Telehealth Etiquette: How to Make the Most of Your Appointment

Telehealth has made it easier than ever to meet with your dietitian from the comfort of your own home. You don't have to sit in traffic, find parking, or rearrange your entire day just to make it to an appointment. You can grab your favorite blanket, settle into your couch, and have your session from a space that feels familiar and comfortable. Or you can fit it in during your lunch break at work, and have your evening free for a hobby or some relaxation.

At the same time, virtual appointments can feel a little different from meeting with your dietitian in person. Without a waiting room or an office to signal that it's time for your appointment, it can be easy to treat telehealth like a casual Zoom call. A little preparation can go a long way in helping you feel relaxed, present, and prepared for your session.

Read on for 7 simple telehealth tips to help you get the most out of your nutrition appointments.

Find a Private Space

Eating disorder nutrition appointments can involve conversations about food, your relationship with your body, eating behaviors, and other personal topics. Having a private space can make it easier to speak openly without worrying about someone overhearing you.

If you live with roommates, family members, or a partner, try to find a room where you can close the door. If privacy is limited, let your dietitian know beforehand. Headphones are also helpful if you're worried about others hearing your conversation. If you are nervous beyond that, use a white noise machine outside of the room , or find white noise to play on your phone and place that at the bottom of the door while you complete your session.

Try to Limit Distractions

We know that life doesn't stop just because you have a nutrition appointment. Your dog may need to go outside, your laundry may be sitting in the dryer, and your phone may be lighting up with notifications.

Still, whenever possible, try to give yourself the same attention you would if you were sitting across from your dietitian in an office. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, close other tabs on your computer, use the restroom beforehand, gather what you need prior to the appointment and step away from other tasks for the duration of your appointment. You don't have to create a perfect environment. The goal is simply to give yourself the opportunity to be present.

Be Ready to Talk About Food

One of the benefits of telehealth is that you are already in your own environment. That can actually be really helpful during eating disorder recovery.

Your dietitian may ask about meals and snacks you've been eating, challenges you've had during the week, or situations that have felt difficult. You don't need to prepare an exact report of everything you've eaten. In fact, you don't need to hide the hard parts.

If you skipped meals, struggled with eating disorder behavior(s), felt anxious around food, or had a difficult body image day, those are important things for your dietitian to know. Your appointment isn't a test, and you aren't going to get a grade based on how your week went.

Being honest gives your dietitian a better understanding of what you actually need support with.

Don't Worry About What You Look Like

You don't need to dress up for a telehealth appointment. Come as you are, as long as you are comfortable. Your body and appearance aren't something you need to present a certain way in order to deserve care. Your dietitian is there to support you, not judge how you look.

Join Your Appointment on Time

Just like an in-person appointment, arriving on time helps you get the most out of your session.

Try logging into the appointment a few minutes early so you have time to make sure your camera and microphone are working. This also gives you a moment to settle in before your appointment begins.

If something comes up and you're going to be late, communicate with your dietitian when you can. Life happens, and your dietitian understands that. Make sure you know the best way to communicate with your dietitian, so that she sees your message. If you continuously show up late, you and your dietitian may need to have a conversation about changing times.

Make Sure Your Technology Is Working

A strong internet connection and a charged device can make your appointment much easier. Most telehealth platforms only operate when connected to Wi-Fi.

Before your appointment, check that your camera and microphone are working and that your device has enough battery. Use a reliable Wi-Fi connection and find a spot where you have a good signal. Even if your car has Wi-Fi, avoid joining a session from your car. Telehealth platforms often don’t work in the car, and could result in a no show fee. The best places to join an appointment are home, office, or a public place with stable Wi-Fi.

Technology doesn't always cooperate, though. If your video freezes or your connection drops, don't panic. Just let your dietitian know and figure out the next steps.

Give Yourself a Few Minutes After Your Appointment

Sometimes a nutrition appointment can bring up a lot of thoughts or emotions. If possible, give yourself a little transition time afterward rather than immediately jumping into another task.

You might make a cup of tea, take your dog for a walk, listen to music, or simply sit for a few minutes and let yourself process the conversation. You don't have to immediately figure everything out or jump right into doing something. Recovery is a process, and one appointment doesn't solve everything.

Telehealth Can Still Feel Personal

It can be easy to think that virtual appointments won't feel as personal as sitting in the same room with your dietitian. But telehealth can still provide meaningful, individualized support.

For many people, being able to meet from home actually makes appointments feel more comfortable. You are in your own environment, your dietitian gets a glimpse into your real life, and you don't have to put your life on hold to get the support you need.

There is no perfect way to do telehealth. You don't need a spotless room, a perfect internet connection, or a perfectly organized schedule. You just need to show up.

At Namaste Nourished, our goal is to create a space where you can be honest, supported, and comfortable, whether we're meeting with you virtually or in person. Eating disorder recovery can feel vulnerable, and having a safe space to talk through food, body image, and the challenges that come with recovery matters. That’s why our team has spent time training on how to help patients virtually, show up authentically, and provide the same level of support via Telehealth.

If you're looking for eating disorder nutrition support from the comfort of your own home, our dietitians are here to help. Click here to book an appointment with our team.