In today’s social media world, anyone can call themselves a “nutrition expert.” It can be hard to know the difference between what’s credible nutrition information and what’s the latest TikTok trend.
Registered Dietitians are credible, regulated healthcare providers, who provide evidence-based nutrition advice and receive intensive education and training, prior to receiving their credentials.
Registered Dietitians (RDs) work with a range of patient populations (from pediatrics to older adults), in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, community centres, long term care homes, industry, and private clinics. RDs engage in research, advocacy, and client-centred care.
Education and Training
In Canada, dietitians must complete an accredited four-year baccalaureate degree in dietetics, which includes courses and labs in the natural sciences (biochemistry, ecology), anatomy and physiology, metabolism, food processing and production, food service and administration, research methods, statistics, health throughout the lifecycle, and medical nutrition therapy.
Following their undergraduate degree, or integrated with their degree, dietitians complete supervised practicum training (dietetic internship), typically spanning from eight months to a year in length. Being accepted into a dietetic internship program is a highly competitive process, and must be completed prior to writing and passing the national registration exam to become a fully licenced dietitian.
Dietetic education, as well as the registration exam, are guided by seven core competency areas, which span food and nutrition expertise, professionalism and ethics, communication and collaboration, management and leadership, nutrition care, population health promotion, and food provision.
Summary
Throughout their training and careers, Registered Dietitians engage in continued education and professional development, to stay up-to-date on nutritional approaches and current research. Instead of fad diets, gimmicks, and ‘quick fixes’, RDs provide research backed nutrition advice for sustainable health behavior change.
Nutrition Services at Valeo Well-Being
At Valeo, our Registered Dietitians provide individualized nutrition counselling, by working with you one-on-one to develop your nutrition plan, provide evidence-based nutrition information, and support, based on your needs. In a world where food and diet choices are often shamed (ahem, diet culture), our RDs aim to meet you where you are and help you discover a more nurturing and enjoyable relationship with food.
To learn more about our dietetic approach at Valeo, from nutritional assessment to ongoing support, check out our Nutrition Services page, and to learn about each of our Registered Dietitians, you can read their Bios here.
To book your free 15-minute consultation with one of our Registered Dietitians, email or call us today!
