Would you let a dietitian build your house?

Social media is overflowing with self-proclaimed nutritionists and fitness gurus claiming that they have found the miracle solution to weight loss and optimum health:

“Challenge yourself with the 30-day cleanse by drinking these natural juices and all of your problems will be solved!"

“New research shows that following a gluten-free diet will help you lose weight instantly!”

“Do you want to live a positive lifestyle and change your diet all while making money? Ask me how!”

If you do some close investigation into these claims, you will find that these messages are often conveyed by people with minimal knowledge on proper nutrition. So who should you trust ?

Registered Dietitians.

What are Registered Dietitians (AKA Registered Dietitian Nutritionists)?

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Registered Dietitians Nutritionists 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. They work throughout the community in hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, food management, food industry, universities, research and private practice. RDNs are advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world.”

What makes Registered Dietitians experts in nutrition?

Becoming a Registered Dietitian is a challenging, yet rewarding process.

Step 1: Receive a bachelor’s degree in a program accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Coursework covers nutrition assessment, nutrition counseling, micro- and macronutrients, medical nutrition therapy, the Nutrition Care Process, food science, foodservice management, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, organic chemistry, physiology, business management, economics, and sociology.

Step 2: Complete an accredited internship program that involves supervised practice in food service, clinical nutrition, and community nutrition.

Step 3: Pass the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Dietitians go on to continue the learning process and stay up to date on new research by…

Completing continuing education credits that are required to maintain the RD credential

Achieving masters degrees and Ph.D’s

Receiving certification in pediatric, gerontological, sports, renal, and oncology nutrition

Becoming Certified Diabetes Educators and Certified Nutrition Support Clinicians

Obtaining a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management and Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management

So, would you let a dietitian build your house? Hopefully your answer is no because you value your money...and safety. Registered dietitians are by no means qualified to build houses. In the same sense, you should not listen to nutrition advice from just anyone. Your health is valuable and you should trust the person that is going to help you build a strong foundation in nutrition that will last a lifetime. Registered Dietitians are the sole professionals you should trust for accurate, evidence based nutrition recommendations.

Find a Registered Dietitian near you!

Check out www.eatright.org for more information.

References

(1) Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered Dietitian (RD) Educational and Professional Requirements. EatRight. http://www.eatright.org/BecomeanRDorDTR/content.aspx?id=8143. Accessed September 24, 2014.

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