The Dream Team on Professional Help

Each month iVillage poses a different question to our Dream Team of experts. Here's what we asked this month: When going for professional help, what's a better buy, a personal trainer or a nutritionist? We asked our experts to weigh in with their points of view.

Lynn Grieger, RD, CDE Why not get double your money's worth and work with someone who's both a personal trainer and nutritionist? It's always best to work with someone who's certified so you're sure you're getting accurate and safe information. Look for a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in areas that mesh with your goals, be they weight loss, increasing muscle mass or simply improving your overall health. An RD who's also certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) would be the optimal choice.

If there isn't such a person in your area, decide which you need the most help with ‑- exercise or nutrition ‑- and look for a professional in that area. I often refer my clients to personal trainers when it becomes clear they've made progress in changing their food habits but are ready for more intensive exercise training ‑- and the trainers refer to me as well.

Liz Neporent, MA

If you must choose between a trainer and nutritionist, step back and consider where you need the most help. Perhaps you're a real pro at the gym but clueless about whether to put butter or margarine on your toast. Or you've got your calories under control but find the weight machines a mystery. Whichever way you go, you'll maximize your investment by choosing a professional with good credentials and a stellar reputation. You'll score big if you find someone with extensive expertise in both areas; these days, more trainers are getting legit nutrition credentials and vice versa.

Stacy Berman, Trainer

If you are seeking professional help to reach your goals, the better buy would be a personal trainer. A trainer gives you motivation, knowledge and pushes harder than you would push yourself in a workout. Your trainer is there with you, making sure that you actually do what has to be done. A nutritionist only provides you with information, and you don't get the same hands-on experience that you would with a trainer.

Lisa Lillien, "Hungry Girl"

To me, this one is a no-brainer. Without a doubt, a personal trainer is a better buy. It would be nice to have a nutritionist personalize an eating plan tailored to you, but there is so much terrific nutrition info available online that any nutrition question can be answered almost instantly and for free. A personal trainer, on the other hand, can not only offer a tailored workout plan for you that can target specific areas of your body, but if you commit to weekly workout times and days, can actually force you to work out. I have had the same personal trainer for five years now, and it's because of him that I actually get my butt to the gym. (Thanks, Pete!) If you're really lucky, you may be able to find a personal trainer who is also a nutritionist.

For more information from Lisa Lillien, go to hungry-girl.com.