Sierra Rankin, MS, Millennium Associate Operations Manager

Between what you hear on TV and read in the news, eating well can seem like a real challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN) will partner with you to develop a safe and realistic eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul. To guide and motivate you, an RDN will use creative and out-of-the-box strategies to help with meal planning, grocery shopping and mindful eating.

What Is a Registered Dietitian?

A licensed dietitian is a healthcare professional with specialized expertise in nutrition and the creation of tailored eating plans to address individual health requirements. These professionals undergo specific training and meet qualifications to obtain their designation. In the United States, accreditation is typically granted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency affiliated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

A registered dietitian can be identified by the post-nominal letters following their name, such as RD for registered dietitian or RDN for registered dietitian nutritionist, a more contemporary term for the same qualification. In states mandating licensure, a licensed dietitian will display LD after RD or RDN. Additionally, certain dietitians may hold supplementary credentials in specific dietetic specialties.

What Does a Dietitian Do?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) stand out as the foremost and trustworthy providers of up-to-date, scientifically grounded food and nutrition information. They serve as the authorities in translating the intricacies of nutritional science into practical strategies for promoting healthy living.

While the roles of RDNs can vary, there are commonalities within the profession, including:

• Educating others on diet and nutrition
• Assessing a patient’s nutritional needs
• Developing personalized dietetic plans
• Offering individual counseling on dietetics and nutrition
• Assisting patients in meal planning
• Engaging in data collection, re-search, and report preparation

Individuals seek the expertise of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for various reasons, including the following:

You Are Seeking Assistance in Man-aging Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Or Other Chronic Diseases.

A RDN can assist you in understanding your condition and its potential impact based on your dietary choices. Additionally, they collaborate with you to develop a personalized eating plan that incorporates the necessary nutrients to effectively manage your condition.

If You Are Considering or Have Undergone Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Following surgery, as your stomach can only handle small portions, obtaining essential nutrients becomes challenging. As a valuable member of your healthcare team, a RDN assists you in adapting your eating plan to fulfill these nutritional requirements while ensuring you still feel satisfied.

You Are Experiencing Digestive Issues.

Collaborating closely with both you and your doctor, a RDN offers valuable guidance to fine-tune your diet. Working together, you can identify food choices that won’t exacerbate your condition, such as reducing the intake of fried foods, caffeinated beverages, and carbonated drinks.

You Are Pregnant, Attempting to Conceive, Or Are a New Parent.

Schedule a meeting with a RDN to ensure you receive the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, post-delivery, a RDN can assist in ensuring both you and your baby obtain the essential nutrients to support overall well-being.

You Have a Food Allergy, Intolerance, Or Sensitivity

If you are un-certain about dietary choices due to conditions like celiac disease, food allergies, lactose intolerance, or others, it’s common to feel over-whelmed by restrictions. This can result in a monotonous diet that may lack essential nutrition. A RDN can provide guidance by teaching you strategies to identify foods to avoid and suggest suitable substitutions, ensuring your diet remains both balanced and flavorful.

You or Your Child Are Dealing with Disordered Eating.

As integral members of the treatment team, RDNs offer counseling to individuals dealing with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

You Are Seeking Practical Lifestyle Advice.

If you are seeking assistance in navigating the truths and myths of nutrition headlines, understanding label information at the supermarket, discovering budget-friendly healthy cooking, learning strategies for dining out health-fully, and managing temptations, consulting with a RDN is invaluable. With personalized care, a RDN considers your health history, food preferences, and lifestyle habits to provide tailored advice. Together, you will set goals, with follow-up visits focusing on maintenance and monitoring your progress, ensuring a customized approach rather than generic, one-size-fits-all diet recommendations.

References:

1. 10 reasons to see an RDN. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org. (n.d.). https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/10-reasons-to-see-an-rdn
2. Professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.). What is a registered dietitian?. Cleve-land Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/dietitian
3. Rose, V. (2022, March 23). The im-portance of registered dietitian nutri-tionists. Health Designs. https://www.healthdesigns.net/registered-dietitian-nutritionists/