Question: What is an RDN?
Answer: A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist … AKA a Food & Nutrition Expert … AKA your GO-TO for all food and nutrition advice, questions, and education!!
In short, all Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are RDNs. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (or Registered Dietitians) have all earned a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, completed a one-year dietetic internship program, passed the national registration exam, and maintain continuing education credits to keep certification current. RDN is a legal title and most states also require additional licensure or certification. A nutritionist is an unregulated title. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist – even that personal trainer whom has taken one online nutrition course. Everyone has nutrition advice to share nowadays, and while some is accurate, there is a lot of misinformation there too. Make sure RDNs are your go-to for all food and nutrition advice and education!
Wondering why you should work with an RDN?! Here’s 5 great reasons…
- You will get personalized advice. There is no “one-size-fits-all” or “quick-fix” solution that works for all individuals. That’s why fad diets don’t work. It is easy to find nutrition advice online, however, finding advice that actuallyworks can be challenging. RDNs help you find an eating plan unique to your dietary needs, lifestyle, and preferences that you can actually stick with and make a part of your routine.
- You will be able to maintain long-term changes. Fad diets are appealing and fancy bars, shakes, and meal plans seem enticing as well, but they rarely work long-term. RDNs help you create a safe, effective weight loss plan that is realistic, includes foods you like, and meshes well with your personalized lifestyle and goals. Learning the best ways to meal plan, grocery shop, and conduct mindful eating are WAY more fun than depriving and eliminating certain foods forever.
- You will learn about the WHY and the HOW of healthy eating. There are A LOT of programs, companies, and sales reps out there that want to sell you the next best product, shake, meal plan, pill, {insert fad item here} … Chances are if you go “on” a diet, you will eventually go “off” the diet… then what? RDNs use science-based information to help you make healthy lifestyle changes, support you through the changes, and provide guidance as you create long-lasting habits. By addressing the why and the how of healthy eating, you will build your own strong foundation of nutrition and health knowledge so you can become your own nutrition sleuth for long-term success.
- You will receive reliable, evidence-based information. Have you turned to the wrong person in the past and feel like you’ve actually worsened your health? Are these past failures keeping you from reaching out again? RDNs specialize in food and nutrition and use science to back up guidance, advice, and changes. Put your trust in an expert and your goals will be met on your next step towards a healthier lifestyle.
- You will save time. Think of all the time you have spent trying this product your friend recommended or this diet your coworker does… you may have had short-term success but did it last? Are you any closer to achieving your health goals? RDNs pick your best and personalized path from the start so you can get on the right track immediately. Why delay your progress when you are ready NOW… Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Looking to build a healthier lifestyle with the guidance and support of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist? Reach out to me at info@NicoleOlenRDN.com today to speak with me… your go-to food & nutrition expert.
