In a world full of millions of food products, thousands of different diets, and way too many health influencers, I can say with confidence, the health professional you want to turn to for all the answers and advice is a registered dietitian. Below are just a few things to help open your mind to why seeing a dietitian is the way to go. You may also see us referred to as “RD” or “RDN” which of course stands for registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist, respectively. These two credentials mean the exact same thing and it is up to the individual which one they choose.
- We have intense schooling
In college I completed chem 1&2, biology 1&2, biochemistry, microbiology, psychology, nutrient metabolism… are you bored yet? Not that any of these fancy course names matter to most, but they do make the legitimacy of the degree seem real. Dietitians are not required to have their master’s, but starting in 2024, to become a registered dietitian through the examination, you will need to have this credential. On top of the bachelor’s and master’s, dietitians are required to complete, at a minimum, 1200 hours of supervised practice in the field. Now all this fancy stuff seems great, but none of it matters until you pass the exam, which in my case took up most of my summer this past year. All in all, yes, dietitians do learn about fruits and veggies and make cute little handouts, but in the grand scheme of things, this is an intense career path to get into.
- We are not the “food police”
My biggest pet peeve to date is when someone says something along the lines of “I can’t tell you what I ate last night you will judge me”, “you would be disappointed about my breakfast” or anything along the same lines. We are all human, we all eat differently, we all have days where we feel like eating more than usual is right. Step one is to realize that I, or any other dietitian, will NOT judge you, and step two is to realize that we have days like this too! Just this past weekend I polished off four of my favorite chocolates when I usually stick to one. Do I do this every day? Heck no. Will I grieve this indulgence for the next week or even day? Again, not a chance. Taking the stigma out of what a dietitian is all about will make you realize we are here to help guide you through this confusing world that has way too many food brands to choose from, not judge you for the choices you make.
- We are the top of the food-chain, literally
So, when I say food chain, I am not talking lions and bears- I’m talking about food professionals. You have probably heard of dietitians, nutritionists, health coaches, nutrition bloggers- you name it. The highest you can be in terms of a “food educator” or “nutrition educator” is a Registered Dietitian. We are the most educated, trusted professionals to help guide clients and patients through disease states, meal planning, and general wellness. I would also like to note that other health care professionals turn to us as well. Doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc. all have taken one, or if they are lucky, maybe two, nutrition classes in college. Of course, dietitians’ last few years of school are spent taking strictly nutrition-focused classes. Though they may have some general knowledge, these professionals will likely refer you to an RD for more intense treatment.
- We want to see you succeed by working with you, not for you
As a dietitian, I see clients every day, and not one person eats a similar diet. With this being said, I understand the importance of individualized care. I want you to tell me what foods you enjoy, how many meals and snacks you need a day, and how cooking and grocery shopping fits into your schedule. There is not a set formula to follow for a set outcome because everyone’s health journeys will look different, and that is why we will build a partnership together to achieve your goals, not me telling you what to do and how to act for a set result.
- We hate diet culture just as much as you do
I manage to cringe at least once a day because of seeing a “keto, vegan, sugar free, dairy free, paleo, gluten free” recipe that is supposed to be a cookie or something. No way is a cookie going to taste good if it has all those labels attached to it. Now, do I think there is sneaky ways to make a delicious cookie healthier? Of course. Am I going to attach all these diet culture buzz words to the recipe? Nope. And don’t even get me started on all the misinformation coming from celebrities that make “quick-fix” detox diets. I will save you some time and money- these quick result diets will result in making you hangry, dehydrated, tired, and you will gain the weight back. We do not want diet culture stealing our jobs, which is why I always promise to keep it out of our space of healthful nutrition. Sustainability is key, and no quick fix will last forever.
Looking to learn more about dietitians and how you can get your own? You’re in luck! I have appointments available at ClubWorx that YOU can fill now. Start by using the link below to schedule a FREE phone call with me to talk a little more about my services and how they can benefit you! I offer in person and virtual appointments to both members and non-members (meaning all are welcome for sure, even if you are not local!) I am so excited to start working with you soon and seeing you around the gym.
