If You're Looking For Legit Health and Fitness Advice on Instagram, Here's Who to Follow

Updated on 9/10/2019 at 11:40 AM

There's a lot of information on the internet, both good and bad; and on social media, you'll find so-called "experts" touting their ability to help you get healthier, more lean, and ready to conquer your goals. It's important to know that you can't trust everything you read online. Plus, once you find someone that looks and sounds like they know what they're talking about, you should be vetting them for the right certifications.

For example, all registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Both know about nutrition, though dietitians have gone through certain requirements in order to be called RDs or RDNs (registered dietitian nutritionist). Some certified nutritionists (CNs) can have as high as a master's degree, but there are a number of states that don't require formal training or licenses. So, "nutritionist" isn't as regulated of a term in the US and anyone can call themselves one without proof of qualifications. If you're looking for a professional to give you a full diet plan for weight-loss or specific health reasons, registered dietitians are best.

In terms of exercise advice, certified personal trainers should be your go-to sources. Many people tout themselves as online coaches, but a credible CPT will have a certification from trusted organizations such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), or Board of Certification For the Athletic Trainer (BOC). These are just a few, and you can also find trainers who've gone the extra mile to receive a CSCS certification in strength and conditioning. Read more about these certifications here. Ahead, check out six experts who are both RDs and CPTs, where to follow them on Instagram, and why we like their accounts so much.

Rachael DeVaux

Rachael is a NASM-certified personal trainer, performance enhancement specialist, and registered dietitian who posts colorful food photos with detailed recipes to follow (her paleo almond butter and jelly protein bars look all kinds of good!). She also shares quick workouts to do when you're at the gym or when you don't have access to one.

Instagram: @rachaelsgoodeats

Website: rachaelsgoodeats.com

Alix Turoff

Alix is a NASM-certified personal trainer and registered dietitian who posts informative and fun memes like the one seen here. She shares fast facts about the body and the way it burns and stores calories, nutritional comparisons for different foods, and healthy recipes to whip up. We've interviewed her before, and she really knows her stuff.

Instagram: @alixturoff_rd

Website: alixturoffnutrition.com

Lacey Dunn

Lacey, NASM-certified personal trainer, registered dietitian, and founder of UpliftFit Nutrition, has experience as a bodybuilder and not only posts advice on getting lean for competition, but also posts about how to see growth at the gym, as well as how dieting affects your thyroid levels.

Instagram: @faithandfit

Website: upliftfit.org

Lauren Cadillac

Lauren calls herself the "Feel Good Dietitian" and is all for intuitive eating. The ACE-certified CPT and RD's anti-diet-culture philosophy shines through her Instagram feed, and she offers tips on how to stop binge eating, beat bloating, and listen to your hunger and fullness cues.

Instagram: @feelgooddietitian

Website: laurencadillac.com

Gabbi Berkow

Gabbi, an exercise physiologist, NASM-certified CPT, and RD, has given POPSUGAR great advice for past articles on weight loss and weight gain. She posts the press she gets for her expertise, as well as reposts from other professionals that she follows. She's also a Pilates instructor and advocates for that on her Instagram.

Instagram: @gabbiberkow

Website: gabbiberkow.com

Monica Salafia

Monica, a NASM-certified personal trainer and registered dietitian, posts workout tips and information on planning meals around macros. Here, she shares a specific breakdown for training and eating well on your period. She also shares memes that really make you think about your mindset when it comes to diet and exercise.

Instagram: @denverfitnessdietitian

Website: mindonnutrition.com