Here is a guide on what to look for in a nutritionist. Finding a nutritionist comes to mind to when you want to get want to:
- Understand your body and how food relates
- Weight loss
- Management of a condition or disease
Here are some things you should be aware of when searching for a nutrition professional.
What is a Nutritionist?
The concern with the rise of social media is that a lot of people, often unqualified, are giving nutrition advice. While scrolling through social media, you may see users calling themselves “nutritionists”, but what does this really mean and is this someone that you can trust?
Nutritionist vs Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
A registered dietitian (RD) and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) are two interchangeable qualifications that can be used to describe a credentialed nutrition professional. However, a nutritionist alone is not the same thing as a RD or RDN.
The title of nutritionist in most states does not have a legal definition and these individuals have no oversight, requirements, etc. This means that just about anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist”.
Unfortunately, someone calling themselves a “nutritionist” alone is typically not someone you should trust when it comes to nutrition advice.
Qualifications & Credentials of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Now that we have distinguished the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian nutritionist, lets review the steps an individual must accomplish to receive the RDN credential.
- Obtain a degree in a nutrition or dietetics related field from an accredited university. The requirements for degree type have actually changed recently. Effective January 2024, the minimum degree requirement for new individuals pursing a RDN credential is a graduate degree.
- Complete a supervised practice program, also called a dietetic internship. This is often done in a healthcare setting to gain hands-on experience in applying nutrition principles to patient care.
- After completing their dietetic internship, RDNs must then pass a national board exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Finally, RDNs must then obtain state licensure from any state they are practicing in (if applicable).
Are there specialties?
Registered dietitian nutritionists overall are trusted experts in the field of nutrition and dietetics. The schooling gone through ensures that they receive a broad education on various areas. However, on top of the minimal education requirements, RDNs are able to go on and specialize further into areas that interest them.
Dietetic Internship
As mentioned above, RDNs must complete 1,200 hours of supervised practice during their dietetic internship. Dietetic interns go through 3 rotations of clinical, community nutrition, and food service. During these rotations, dietetic interns have the opportunity to focus/specialize on areas that interest them.
For example, if someone is interested in sports nutrition, they may have the opportunity to complete their internship at a sports complex or in some programs, they may have the opportunity to work with a professional sports team.
Specialties
After completing their credentialing, registered dietitian nutritionists have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas that interest them. Some areas that RD/RDNs specialize in are sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, nutrition for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, GI disorders, and eating disorders, to name a few.
Continuing Education
To maintain the RD/RDN credential, individuals must complete continuing education credits yearly for both their CDR and state licensure. This not only ensures that RDNs are staying on top of the most up-to-date evidenced based practices, but it also allows them to obtain further education on areas they want to specialize in.
Picking the right nutritionist
So, with all of that being said, what should you look for when searching for a nutritionist?
Evidenced-based Practice
All registered dietitian nutritionists pride themselves on using evidence-based practice when conducting nutrition assessments and providing nutrition education. A trusted nutrition professional relies on scientific research to inform them of recommendations and patient interventions. Nutrition is a science, so new research and guidelines come out all of the time.
When looking for a nutritionist, be wary of quick fixes offered or overly restrictive guidelines, depending on what you are being seen for. Registered dietitian nutritionists don’t promote or encourage fad diets as evidence suggests these diets don’t support long-term weight loss. A RDN will help you achieve your wellness goals without villainizing certain food groups, and by encouraging a balanced diet with moderation.
Communication and Support
Look for a nutritionist who actively listens to your concerns, communicates clearly, and respects your decision making. A supportive and accessible RDN can empower you to make lasting changes and navigate challenges along your health journey. You should never feel discouraged or like a failure after a visit with your RDN.
Compatibility and Trust
After you meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist for the first time, you should feel that you can build a trusting and collaborative relationship with them. You should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing your needs without judgement from the nutritionist.
Meet with a trusted Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Our registered dietitian nutritionists here at Anderson’s Nutrition have focus areas in various specialities. If you are looking for trusted nutrition advice for chronic disease maintenance, weight loss, GI, eating disorders, etc, then schedule an appointment with one of our registered dietitians today. You will learn how they can help you with your nutrition goals.
