Celebrating Registered Dietitian Day

As part of National Nutrition Month, I'm excited to share that today is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day!

When you have a nutrition question, where's the first place you go? Do you check the Internet, read a magazine or ask a friend? While you may find a quick answer to your question, it may not be the most accurate, useful or personalized response. Although many people have nutritional experience, a registered dietitian is your nations qualified food and nutrition experts. Do you need nutrition help? Find a RD who specializes in a field that can be of assistance to your personal health and/or performance goals.

As you may or may not know, the RD route wasn't originally in my career path. After obtaining a BA in exercise science and minor in psychology and then earning a MS in exercise physiology, I was focused on becoming a strength and conditioning coach. However, after getting involved in endurance sports, I wanted to learn more about nutrition and counsel athletes on daily and sport nutrition. I also knew that if I wanted to become an author, I needed the RD behind my name for credibility. I took the extra (long, expensive and difficult) step that many "nutrition experts" avoid taking - I went back to school for 3+ years to pursue an education in dietetics.

My life has changed in so many ways because of my RD credential. I constantly find myself challenged, driven and excited about my career in sport nutrition. In June, I will be celebrating nine years of having RD, LD/N behind my name, while also being one of the small group of dietitians who are board certified in sport nutrition. I am so honored to be recognized as a nutrition professional, among so many other extremely smart, passionate and dedicated dietitians.

Did you know that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of education, experience or background? But not every nutritionist is a dietitian. As you know, there are countless meal plans, books, articles, blogs, classes and seminars provided by nutrition experts who have no to little formal education on nutrition or simply hold a certification in nutrition.

Much of our public is confused and misled by the nutrition information and advice from nutrition experts, which ultimately devalues the qualifications and experience among RDs. Today is celebrating the many RD's out there who, by law, can legally provide nutritional counseling.

"Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to increase the awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and to recognize RDNs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and National Nutrition Month® promote the Academy and RDNs to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based food and nutrition information" - Eatright.org

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day Key Messages developed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are the food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionists have degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health or a related field from well-respected, accredited colleges and universities, have completed an internship and passed a national examination.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionists use their nutrition expertise to help individuals make unique, positive lifestyle changes.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionists work throughout the community in hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, fitness centers, food management, food industry, universities, research, media, professional sports, and private practice.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world.

Looking for a Registered Dietitian?
When you need accurate, personalized, realistic and practical nutrition advice, it's highly recommended to use the services of a Registered Dietitian. If you are an athlete seeking daily and sport nutrition advice, pursue a RD who is a Board Certified Specialist in Sport Nutrition (CSSD credential).

To find a registered dietitian in your area, visit EatRight.org and click on “Find a Registered Dietitian.”

HAPPY RD DAY!
Don't forget to thank your favorite dietitian today.

If you are interested in reading about my educational journey up until 2016, here's a blog post for your reading enjoyment. And here is my RD Exam "race report".