Food and Fitness Fundamentals
March is National Nutrition Month®. It is this time of year where Registered Dietitians (RD) are exceptionally busy dedicating much time and energy educating Americans in how to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, such as by making informed food choices, creating healthy eating habits and engaging in regular physical activity. It is also a great opportunity to teach the public how to decipher fact from fiction when it comes to proper nutrition, as often the conception and definitions may be misleading.
Do you sometimes find yourself confused when hearing conflicting media reports on what to eat, which supplements to take, or how to manage weight? One vital piece of information is to identify the source of origin from where the recommendations come. Long term studies which include targeted large population groups that have been closely monitored by reputable organizations are far more relevant than small short term isolated studies or worse yet, uneducated individuals simply making false claims in order to sell a product. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it often is.
Do you know the difference between a Registered Dietitian and nutritionist?
In many states, virtually anyone can call themselves a nutritionist as there are few, if any, regulated licensure laws in reference to this title.
Registered Dietitians are considered the food and nutrition experts. They have completed at least 4-5 years of specific education and training before earning this title. All educational and professional requirements are upheld by the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). These requirements include completing a minimum of a bachelors degree from a US accredited college or university, along with coinciding coursework. Following the undergraduate or graduate program, a CADE-accredited internship is performed, which typically takes 6-12 months to complete. At this point, the student is eligible for the registration exam. Only after passing the national board exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), is a person qualified with the credentials Registered Dietitian. And it doesn’t end there. In order for RD’s to maintain their registration, they must complete regular continuing professional educational requirements. These continuing education hours help ensure RD’s are up to date with current food and nutrition related research, recommendations and guidelines for all Americans.
So, the next time you have any nutrition related concerns, make sure you get the most accurate science-based nutrition information: refer to a Registered Dietitian. They are the food and nutrition experts!
Click here for more information on National Nutrition Month® and how to Get Your Plate In Shape, or contact The Corvallis Clinic Registered Dietitians at 541-754-1370