People urged to seek healthy eating information from registered dietitian nutritionists

For many people, the New Year is an opportunity for a fresh look at life - a time to resolve to return to or even begin a healthy lifestyle. But with an internet full of misinformation and some "professionals" with little, if any, formal education in nutrition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to seek their healthy eating information from educated, trained and qualified nutrition experts - registered dietitian nutritionists.

"Whether it's weight loss, functional foods, food allergies or menu and food labels, nutrition is one of the hottest topics in the country today," said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson Lauri Wright. "Just like seeking a doctor's advice when looking for medical information, it is vital that consumers understand the importance of where they get their nutrition information. Misinformation from individuals who are uneducated, untrained or unqualified in nutrition can, at the least, be a waste of time, and at the worst be fatal."

"That's why it is essential for consumers to look and ask for a registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN, when seeking accurate, safe and timely nutrition information they can trust," Wright said.

A registered dietitian nutritionist is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:
• Earned a bachelor's degree with course work approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry
• Completed an accredited, supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or foodservice corporation
• Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

"Registered dietitian nutritionists are involved in virtually every area where food and nutrition play a role," Wright said. "In additional to clinical and hospital settings, RDNs work in fitness and weight loss centers, grocery stores, school cafeterias, universities and professional sports teams."

Download the RDN Fact Sheet to learn more about the diverse backgrounds and expertise areas of RDNs.

"There is no magic bullet or one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating. After meeting with consumers on an individual basis to learn about specific tastes, lifestyle needs and health concerns, RDNs will use their expertise to develop a personalized lifestyle plan consumers can stick with to meet their goals," Wright said.