- Hannah Holzhauer
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Nutrition is a hot-topic that can be hard to untangle. With so many trendy diets, health fads, life-changing claims, and supplements you can’t even pronounce on the market, it can be overwhelming, if not exhausting to try and make sense of alone. And although technology and social media has its perks, it can make understanding nutrition even more difficult as there is so much conflicting information online, some with little to no scientific evidence to back it up. So if we can’t necessarily confide in the internet, who do we consult about our nutrition needs and questions?
That’s where Dietitians come in, to help put your nutrition-stress to rest.
First off, what is a Dietitian?
A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a health professional who specializes in human nutrition. Dietitians blend their nutritional expertise with current scientific research, behavioral science, and social science to promote health and prevent disease.
Is a Nutritionist the same thing as a Dietitian?
Although they sound similar and are often mistaken for one another, Dietitians and Nutritionists are not synonymous. Dietitians tend to have more education (4+ years of university and 1,200 hours of supervised practice), need to pass a challenging national exam, must continue education to maintain credentials, and are regulated by a governing body. Nutritionists on the other hand have anyone can call themselves a Nutritionist, but not anyone can call themselves a Dietitian!
So, what are the benefits of working with a Dietitian?
1. Pinpoint your individual nutrition needs.
People are unique, so their nutrition recommendations should be, too. Dietitians are trained to be able to honor and address your individual needs in order to provide you with the greatest level of care. All of the guidance and recommendations a Dietitian provides you with is one-of-a-kind, tailored just for you and your lifestyle.
2. Help you create health goals and plans of action.
Have you ever wished you could make a change with your health, but were not sure where to begin? Dietitians can help you identify, establish, and work towards achieving your nutrition-related goals. Whether your goal is to lower your cholesterol or to improve your relationship with food, a Dietitian is the perfect person to walk you through the steps on how to get there.
3. Get the most up-to-date nutrition information.
Since Dietitians have to do continuing education to maintain their credentials, they are always expanding their knowledge on the newest nutrition research. Having a nutrition expert by your side means that you are being provided the most accurate, evidence-based information. They can help answer your questions, clarify information, and break down complex topics.
4. Help you understand and master your food psychology.
How we think, feel, and treat our food is something we may not consider often, yet it undoubtedly affects our daily lives. Dietitians can help you uncover and recognize your thought and behavior patterns around food, getting to the bottom of where they originate from. Through gentle practices and thoughtful reflection, Dietitians can not only help you understand your food psychology, but learn how to change it to form a healthier relationship between food and body.
5. Recieve new ideas and techniques you may not be familiar with.
Part of a Dietitian’s job is to explore techniques with you that are designed to guide you towards your goal(s). Whether it be new meal ideas, movement inspiration, behavior change strategies, tips and tricks, or points of reflection, Dietitian’s are always willing to share their knowledge and creativity when they feel it will benefit you on your journey.
6. Motivate you and keep track of your progress.
Dietitians are like your personal goal-trackers and biggest cheerleaders combined into one. They want to see you achieve your goals and feel good in your body! To help support you on your journey, Dietitians provide you with motivation, inspiration, and a sense of accountability.
7. Help you become more in-tune with your body.
We live in a fast-paced world surrounded by distractions. As a result, we often lose touch with not only our eating habits, but our bodies as a whole. Dietitians can help you become more in-tune with your hunger, your desires, what brings you life, and how you feel inside and out. Once your body awareness increases, you can start honoring it and living more harmoniously. Working with a Dietitian is an act of self-love.
Hannah Holzhauer, M.S.
Recent graduate of Rowan University's Coordinated Master's Program in Dietetics. Hannah is working towards her goal of becoming a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Registered Dietitian.