Nutritional counseling is the development of a healthy diet plan that fits a person's or family's needs. A registered dietitian provides nutritional counseling services.

A healthy diet plan will consider:

• Height and weight. Growth trends over time give the most useful information.
• Current medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or pregnancy.
• Level of physical activity or exercise.
• Appetite and food likes and dislikes.
• Lifestyle, culture, and how foods are prepared and offered.
• Locally available foods.