Have you ever considered hiring a nutritionist to help you eat clean and teach you what to eat in order to get the right amount of calories and nutrients? Many people are very good with clean eating and some are even so exact they have their daily nutrition worked down to a science. It reminds of an interview I watched where they talked about how legendary martial artist Bruce Lee put together a nutritional program that was so exact, he knew just how much of each vitamin he was taking in each day.
Not many people would spend the time to be that specific about their food intake, however, a nutritionist could figure it all out for you if you wanted to. When I think of nutritionists I think of them in settings such as hospitals or helping athletes with their nutritional goals.
Why hire a nutritionist?
When it is time to lose weight or change eating habits for health reasons, most of us need guidance in terms of what to eat. You can find guidance from diet books but most vary so much, it is hard to find out what will be a good fit for you.
A nutritionist can council you on good eating habits and help make the lifestyle change an easy transition.
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Types of nutritionists
Did you know that the term "nutritionist" is not a legally protected term in the United States? The term "dietitian" is a legally protected term and those who hold that title must be registered with the American Dietetic Association. Therefore, if you are seeking the help of a "nutritionist" you should check with your state's licensing agency to be sure they are licensed.
Two types of dietitians:
Registered Dietitians (RD): Registered Dietitians have completed academic and experience requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, ADA's credentialing agency, including a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and an accredited pre-professional experience program.
Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR): Dietetic Technicians, Registered have earned at least a two-year degree from an accredited college or university and have completed a dietetic technical program approved by ADA's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, including supervised practice experience in community programs, health-care and foodservice facilities.
How to find a qualified nutritionist
Finding a nutritionist is similar to finding a good personal trainer. You want someone who is friendly, experienced, and genuinely concerned about meeting your goals. This person should be someone who you can be honest with about your current eating habits.
A common way to find a nutritionist is by referrals. Once you have compiled a list of candidates, interview them and get a feel about each one. Make sure you mention what goals you want to accomplish such as weight loss, more energy, cholesterol management, etc.
- Pay attention to how they evaluate your needs.
- Is what they are saying going to fit into your lifestyle?
- Ask about their support system. You want someone who is willing to be there when you have questions either by phone or email.
The EatRight.org web site offers a search for dietitians by zip code:
Sources:
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/home_4874_ENU_HTML.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutritionist
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I am an exercise physiologist and writer and I wanted to weigh in that I totally agree about the term “nutritionist”. Anybody can use this term. Always probe further when somebody says they are a nutritionist. Its like the word “natural” on food labels – anybody can say it!
Joe Cannon, MS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
http://www.joe-Cannon.com
Never even considered using a nutritionist. I think my diet is pretty good but I suppose if I want to formulate the perfect diet it is an option worth considering.
I enjoyed your article. I like the magazine Clean Eating! They have some fabulous and yummy recipes.
I have a few articles on my website too that might be helpful.
I would just like to totally reinforce Joe’s point and agree that it is ridiculous that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. Certainly in the UK you check whether the nutritionist you have found is registered (RNutr). Go to the UK nutrition society website (www.nutritionsociety.org) and check that they are listed. Hope this helps!!