With so much nutritional information online and everywhere else, it wouldn’t be surprising if you’re confused. Should you eat a low-carb diet or a healthy-carb diet? A low-fat diet or a low-sugar diet? Does the Mediterranean diet reign supreme or is the DASH diet where the action is? With so many conflicting articles, videos, and opinions, it’s not surprising that people struggle to adopt a healthy diet. Instead, they jump on the latest diet fads, hoping it will be the answer. But what if you could ask a pro, a person trained in nutrition? That’s where a registered dietitian could be your answer.
The Benefits of Working with a Registered Dietitian
A registered dietitian has completed intensive education and training in the field of nutrition. They understand the basic science behind nutrients and how much and what type your body needs. Most importantly, they can give you personalized guidance and recommendations on what would work best for you. They consider your health history, current metrics, and your goals as far as health and body weight when working with you. They’ll question you about your eating habits and help you make changes such as smarter meal planning.
Unlike articles and videos targeted at the public, you won’t get generic nutritional advice, but counseling targeted to your unique needs. They can help you better understand the complexities of foods and how they affect your body, and they’ll answer your most provocative questions about diet and debunk common myths.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What’s the Difference?
Is a nutritionist a viable alternative to a dietitian? You’ve probably heard the terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist.” Some people toss them around interchangeably. However, they’re not the same thing. There are specific requirements you must meet in terms of education and training to become a registered dietitian. You need to pass a certification exam to become a registered dietitian or R.D. The degree they complete is equivalent to a graduate degree and they must complete an internship that teaches practical skills, like interviewing people.
A nutritionist is a non-standardized term. Nutritionists may have a degree in nutrition, but they can still call themselves a nutritionist, even without completing a degree program in nutrition. So, it’s an open field and you don’t know what you’re getting when you consult with a nutritionist. So, if you’re spending money on nutritional advice, a registered dietitian is your best bet.
When to Seek Professional Nutrition Advice
The next question is when do you need a dietitian? If you have a science background and read reputable sources on your own, you may feel comfortable planning your own diet. Yet there are scenarios where you might get benefits from consulting a registered dietitian:
You Have a Chronic Health Condition
This is the number one reason you might need the services of a registered dietitian. As you know, what you eat can affect whatever health condition you have. There may be certain foods you should eat more of and some you need less of when you have health conditions, like cardiovascular disease or diabetes. A dietitian can design a personalized nutrition plan that meets your needs and considers your health issues, medications, and more.
For example, a registered dietitian can make your life easier if you have diabetes. Rather than generalities, like “eat less carbs,” they can develop a personalized meal plan for you. This plan would fit with your lifestyle, nutritional requirements, and medications. They can also tell you what to eat to reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications.
You Can’t Lose Weight
If you’ve tried everything and you’re not losing weight, a registered dietitian can help you gain clarity. They can design a weight loss plan based on your metrics and habits. Then they can follow along with you and monitor your progress. They can also help you address issues like hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies that might be keeping you from losing weight. Need a meal plan? They can help. They’ll also help you with issues like mindless eating and portion control.
You Have a Food Allergy or Food Intolerance
Another reason you might want to see a dietitian is you have or suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance. It’s challenging when you must avoid particular foods, especially if you have multiple food intolerances or allergies. A registered dietitian can make your life easier by designing a nutrition plan that makes your life easier. For example, dealing with a gluten-free diet is challenging, especially if you have celiac disease where even trace amounts of gluten can cause issues. A dietitian can give you useful tips and a personalized plan to avoid gluten. Likewise, if you have a food allergy.
You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant, you’re eating for two. So, you need more of certain nutrients. And if you breastfeed after giving birth, you’ll also need to manage your nutrient intake to ensure you have adequate milk production. Key nutrients you’ll need to manage during pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- Folic acid: You need enough of this B vitamin to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
- Iron: A necessary mineral to produce red blood cells and prevent anemia
- Calcium: You need adequate calcium for fetal bone development and maternal bone health
- Protein: An essential macronutrient to support fetal growth and development
You also need these key nutrients and macronutrients during breastfeeding:
- Protein: Studies show increased protein intake boosts the volume of milk you produce while breastfeeding.
- Calcium: You need it to produce adequate milk and to support maternal bone health.
- Vitamin D: Vital for immune function.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Critical for development of a healthy infant brain and vision.
- Iodine: Essential for the development of a baby’s brain and for a healthy thyroid.
A registered dietitian can ensure you get the proper amount of these nutrients during this critical time. They can also help you tackle challenges such as morning sickness.
You’re an Athlete
If you’re an athlete, especially one who does high-intensity exercise, getting enough macronutrients and consuming enough calories is essential. Intense workouts place substantial demands on your body. Therefore, you need extra nutritional support to help your body repair, rebuild, and perform its best. A registered dietitian can build a plan for you that maximizes your performance.
Another critical aspect of athletic performance is hydration. A registered dietitian will help ensure you’re hydrating adequately to maximize your performance. If you choose a registered dietitian that specializes in athletics, they can also help you manage your energy level while building greater strength and endurance.
With so many myths out there about sports nutrition and what you should and shouldn’t eat and drink, getting clear about what’s best for you is wise. A dietitian will understand the latest on issues like carb loading, protein supplementation, and balancing electrolytes, so you can make smart choices.
Conclusion
If you’re healthy, take no medications, and have a background in health or nutrition, you might feel comfortable taking a DIY approach to planning your diet. But if you’re an athlete, pregnant, struggle to lose weight, or have health conditions or food intolerances, a registered dietitian can make your life easier. Take advantage of it!
References
- (n.d.). What to Know About Dietitians vs. Nutritionists. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-dietitians-vs-nutritionists
- Balance Into Health. (n.d.). The Benefits of a Nutrition Consultation: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Optimal Health. Retrieved from https://www.balanceintohealth.com/blog/the-benefits-of-a-nutrition-consultation-a-comprehensive-guide-to-achieving-optimal-health
- National Council on Aging. (n.d.). What Is Nutrition Counseling? And How Does It Help Seniors? Retrieved from https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-nutrition-counseling-is-it-right-for-me
- Unlock Food. (n.d.). What can I expect when I go and see a dietitian? Retrieved from https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/About-Dietitians/What-can-I-expect-when-I-go-and-see-a-dietitian.aspx
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Health Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.eatright.org/health/health-conditions
- (n.d.). Nutrition Counseling vs. Registered Dietitians. Retrieved from https://www.partnermd.com/blog/nutritionist-vs-dietician-understanding-differences
- Dietitians On Demand. (n.d.). Benefits of meeting with an outpatient dietitian. Retrieved from https://dietitiansondemand.com/benefits-of-meeting-with-a-dietitian-outpatient/
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