Why Work with an RDN?

Between what you hear on TV and read in the news, eating right can seem like a real challenge. But it doesn't have to be. A registered dietitian, or RD, or registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN, will partner with you to develop a safe and realistic eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul. To guide and motivate you, an RD or RDN will use creative and out-of-the-box strategies to help with meal planning, grocery shopping and mindful eating.

 

Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. But, only an RD or RDN has completed multiple layers of education and training established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. All RDs or RDNs must:

• Get a four-year degree which includes a specially designed, accredited nutrition curriculum.

• Complete an extensive supervised program of practice at a health care facility, foodservice organization or community agency.

• Pass a rigorous registration exam.

• Maintain continuing education credits throughout their career. 

 

What's more, roughly half of all RDs and RDNs hold graduate degrees and many have certifications in specialized fields, such as sports, pediatric, renal, oncology or gerontological nutrition.

 

RDNs work in:

• hospitals and health care facilities

• schools and universities

• government and community agencies

• business and industry

• private practice settings

 

Do you want to lose or gain weight? Are you pregnant, looking to become pregnant or just had a child? Are you looking for ways to maintain your health in your older years? Are you an athlete looking to boost performance? These are just a few of the reasons people seek the expert, science-based advice of a RDN.

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10 Reasons to visit an RDN: https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/learn-more-about-rdns/10-reasons-to-visit-an-rdn

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