What types of nutrition posts for Instagram should dietitians be posting?
Instagram is continuing to grow in popularity as a widely used social media platform. Because of this, many dietitians are actively posting content on Instagram (IG).
Using Instagram, dietitians can effectively communicate their knowledge to a broad audience by sharing nutritious recipes and meal ideas and providing evidence-based nutrition tips.
Instagram can significantly benefit a dietitian’s business and personal brand. But with the growing number of influencers on Instagram, how can you stand out?
In this article, we’ll discuss how to stand out on Instagram as a dietitian, including expert tips from popular media dietitians.
Benefits of Instagram for Dietitians
In today’s digital age, leveraging Instagram as a dietitian can offer numerous benefits for professional growth and client engagement and educating the general public.
As a visual platform, Instagram provides an ideal space for dietitians to showcase their expertise through aesthetically pleasing, informative, and engaging content.
Instagram’s interactive features, such as stories, polls, and live sessions, allow for real-time engagement with followers, fostering a sense of community and trust.
By consistently delivering valuable content and establishing a strong online presence, dietitians can expand their reach, attract new clients and build long-lasting relationships with existing ones.
From a brand standpoint, many food and health brands are looking to partner with RDs on Instagram in some form, including sponsored posts.
Don’t Get “Lost in the Sauce”
One of our favorite terms when speaking about social media in general is not to get “lost in the sauce.”
Instagram is a huge platform, and it can be easy for your content to get lost in the mix of everything else. Learning to stand out as an RD effectively can help you leverage your audience and gain loyal followers.
Especially if you plan to monetize your Instagram in the future, you’ll want to pay attention to how you can set yourself apart from others online trying to share health advice.
So, what can you do? Below, we asked media dietitians how they stand out on IG and their best tips for overall success.
Top 6 Ways to Stand Out On Instagram as an RD
#1 Spend Time on Engagement
Spending time engaging with your followers and ideal clients is an excellent way to foster relationships with potential customers.
“Instagram is a social network based on building community. You don’t want to post and ghost, meaning, you should spend at least 10 minutes per day interacting with your followers and engaging with other accounts that represent your ideal client,” says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, CEO of Master the Media.
Engagement is also beneficial in boosting your account’s visibility across the platform. If you choose to pursue paid partnerships in the future, brands will be looking for an engaged audience.
Engagement typically includes comments, likes, and impressions on your content. Be sure to engage with others as well. Engagement can include replying to comments, answering direct messages from your current followers, and engaging with future followers.
“Look at who’s using the hashtags in your niche or specialty area and spend time each day liking and commenting on their posts,” says Gorin.
#2 Be Authentic to Find Your People
Staying true to yourself and your brand values is essential across all business avenues, including Instagram.
Prospective customers can sense when content feels ingenuine!
“Social media can be so unpredictable and tricky but I always try to think about authenticity as much as I can by sharing content that feels authentic to me, both personally and regarding my messaging around nutrition,” says Jamie Nadeau, owner of The Balanced Nutritionist.
“When you’re sharing content that feels authentic, you’re more likely to bring in the right people who feel like they’re in the right place, and stay,” says Nadeau. “Then, once you feel like you’ve found your “people”, keep checking in with them to see what they want and what they’re looking for from your page, so that you can keep creating great content for them!”
#3 Lead with Humor and Kindness
Many people use Instagram as a form of entertainment over anything else. If your content brings people joy and laughter, they will likely come back for more!
“For me, I believe what matters most is how you make people feel, not necessarily what you say. I try to always lead with humor and kindness- which aren’t always things you see in the nutrition space,” says Colleen Christensen RD, owner of No Food Rules and creator of The SociEATy app. “It allows for an enciting environment where people feel welcomed and safe 💕.”
Stand out on Instagram by incorporating humorous memes and original videos that relate to your niche and ideal client.
#4 Study your Analytics
The word “analytics” may seem daunting at first glance, but we promise it isn’t complicated. Analytics showcase how your content is performing over time.
Instagram gives fairly detailed insights for anyone with a “creator” or “business” account. Check your account analytics, under insights, periodically and be sure to switch to a Businesss or Creator account if you haven’t already.
“Study your analytics and take them seriously. See which posts are being saved and shared the most and recreate accordingly,” says Maya Oueichek, MBA, RDN, owner of Mayaz Bites.
While analytics are important, don’t let them deter you from posting content that you love and enjoy creating.
“Your people will find you eventually as long as you keep creating for them in your mind,” says Oueichek. “Stress less about the algorithm and enjoy creating and sharing your passion with others.”
#5 People follow PEOPLE
A huge mistake many RDs make on Instagram is not showing the person behind the lens – you! People are inherently nosey- and they love seeing your personal life and what you’re doing behind the curated content.
“Social media can be so fickle and I’ve had my share of feeling frustrated and lost in the sea of nutrition creators. One thing that has helped me stand out is to truly show up as MYSELF and provide behind-the-scenes glimpses into my real life,” says Erica Baty MS RDN, Owner of It’s a Flavorful Life.
She mentions how it can be easy to hide behind polished content and an aesthetic look. But people are searching for relatability and authenticity to establish trust and loyalty with your followers.
“Do a ‘day in the life’ in stories, share your journey to becoming an RD, share daily struggles of cooking for a family, being an online entrepreneur, private practice as a dietitian, whatever it is, etc. People follow PEOPLE. And our humanity is what makes us unique,” says Baty.
#6 Consider your Business Goals and Gather Additional Info
Use Instagram as a way to gather additional info from your target audience, such as emails to grow your email list or book discovery calls.
Gorin also encourages RDs to “Find creative ways to direct your audience off of Instagram and onto an email list” and to “think of Instagram as a mini website.” Share your wins and credibility or next steps you want them to take – book a call, email you, featured in X, download a free guide, etc. Showcase your work as content creator to give brands an idea of what it could look like to work with you.
Nutrition Posts for Instagram: Content Ideas List
Many marketers use Content Buckets or Pillars when planning content. Consider your goals and how you want to connect with your audience. Some Content Pillars may include – Education, How To’s, Infographics, Recipes, Testimonials, Sales, etc.
We find that brands want more than recipe content from RDs. They want to access your nutrition expertise and credibility through educational videos or infographic posts too.
Here are a few ideas you can turn into educational carousels, engaging reels, or entertaining memes that connect with your target audience.
- Client case studies and testimonials
- Meet the team
- “Point of view (POV)” post using your client’s pain points
- Easy recipe ideas for your target audience
- Collaborations with local businesses or other social media accounts
- Nutrition resource recommendations
- Favorite meals from popular restaurants
- Live Q&A session with your followers
- Motivational quotes
- Behind-the-scenes shots
- Product reviews/what you’re currently loving
- Morning or night routine or a Day in the Life
- Full day of meal inspiration
- Stitch/reply back reels to other videos
Are you looking for more specific topic ideas? Check out our Quarterly Trends Reports and Pitch Guides under the Resources Tab through your RD Link account.
Bonus tip: To make content creation even faster, batch your content in chunks and block off time in your calendar for creation each month.
Nutrition Posts for Instagram: The Takeaway
Standing out on Instagram isn’t as complicated as you may think! As with any business task, it takes consistency, patience, and effort to produce quality content and grow your Instagram following.
Use the tips that we’ve outlined above from expert media dietitians who have grown their own following! Additionally, try out the nutrition posts for Instagram ideas list next time you’re in a content rut.
You don’t need a large social media following to start working with brands. Brands want to work with dietitians like you, even if you’re just getting started! Check out the Resources tab through your RD Link account for social media ideas, how to get started working with brands, and more.
Make sure to log in to your free profile frequently at The RD Link so you don’t miss out on opportunities.
Looking for more to read? Check out our post on Health Food Trends in 2025!