How to Find Good Nutrition Advice

Everywhere you look, you will see nutrition advice: on TV, in magazines, on the web. Separating myth from fact can be rather confusing. Let me just give you a few pointers to help you at least figure out who can legitimately call themselves an expert on nutrition information, which may help you decide which articles you can trust.

First of all, you should know that ANYONE could call himself or herself a nutritionist. There are no laws or guidelines determining who can give out nutrition advice. I will never forget when I was visiting my parents one weekend while going to graduate school. While in the gym at our local Jewish Community Center, one of their friends asked me what I was studying at college. "Nutrition science" I replied. And I'll never forget what this woman said: "oh, my daughter has read so many books on nutrition that I'm sure she can call herself a nutritionist just like you." I was astounded! I'm sure my parents would have appreciated knowing all the money they spent on my education could have easily been spent on a few diet books...with the same results.

I don't think so.

However, I did finish my degree and I have learned a few things about finding good nutrition information, which I want to share with you. First and foremost, I recommend you look for people who have the initials RD after their name. RD stands for Registered Dietitian. Registered dietitians have at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition. Most have Master's Degrees and PhDs in nutrition science or a related science area. In addition to these degrees, RD's also have passed a standardized national exam and must continue to keep up their expertise by taking education courses every year.

You will also get truthful nutrition information from individuals who have received their Master's Degrees and/or PhDs in Nutrition Science, even if they don't have the RD after their name. These are people who have not simply read a few books on diet and nutrition; they have spent several years studying the science of Nutrition. They understand how to analyze claims made in the media, as well as the research methods that may be behind those claims.

With a Master's Degree in Nutrition Science, I am also an RD, but I like to call myself a nutritionist. I prefer to consider myself as being interested in all areas of nutrition, not just diets. This is how some people interpret the phrase "registered dietitian.". My colleagues with degrees in Nutrition Science do not just treat a diagnosis on a piece of paper; they are concerned about working with the whole person. Some people are under the misconception that dietitians want to overwhelm their clients with information they don't want or need. That is simply not true. Most of us are skilled in the sciences, and are trained to be nutrition counselors as well. We realize nutrition is not a "one size fits all" and work to individualize programs to meet your specific needs. We will also work to answer all the questions you have about nutrition that don't necessarily relate to your own personal needs.

You will always see my credentials along with the word "Nutritionist" next to my name, because while I may have read many diet books, with my background, I possess the scientific knowledge to tell fact from fiction.

About the Author

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