdifferentrd.com · +1.855.554.7413 · Secure Fax +1.855.325.9933