circulation these days; on the web, in magazines, on the
television. Trying to separate out fact from fiction can be
quite the daunting task. Let me just give you a few
pointers to help you at least figure out who can
legitimately call themselves an expert on nutrition
information, which may help you decide which articles you
can trust.
First of all, you should know that ANYONE could call
himself or herself a nutritionist. There are no laws or
guidelines determining who can give out nutrition advice. I
will never forget when I was visiting my parents one
weekend while going to graduate school. While in the gym
at our local Jewish Community Center, one of their friends
asked me what I was studying at college. "Nutrition
science" I replied. And I'll never forget what this woman
said: "oh, my daughter has read so many books on nutrition
that I'm sure she can call herself a nutritionist just like
you." I was astounded! I'm sure my parents would have
appreciated knowing all the money they spent on my
education could have easily been spent on a few diet
books…with the same results.
I don't think so.
However, I did finish my degree and I have learned a few
things about finding good nutrition information, which I
want to share with you. First and foremost, I recommend
you look for people who have the initials RD after their
name. RD stands for Registered Dietitian. Registered
dietitians have at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition.
Most have Master's Degrees and PhDs in nutrition science or
a related science area. In addition to these degrees, RD's
also have passed a standardized national exam and must
continue to keep up their expertise by taking education
courses every year.
You will also get truthful nutrition information from
individuals who have received their Master's Degrees and/or
PhDs in Nutrition Science, even if they don't have the RD
after their name. These are people who spent several years
studying the science of Nutrition, and have not simply read
a few books. They understand research methods and how to
analyze claims made in the media, as well as in the
research.
With a Master's Degree in Nutrition Science, I am also an
RD, but I like to call myself a nutritionist. I like to
think of myself as being concerned with total nutrition,
not just diets, which may be how some people interpret the
RD. Most people with degrees in Nutrition Science do know
about treating the whole person, not just individual
conditions require specialized diets. There is a
misconception that dietitians try to overwhelm people with
information they don't want or need. That is simply not
true. Most of us are skilled in the sciences, and are
trained to be nutrition counselors as well. We realize
nutrition is not a "one size fits all" and work to
individualize programs to meet your specific needs. We will
also work to answer all the questions you have about
nutrition that don't necessarily relate to your own
personal needs.
You will always see my credentials along with the word
"Nutritionist" next to my name, because while I may have
read many diet books, with my background, I possess the
scientific knowledge to tell fact from fiction.
About the Author:
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links to nutritional resource websites, visit
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