Nutritional People. Who to go to for help?
Nowadays, getting reliable information about nutrition can be very challenging. There are many competing theories on nutrition, fad diets and food trends that contain contradictory information about what is “good” or “bad” for us.
For the most part this information comes from the Internet, TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, friends and nutrition-oriented books. So how can you really know what sources to trust?
In my opinion, these three groups of people are most likely to give you accurate and trustworthy information:
Registered Dietitians: they have a Bachelor’s degree specializing in food and nutrition and have completed practical training from a Dietitians of Canada accredited university program. Law protects the term “dietitian”.
Nutritionists: give advice on matters of food and the impact nutrition has on our health. Law does not protect the term “nutritionist” in all provinces, so people with all different levels of training and knowledge can call themselves nutritionists. While there is no criteria one must meet to identify as a nutritionist, many will have Bachelor’s degrees in a relevant field of study. Make sure you know more about them before making your decision.
Nutrition Scientists: have graduate degrees (usually in nutrition sciences, chemistry, molecular biology or biochemistry). They investigate the metabolic and physiological responses of the body to foods and nutrients. In other words, nutrition scientists study the effects of food in the human body.
Deciding who to take advice from is a difficult decision, but at the end of the day it is important to ask yourself what you are looking for and choose the professional that offers services that will meet your expectations. It may be a matter of trial and error before you find someone who you identify with, are comfortable with how they work, and most importantly, someone who motivates you to make the big change that you are looking for; whether it’s to get healthier by learning how to eat right according to your lifestyle, lose weight or manage a chronic-medical condition.
You will know when you have found the right person for you!
