Registered dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food. They undertake the practical application of nutrition with both individuals and population groups to promote the well-being of individuals and communities to prevent nutrition related problems. They are also involved in the diagnosis and dietary treatment of disease.
Dietitians work with people who have special dietary needs, inform the general public about nutrition, give unbiased advice, evaluate and improve treatments and educate clients, doctors, nurses, health professionals and community groups.
Dietitians can work in a variety of areas, many of these are within hospitals or in the community as clinical dietitians, health educators or as managers. Both hospital and community dietitians educate people who need special diets as part of their medical treatment, such as patients with:
- Kidney Disease
- Food Allergies
- Eating Disorders
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Dietitians have specialized skills in translating scientific and medical information related to food and health to inform the general public. They also play an important role in health promotion.
A registered dietitian needs to have an interest in science, people and food. They also need to be able to communicate with people from all areas and have an ability to explain complex things simply with a positive and motivating attitude and an understanding, non-discriminatory approach as well as patience and a sense of humor.
Planning, preparing and providing information about food for individuals and organizations is not an easy job. Not only are there a broad variety of specialized diets that should be prepared, but the preferences and the tastes of a vast number of individuals should also be taken into account in the overall food selection. The person in charge of this process is a registered dietitian. No one is more familiar with a person’s dietary needs than this member of the health profession. The registered dietitian is much like someone with a large family, none of whom wants the same thing, likes the same thing or eats the same thing for any given period.
Planning a menu requires a lot of effort and skill. A registered dietitian knows the nutritional value of many foods and plans menus based on the availability of the food and the budget of the clients. When planning is properly organized, the registered dietitian uses specific produce that is currently in plentiful supply at an affordable cost. A knowledgeable registered dietitian is up-to-date on the nutritional value of each item to be purchased and will plan menus with an eye on the market conditions of different foods.
The Role of a Registered Dietitian To Help People Get Healthy
#1. Registered dietitians make sure that the meals are well-balanced and nourishing. The registered dietitian explains how best to utilize foods for nutritional standards and how to work that food into a tight budget. They provide individualized care to people based on their needs and nutritional requirements. A registered dietitian is knowledgeable in estimating the body’s caloric needs in reference to one’s exercise levels and lifestyle. There are people who engage in fad diets and need the help of a professional. While fad diets may work for some time, they are too generalized to tackle the needs of the individual for long-term success. In addition, some diets can pose certain health risks by eliminating important nutrients or suggesting excessive amounts of a certain macronutrient (protein, carbs, fat). A registered dietitian works with every client by getting to know their specific needs prior to making recommendations.
#2. Registered dietitians review the methods of weight loss used previously, assess the present situation and help the client establish realistic goals for behavioral change to lead to long-term weight loss success. A registered dietitian plans each client’s diet very carefully. They base their decisions on certain requirements of the individual. To determine this, they review the weight loss methods adopted previously to assess whether the methods had been successful or not. The dietitian also evaluates the current situation by identifying how the client functions every day along with their physical activities and eating habits. Following this, the dietitian works with the client to create realistic goals in order to change any negative behaviors.
#3. Some registered dietitians also work as certified personal trainers and not only provide excellent advice on which foods to eat and which foods to avoid, but also provide exercise guidance and can assist in creating fitness programs. These professionals help people build lean muscle and burn fat through effective workouts. Registered dietitians will tailor your meal plans based on your physical and physiological needs.
#4. Registered dietitians educate consumers on proper eating to ensure successful weight loss. They educate consumers on which nutrient dense foods they should be eating while providing the support each client needs to be successful.
