What’s an R.D.?

The term “RD,” or Registered Dietitian, is different than “nutritionist” contrary to popular belief.  A Registered Dietitian has to complete an extensive 4-year degree with an accredited university, complete a 900 hour minimum dietetic internship, pass the National Registered Dietitian Examination, maintain membership dues for CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) and ADA (American Dietetic Association), and complete 75 hours of continuing education credits every five years in order to maintain their credential.

Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” really, and many states have licensure laws to protect the RD credential. Nutrition information is always changing and RDs are up-to-date on the latest nutritional information backed by sound research and must continue their education and professional development even after graduation.  This information cannot just be given out for free.

To be assured that you are receiving legitimate nutritional advice, it is important you are working with a Registered Dietitian.  It is disheartening when people give out nutritional advice when they don’t have the credential to back it up because it not only discredits our profession, we lose client confidence in spending money for our services.

For more information you can visit the American Dietetic Association.

The Time is Now!

Never before have we seen how important nutrition and overall health is in the prevention of many diseases from diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and obesity.

Prevention is the key to this puzzle. You are the creator of your world and you ultimately have the power to build the path to health and happiness.  Only you can unlock your potential!

Another great resource, especially if you would like to focus on nutrition specific for athletes, is a sports dietitian. After their name you will also see the CSSD credential, signifying they are a certified specialist in sports dietetics.  I’m hoping to aspire to gain this credential in the future.  It is an even more amount of time and education required on top of the RD credential, but is such a fascinating aspect to nutrition.

Check out this video below and check out this site if you’d like to find a sports dietitian in your area.

Sports Nutrition: Who Delivers?