About Fuad Al Qudsi, RDN, CPT
MY MISSION
EMPOWER.
My mission is to inspire, guide, and empower individuals to unlock their full potential. Through personalized nutrition counseling and education, I create a supportive and empowering space where real, lasting change happens. Using the latest in evidence-based nutrition and exercise science, I help you build healthier habits, overcome challenges, and thrive in every aspect of your life.
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.
My Specialties
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.
Credentials
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (CPT)- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
BS IN Human Nutrition and Food Science | University of Northern Colorado - Greely, Colorado
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Monash FODMAP Trained Dietitians - Completed Training on the low FODMAP diet for IBS via Monash University - Melbourne, Australia
Fun Facts
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.
Kind Words
“We highly recommend working with Fuad to anyone, including couples. Working with a registered dietitian who would come up with a sustainable meal plan; and one that was also a certified personal trainer, was a real plus."
KEVIN S.
“Fuad’s 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 regard to nutrition. Following the plan he customized for me, I was never hungry, and I got to eat delicious, healthful, and satisfying meals.”
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 have learned so much more than a "diet" plan could teach me. Thanks to Fuad, I have changed how I approach nutrition and food.”
Alejandro P.
The Difference Between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are recognized as the leading food and nutrition experts. Becoming an RDN involves extensive education and training. To earn the RDN credential, one must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from an accredited program, followed by a supervised practice experience through an accredited dietetic internship or graduate program, and pass a rigorous national registration exam. Many RDNs also hold advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate.
RDNs are required to maintain their credential through continuous professional education—seventy-five hours every five years—to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest research in nutrition science. Their training qualifies them to provide both general nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy (MNT), which involves the use of nutrition to manage or treat health conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In the United States, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics regulate RDNs. This oversight ensures that RDNs are held to the highest ethical and professional standards. If an RDN practices unethically or provides unsafe advice, they can face penalties or lose their license to practice. Importantly, RDNs use evidence-based practices to create sustainable, long-term health improvements for their clients, avoiding fad diets and focusing on the big picture of nutrition and well-being.
Nutritionist
On the other hand, the term "nutritionist" is not regulated in the U.S., meaning that anyone can use the title without a standard level of education or credentialing. Nutritionists may go by various titles, such as Registered Nutritionist, Holistic Nutritionist, or Nutrition Coach. However, unless they are also a registered dietitian, they are not governed by the AND or held accountable by any national regulatory body. This means that if a nutritionist provides unethical or harmful advice, there is no formal entity to intervene or revoke their practice rights.
Unlike RDNs, nutritionists are not qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Some nutritionists may have relevant education and training, but others may only possess an online certificate or base their advice on personal experience. This can vary widely, so it’s important to verify a nutritionist’s credentials and educational background before following their recommendations.