I recently completed my 7 years of nutrition education. It is a great feeling. Let me take just a moment to educate you on what it takes to be a dietitian. I completed by bachelor’s degree at FSU. I then spent 9 months in Raleigh, NC learning how to be a dietitian in my official “dietetic internship.” Once my internship was over, I was eligible to take my registration exam. This is a very scary, long exam, testing your knowledge in all areas of dietetics. After passing this, I officially became a RD — Registered Dietitian, and could also become licensed in my state to practie nutrition. I decided this was not enough education and started my masters degree. Now it is all over and this is what I am left with:
Jenna Braddock, MSH, RD, LD/N
So why the long story? I only tell you this because it takes a lot of time and work to become a “nutrition expert” (which is what the American Dietetic Association labels dietitians). It’s time to start being a smart consumer. Do not believe everything you read about nutrition from everyone who writes it or says it! This is where the confusion comes from. The diet business is a huge money-making enterprise. Most, but not all, people are out to make money. Keep this in mind when you pick a health magazine. Look for credentialed authors, especially an RD, and always be sceptical of new information.
Here are just a few tips to help you decifer solid nutrition information:
1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sorry.
2. Someone who has been “certified” or “trained” in nutrition, is not an expert.
3. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to eat healthy and you don’t have to eat only organic food to be healthy.
4. Be skeptical of those who have food grudges against things that don’t sound all that bad.
5. One scientific study is not enough to change your whole life around. It might clue you in on something, but more evidence is usually needed.
Please feel free to post questions about whatever nutrition idea you would like some answers about. I will do my best to help you find the truth or maybe just a fresh perspective.
Have a healthy day!
