Do you try your best to be healthy and eat nutritious food but find it challenging to sift through the barrage of nutrition information? Do not worry! You may not realize but there are trustworthy sources of nutrition all around you. Registered dietitians (RD) are more accessible than ever before and equipped to provide you with the reliable nutrition information you are looking for.
Registered dietitians are the nutrition experts. While the term "nutritionist" is used loosely, the credential of registered dietitian is closely regulated by the Commission on Dietetic Registration which requires strict adherence with specific academic course work, a college degree, a supervised internship program (much like a doctor completes a residency), passing the registration exam, and completing continuing education to maintain registration. In short, registered dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians, similar to all CPAs being accountants but not all accountants are CPAs. The first step to ensure you are receiving reliable nutrition information and will be successful in your nutrition goals is depending on registered dietitians, the nutrition experts, for your nutrition information.
And now it is easier than ever to find a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings that you can easily access like the grocery store, your job as part of your employer's corporate wellness program, and some will even come to your home! While many registered dietitians work in hospital settings, a growing number are working in community based settings.
Registered dietitian Lucette Talamas works as a registered dietitian in the Department of Community Health for Baptist Health South Florida. The health care organization is taking a unique approach to health care by proactively providing group nutrition classes throughout the community in a variety of settings through collaboration with YMCAs, senior centers, schools, parks, churches, and more. Talamas states, "I enjoy working in this unique setting where we can impact individuals throughout our diverse South Florida community. We cover a variety of topics through our nutrition programs, translating evidence-based nutrition truths into practical recommendations to fuel a healthy lifestyle." Not only are the classes provided in easy to access locations in the community, they are also free! Through participation in the group nutrition classes Community Health provides, the community benefits from easy access to nutrition experts.
Many health insurance companies are also increasing the ease of access to registered dietitians by expanding coverage of nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian under more health insurance plans. Contact your health insurance today to find out if nutrition counseling is a covered benefit under your plan. If so, they will be able to provide you with a list of registered dietitians in your area that you can meet with to receive nutrition counseling.
Yes, the world of nutrition can be confusing. Fortunately, registered dietitians are waiting to guide you to determine a nutrition plan tailored to you. Find a registered dietitian today in your community and enjoy a pathway to good health illuminated by a nutrition expert.