When you are sick, you go to the doctor to get well. When you are feeling down or depressed, you meet with a counselor to discuss your problems. What do you do when you want to eat healthier, lose weight and/or manage chronic disease through your food choices? You seek the help of a nutrition professional. AKA, a registered dietitian nutritionist.
What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
First off, the term registered dietitian and registered dietitian nutritionist are interchangeable. A dietitian is a nutritionist, but nutritionist alone is not the same thing. A Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a nutrition professional who has the education and training. This training could be in a nutrition-related field such as medical nutrition therapy, food service management, culinary arts, or wellness. They understand the science behind foods and how to apply it to help you maintain optimal health. Also, they must pass a credentialing exam. Additionally, they maintain continuing education credits to stay current in the nutrition field. A nutrition professional can serve as a food doctor or nutrition coach.
Overall, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists work with people to help them achieve optimal nutrition and wellness. A Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist does not promote fad diets or quick-fixes. They take the time to get to know you and assess your nutrition and health needs. Also, they teach you through evidence-based nutrition the proper way to go about making changes.
National Nutrition Month
Every year, we recognize March as National Nutrition Month. Although every day, people should strive to make healthy food choices, this is an extra special time to get motivated to learn how to do so.
Recognizing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
We set aside the second Wednesday of March to honor and pay recognition to nutrition professionals who help people improve their nutritional health. On Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, we highlight Registered Dietitians, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, and Dietetic Technicians Registered in their workplaces and communities for bringing nutrition awareness.
On the second Wednesday of March, you can celebrate a nutrition professional by thanking them for inspiring you to make healthy lifestyle changes. If you’ve never met with a Registered Dietitian, this month is a good time to make an appointment with one of our Dietitians at Anderson’s Nutrition. You will learn how they can help you with your nutrition goals. You’ll see a difference in your life. Don’t wait! To make an appointment, click on this link.
