March is National Nutrition Month®. This recognition, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, promotes food and nutrition related education and information. Each year the Academy establishes a theme, and for this year it is “Go Further with Food,” a reminder to consumers to make healthy eating choices.
March 14 is National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. Why should you choose a registered dietitian nutritionist for help with your food choices and dietary needs? They are the experts in human nutrition and appropriate dietary guidelines for a healthy lifestyle. Their specialized training includes a Bachelor’s Degree in the sciences and arts of food and nutrition plus advanced training in approved internships or the equivalent. At least half hold advanced degrees.
- Clinical dietitian nutritionist may work in health care settings such as hospitals, extended care facilities, and other health related services. They work in specialized areas such as tube feedings or total parental nutrition and are often teammates with other specialists for optimum care of patients and clients.
- Community dietitians often work in public health, home care agencies, varied health maintenance organizations, or wellness programs such as industry, business, or others. They may also work in schools and universities in varied areas of food and nutrition teaching.
- Food Service dietitians are specifically trained in the overall operation of large-scale feeding facilities. They are responsible for the planning and execution in every phase of food preparation including safety and sanitation.
- Gerontological, neonatal, and pediatric dietitians have special training and work with specific age groups to more readily meet age-appropriate needs.
- Business dietitians often work in industry, especially foods or drugs, and serve as food and nutrition resource people in areas of business, marketing, and communications.
Whatever their role, their expertise in food and nutrition is vital for the well-being of individuals and the community they serve. As is often pointed out, every registered dietitian nutritionist is a nutritionist, but not everyone who claims to be a nutritionist is a registered dietitian. Make sure when you need the services of someone knowledgeable and credentialed in nutrition, foods, diets, or any related areas for healthy eating, you make the right choice. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you “Go Further with Food.”
FOOD FROM THE GARDEN 