Who Do You Get Your Nutrition Advice From?

Registered Dietitians should be your primary healthcare provider when it comes to nutrition advice.

There are three responses I get when I tell people that I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist:

Ohhh… I shouldn’t eat this in front of you!
You’re eating that?
So what do you think about this diet/supplement/book/etc...?

Food is personal. We don't just eat to survive, we eat to nourish our soul. We often use foods as a bandaid for everything else going on in life.

Because our relationship with food is so intimate, I feel it's important people understand that I’m not the food police, that I will never judge someone based on what they eat, and that I only provide advice if asked.

But more than anything, I'm passionate about nutrition and helping people make nourishing decisions.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are Food and Nutrition Experts

I’ve had almost 20 years of training to allow me to provide nutrition guidance and recommendations.

I went through an undergraduate and masters program in nutrition, a year-long internship, and had to pass a national test to be licensed.

Plus, I’m required to maintain my license with continuing education through the credentialing body Commission on Dietetic Registration. I also have to take a test every 5 years to maintain my certification as a board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics.

All of this makes me – and all other Registered Dietitians – the most qualified people to go to with specific questions on:

Individualized diets
Knowing which foods interfere or interact with the medications or supplements you’re taking
What to eat to help prevent and reverse disease
Managing your medical symptoms through diet
Interpreting blood work in the context of treating disease through diet
Specific macronutrient (protein, carbs, fat) and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) recommendations to achieve your weight and health goals
Sports nutrition and performance

In most states, anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist

Even someone who has only taken a weekend course in nutrition. Yes, a ‘nutritionist’ may be able to give some good general advice on what to eat – but for anything more in-depth, you want to seek out a Registered Dietitian.

I’ve had many clients, friends, and family who have come to me saying: “Have you heard of such-and-such a diet or supplement? My (insert: trainer, chiropractor, etc) told me to take it!”

And every time, this upsets me.

I worry that one day someone may provide advice that – even with the best intentions – may lead to health or medical complications; or lead to contraindications to medications taken; or may give someone a false sense of security about their health or well-being.

In some states, it’s actually illegal for anyone other than a Registered Dietitian to provide nutrition advice. Such actions could lead to legal repercussions.

Scope of Practice

I have an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science (in additional to the one in dietetics), and we learned about Exercise Prescription (developing exercise plans). But I would never create a training plan for someone because I know that I’m not certified by NASM or ACSM or any other professional sports association.

I know I’m not qualified to provide personal training. So I refer my clients to someone who is.

Because that’s the right thing to do. I remain within my Scope of Practice.

Put together your Care Team

Ultimately, it’s not about being territorial. It’s about working together and respecting each other’s scope of practice so that we can provide top-notch services, which is in the best interest of our clients.

Because our clients are the most important part of the equation. We work for YOU and want to help you achieve your best physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

So if you’re serious about your health – be sure to ask for all credentials when you seek out a health professional — whether it’s a Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer, or any other person who may be helping you become your Best Self.

Because your health is worth it!