Wednesday, March 9, has been designated Registered Dietitian Day, when the American Dietetic Association reminds everyone that the best source of practical, affordable and accurate nutrition information is a registered dietitian. Created in March 2008, Registered Dietitian Day commemorates the dedication of RDs, during National Nutrition Month® and all year long, as advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world.

“The release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans has given consumers a great deal of information related to food and nutrition. It is the role of registered dietitians, with our expertise, training and credentials, to sort through this information and translate it into practical and actionable ways that Americans can eat more healthfully,” says registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Manuel Villacorta.

By meeting academic and professional requirements, including earning at least a bachelor’s degree, completing a supervised practice program and passing a registration examination, registered dietitians distinguish themselves as the food and nutrition experts. This distinction is vital when determining where Americans get their nutrition information.

“The term ‘nutritionist’ is something that is being used quite a bit lately. The problem is that in many states there is no licensure law regarding the term ‘nutritionist,’ and therefore virtually anyone can call him — or herself — a nutritionist,” Villacorta says. “To ensure you are getting trusted, science-based nutrition information, be sure you are looking for the RD credential next to the person’s name.”

While the majority of registered dietitians work in a clinical setting (inpatient, ambulatory and long-term care), RDs also provide their expertise in community nutrition, food and nutrition management, consultative and business practices, and education and research settings.

“The expertise of registered dietitians goes so far beyond simply helping people lose weight,” Villacorta says. “Whether you are training for a marathon, battling an eating disorder, managing diabetes, recovering from an illness or trying to prevent one or even simply needing help navigating the grocery store shelves, RDs are there to provide you with the personalized nutrition information you need to accomplish your goal.”

Learn more about what a registered dietitian can do for you by calling Lisa Eisele, RD, CSO, LD or Stacy Paine, RD, LD owners of Oconee Nutrition Consultants at Cowles Clinic (706) 473-5801. Or visit the American Dietetic Association’s website at www.eatright.org.

Celebrated each March, National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

– Submitted by Oconee Nutrition Consultants