As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) I hear myths about dietitians all the time!
People are afraid to meet with or speak to a RDN because they are scared to be judged on their current eating habits or lifestyle.
Often times this is because they believe that all RDN’s eat perfectly healthy all the time and there’s just no way that we could possibly understand. This is just one of the common misconceptions people have about RDNS.
So, let’s clarify some common myths and misconceptions dietitians.
Myth #1: When eating with a dietitian, you must only order grilled chicken and salad, because they are watching and judging everything you eat.
Truth: While one of the roles of a dietitian is to help their clients eat for optimal health and well-being, the truth is dietitians are trained to look at the overall big picture, not a single day or meal. When working with a dietitian you will see that they include health goals, personal goals, lifestyle and food preferences all in your assessment. When interacting with a dietitian at a social event or luncheon, he or she is not judging your food intake, but probably more interested in engaging in a lively conversation!
Myth #2: When working with a dietitian you are guaranteed to leave with a meal plan telling you exactly what you are supposed to eat, when you are supposed to eat it and how much you are to eat.
Truth: Dietitians work to educate and empower their clients on what foods work to help reach their goals. Sometimes dietitians give meal plans to help guide this process. Many times dietitians won’t give a meal plan because they know the meal plan won’t solve your problem. Dietitians also understand that meal plans are often unrealistic and most clients won’t adhere to a set meal plan for an extended period of time. Instead dietitians work to build healthy habits and create a healthy lifestyle, with diet and behavior changes.
Myth #3: Dietitians say they are the nutrition experts, so that must mean they know everything about all nutrition and health related topics.
Truth: Just as doctors have areas of specialities, so do dietitians. Registered dietitians are trained in a variety of nutrition and health related topic and qualified to give general nutrition and wellness advice, most dietitians specialize in a specific practice area. There are dietitians who specialize in diabetes, weight management, cancer, gut health, cardiovascular health, eating disorders, sports nutrition, food allergies and more. If you are looking to work with a dietitian, find one that specializes in the area you are struggling with.
Myth #4: Dietitians are the food police and never enjoy “real” food.
Truth: This is probably the greatest myth of all. Dietitians are far from being the food police and many dietitians set out into this field because they love food, not because they love food shaming. Dietitians are passionate about educating and empowering their clients to be able to enjoy the foods they love, while still reaching their health and wellness goals.
That’s good to know that a dietitian won’t be there to make you stop eating good food. I would think that they would just be there to help you find a balance between good food and healthy food. I’ll have to consider getting someone to help me find that balance so that I could be healthier.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists help people have more energy, lose weight, and manage and prevent chronic disease by tailoring advice to the person, to include their preferences and health goals.We love to help people who are committed and ready to change.