What I’m realizing
more and more as the year goes on is this: People still do not know exactly
what a dietitian is, and therefore don’t use them when they could. Even as a
dietetic intern, I am getting exposure to the MANY roles a dietitian has in all
kinds of settings. It is amazing to see SO MANY how we dietitians can make a
difference.
For those that don’t
already know, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are “the food and
nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical
solutions for healthy living. RDNs use their nutrition expertise to help
individuals make unique, positive lifestyle changes” (ADA).
So why is it that often the dietitian is the
last person we “stumble upon” when we need help with food and nutrition? Whether one realizes it or not, an RDN can
help in so many ways; so save time and
go see one! Here are just a few reasons to do this:
1. You have an allergy:
Whether you have been
diagnosed or not, dietitians can evaluate your diet and reactions to get you the
help you need. We aren’t allergists, but we can guide you in the direction that
you need to go to help your symptoms.
2. You want to lose (or gain) weight:
When it comes down to
it, there is no “magic pill” or “10-day fix” that will help you reach your goals.
A dietitian can ensure your weight loss (or gain) is done in a HEALTHY way,
with adequate nutrients and no consequences down the road.
3. You
have been diagnosed with a chronic disease:
Whether it is IBD,
IBS, Crohn’s, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. a dietitian can help get
you the food and nutrition you need to minimize symptoms and prevent further
complications. WE HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO DO THIS. We use evidence based practice
to provide the best care and reach the best outcomes.
4.
Disease prevention:
While genetics plays
a large part in development of disease, adequate nutrition is helpful to prevent or delay onset of many
diseases. A
dietitian can help with this.
5. Your
not-so-good relationship with food:
If you are trying to
build or rebuild how you feel about food and choosing food, a dietitian can be
both a listening ear and help you navigate that relationship with food.
6. You
want a better athletic performance:
A great athletic
performance can greatly benefit from correct fueling for practice and
competition. A dietitian can help you get to where you want to go.
7. Your life just got extra
crazy:
Ever heard of meal
planning? Dietitians are experts at this one, too: well-balanced recipes,
plan/make ahead strategies, or advice on how to make healthy choices when
eating out.
8. You have digestion issues:
Bloating, flatulence, bowel movements are all normal processes of the
human body. But if you are having issues with these, a dietitian can help you
change/modify your diet or lifestyle to help with abnormal symptoms.
9. You want to eat smarter:
How many “eat like me, look like me” posts do you see on a daily basis?
Probably more than you’d like. Dietitians can answer a lot of those questions
about what healthy lifestyle, meals, etc. would work best for you.
10. You get sick a lot and/or
you’re tired all the time:
Diet can play a much bigger role than we think. Too few calories can
cause our bodies to be fatigued and our immune systems to not function
properly. A dietitian can identify strategies to fix this.
11. Last but not
least!...You’re curious about what Dietitians do!:
Whether you are thinking about going into the field or just have a
“fact or fad” question about nutrition, RDNs are happy to help and share their
expertise. I know for me, as a dietetic intern, I have been especially grateful
to be able to ask questions, shadow, converse, and work alongside dietetic
professionals. It has made me grow and
learn more than I ever thought I would in the field of nutrition. I will be one of the “professionals” soon.
To be an RDN, an individual must hold a
bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics + 1200 hours of supervised
practice (internship) + a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics (as of
2020) and have sat and passed a board exam...AKA they know what they are
talking about and how to help you with your needs!
SO: If you are looking for an RDN in your
area, visit www.eatright.org
and click on Find an Expert.
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