March 12 is National Dietitian Day
- col-bobbie-randall
- March 6, 2025
- 848
Wednesday, March 12 is National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spotlights the importance of professionals who focus on informed food choices along with physical activity.
Dietitians are food and nutrition experts. They discuss topics ranging from arthritis to Zen macrobiotic meal planning. Dietitians are very versatile and can cover a vast array of food-related subjects condensed from a lifetime of learning.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requires a four-year food and nutrition degree from an accredited program, a master’s degree related to the practice, and an additional internship experience and a qualifying exam before becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. After gaining the privilege to add the initials, RDN, behind their professional name, a dietitian may choose a specialty.
Many dietitian nutritionists concentrate on prenatal nutrition and pediatric growth charts while working with the Women, Infants and Children Food Program. The elderly have special nutritional needs too. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney and respiratory issues have specific nutritional needs requiring input and direction from those trained in dietetics and nutrition. Others invest their time and expertise in research.
Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes recognize the value of treating disease and illness from the inside out. Proper food and nutrition may be the best and only way to produce a positive result in someone’s health. Dietitians are relied upon to advise and direct the staff and the patient of healthy food choices.
Knowledge of food science, as well as food service and delivery, is a basic skill of all dietitians. Advising the dietary staff and the public on consuming specific food for those dealing with allergies, disabilities and open wounds is another important part of their job.
Weight management and sports nutrition is a popular field for dietitians because the most recent statistics report 74% of Americans are overweight and 42% are obese. Nutrition advice and guidance are helpful to achieve a leaner and healthier body.
The information they share is not always popular because in many instances people do not want to adhere to their advice. Dietitians continue to say portion size and exercise are the keys to a healthier lifestyle. This is a straightforward approach to counteract many unhealthy habits. It is an uncomplicated yet complex concept.
A dietitian nutritionist is an expert in the latest body requirements and how food is used throughout the body. The public is often confused about food marketing and choices. A dietitian can clarify the needs verses the wants concerning food intake.
Nutritional data that was once thought to be true often is not. Dietitians spend a lot of time researching food trends and updating false information. Look to the experts for the latest facts.
For National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, take a minute and think about the people in this profession. They specialize in the food the body chews, swallows, uses and stores.
Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.