My Background
Hello, I’m Fuad Al Qudsi, RDN, CPT! I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition and Food Science from Northern Colorado University. I am also a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer with eighteen years of experience in the field.
My nutrition journey began at a very young age when I started lifting weights. It started with a simple question- how do the quality and the proportion of macronutrients help us build more muscle mass? Although I was interested in fitness and nutrition, my professional path took a different turn when I obtained a degree in Geology and worked as an environmental engineer for some of my adult life. It was twenty years ago when I decided to follow my passion and become a fitness trainer. During that time, my interest in nutrition grew exponentially, which prompted me to pursue and acquire a degree in nutrition and dietetics.
I specialize in adult and older adult weight management, sports nutrition, and all the nutrition related diseases associated with undesirable body weight. This includes pre-diabetes, diabetes, elevated blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease. Furthermore, I am a Monash University trained dietitian on low FODMAP diet to manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders. In addition to my duty as a dietitian, I am also a contributing health and nutrition writer for the “The Carmel Pine Cone”, a local newspaper from where I reside in Monterey County, and an associated dietitian at the wellness center, Trainability Studio.
I am bilingual and fluent in English and Arabic. I enjoy cooking, weight training, and traveling. I am a big fan of modern design and an avid collector of Mid-Century Modern furniture and artifacts. I am currently offering virtual and in-person nutrition counseling through my private practice, FuadFit.
Credentials:
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (CPT)- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
BS IN Human Nutrition and Food Science | University of Northern Colorado - Greely, Colorado
Morrison Healthcare Dietetic Internship at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center- Oakland, California
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Monash FODMAP Trained Dietitians - Completed Training on the low FODMAP diet for IBS via Monash University - Melbourne, Australia
Kind Words
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease earlier this year. Instinctively I knew that an important component of my total health care was my nutrition. Having worked with Fuad when he was a fitness trainer for many years, I knew he had transitioned to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. I reached out to Fuad within the first week of my diagnosis. After the initial consultation I knew that Fuad would help me develop a nutrition road map that was tailored to my health needs, and my lifestyle. And he did. Once the plan was created, he checked in with me frequently to make sure that I was doing ok and always had a back up plan to help me stay on track. Fuad also made it clear that he was available should I ever have a question. I wouldn’t hesitate to refer Fuad to any of my friends or colleagues if they were looking for a knowledgeable dietitian that understand his clients health needs in order to help them achieve their health and nutrition goals.”
chas z.
“I really enjoyed working with Fuad and learning more about proper nutrition and healthy food choices by following his nutrition program. His friendly approach to nutrition counseling was the key to my success. He was very patient and knowledgeable and was able to help me clarify some myths and misconceptions in regards to nutrition. He really listened and offered guidance to help me problem solve when I faced challenges during the program. Further more, he devised a custom plan for me that was easy to follow and coached me on how to track my daily food intake using a nutrition app. Following the plan, I was never hungry, and I got to eat delicious, healthful and satisfying meals. I lost weight on the plan and now I feel confident with the knowledge I have gained to maintain my healthy body weight.”
Alice S.
“I hired Fuad for nutrition consultation to help me lose weight. I have lost 20 pounds and 3 inches around my waist, over 11 months, but more importantly, I am feeling so much better. I am empowered with great nutrition knowledge. I have learned so much more than a "diet" plan could teach me. Thanks to Fuad, I have changed how I approach nutrition and food. He listened to my needs and crafted an eating plan that fit my lifestyle. I highly recommend Fuad to anyone!”
Alejandro P.
The Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), dietitians are food and nutrition experts. They are extensively educated and trained before they can register with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. They must complete a minimum of an undergraduate degree in nutrition, attend an accredited graduate dietetic internship program and pass a national Registration Exam. Some also complete Masters and/or Doctorate programs. Dietitians must also complete seventy five hours of continuing professional education every five years to maintain their registration and stay up to date on the latest research in nutrition science. Dietitians can provide both general nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy (e.g., for medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Celiac disease, and IBS).
In the US, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics oversees dietitians and holds them accountable for their actions. The purpose of the regulatory body is to protect the public, not dietitians. If a dietitian practices unethically they will lose their license.
Despite the name, dietitians do not promote fad diets. Instead, dietitians help you make practical and sustainable changes to improve your long-term health. Dietitians don’t just focus on individual nutrients, but instead take a holistic view of your food intake, health, and wellbeing. They consider all of the many factors that can influence health and take an evidence-based approach, which means all their nutrition recommendations are supported by science and quality research.
There are various titles nutritionists use, including Registered Nutritionist, Holistic Nutritionist and Nutrition Coach. If a nutritionist is not also a dietitian, they are not regulated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, even if they include “registered” “certified” or “licensed” in their title. If a nutritionist acts unethically, there is no regulatory entity to hold them accountable.
Nutritionists are not qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy.
Some nutritionists have education/training in nutrition, but some do not. An online certificate in nutrition or a personal health success story is not equivalent to a university degree in nutrition. I am not telling you to not see a nutritionist, but emphasizing the importance of always checking a person’s credentials and education before following their advice.