What is a Registered Dietitian?

Dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are dietitians. Find out the difference.

Why Registered Dietitians

Dietitians have the distinct ability to translate the complex science of nutrition into practical solutions for you on healthy eating and disease prevention and treatment.

Dietitians are uniquely trained to advise you on food, healthy eating and nutrition. We have a degree in food and nutrition, from an accredited university and must be members of a provincial regulatory body in order to practice and must keep current with evidence-based research and practice. This ensures the public that they are receiving nutrition advice from a qualified professional.

Dietitians can individualize your nutrition counselling experience. We have the ability to address your medical issues, as well as include lifestyle preferences. We can help you to increase energy levels, lose weight, build muscle mass, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent or manage chronic diseases like diabetes and celiac disease.

Appointments with Registered Dietitians are covered by most extended health plans.

Finding the Right Dietitian

Just like any other profession, dietitians are not created equal. You must find one who meets your specific needs as an individual.

When you want to take steps to learn about nutrition and how you can benefit your health and wellness through quality nutrition, it can truly be overwhelming. Searching for precise information that fits YOU can be impossible. There are hundreds of books and thousands of websites and articles; not all of them have good information or the right information for you to make meaningful and successful changes. This is where a knowledgeable professional can help to guide you.

In looking for a dietitian, keep the following criteria in mind to narrow your search:

Flexible

Your needs, goals, and abilities will change over time. Your dietitian must be as flexible as you are in meeting your goals and addressing these changes.

Holistic

There is a holistic approach to the process: changes must include all facets of your health – physical, emotional, spiritual – not just one physical concern. Your dietitian can help you to shift your nutritional needs according to your whole state of being.

Educational

Just providing a list of “do’s” and “dont’s” will never work on a long term basis. Your dietitian must help you to know how and why you are doing things to make long-term sustainable changes.

Non-Restrictive

Every diet currently on the market will attempt to fit your life into their framework, with no respect for your uniqueness. A good dietitian coach can guide you to change your eating habits so that you are consuming higher quality foods. If your foods are better quality, there are no restrictions.

Intuitive

A dietitian coach must be able to take advantage of the amount of valuable scientific knowledge available to us these days, and combine that with a deeper understanding that there is a personal discovery process that goes far beyond science. You will know instinctively what is right for your body.

Interested in working with a Registered Dietitian?

Contact us to see if At the Table Nutrition is a good fit for you.