What can a registered dietitian do for you?
It’s no secret that good nutrition is part of good health. But just how important is eating right in the big picture? That question can be answered by looking at the flipside: Having poor eating habits along with a sedentary lifestyle is a leading driver of chronic diseases and death.
That’s according to the organizers of World Food Day, which is Oct. 16. This global awareness event is about taking action to make healthy diets available to everyone. In honor of that worthy cause, we’re focusing on the role nutrition experts can play in making healthy eating happen in your home.
Why a registered dietitian?
Eat this, don’t eat that. This food is bad for you; no it’s not. Simply put, eating right is often easier said than done. And it doesn’t help that nutrition headlines often contain confusing and questionable advice.
Many of us may need help figuring out what and how much food to put on our plates. A registered dietitian can help.
These healthcare professionals will work with you one-on-one, typically at a hospital or health clinic. They can tailor advice to help you reach your goals. For instance, you may learn to:
- Plan and cook healthy meals at home.
- Read food labels and choose healthy foods at the grocery store.
- Make better choices when dining out.
5 reasons to see registered dietitian
General nutrition advice is valuable, but you may need specific dietary information because of a health condition or a wellness objective you have. For example, a registered dietitian may help you:
- Manage a chronic disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or gout (a type of arthritis). You’ll learn how your food choices can affect your health condition.
- Shed unwanted pounds. A registered dietitian can help tailor an eating and exercise plan for burning more calories than you take in.
- Live well with a restrictive diet. If you have a food allergy or a digestive condition (such as celiac disease or GERD), you may need to avoid certain foods or beverages. A dietitian can help you learn to do this without sacrificing nutritious (and delicious) foods.
- Manage weight-loss surgery. A dietitian can help you get enough key nutrients, even when your stomach can only hold small amounts of food.
- Fuel your athletic performance. Curious about carb loading or recovery foods? Many dietitians specialize in sports nutrition. They’ll help you create a game plan.
Ask your doctor if you could benefit from working with a registered dietitian and how to connect with one.
Good nutrition on the go
It can be tough to make healthy eating choices when you’re traveling. These tips help make it easier.
