In the modern world, there are seemingly infinite sources for nutrition information: news articles, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, blogs, reality TV stars, magazines, health and wellness brands, etc… as well as many types of professionals that include nutrition information in their services: medical doctors, functional medicine providers, nurses, fitness coaches, and nutritionists in Waco, to name a few. Not to mention friends and family. It seems everyone feels entitled and obligated to share their strong opinions about food and nutrition… and that is because everyone eats.
The problem lies in the question: who’s information can I trust? Much of the readily available information actually contradict each other, so where do I go to find the truest information?
The answer is to speak with the experts. The experts for food and nutrition recommendations are known as registered dietitians (RD).*
Starting in 2024, registered dietitians are required to complete a bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree (one of which must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)), complete 1000+ hours of supervised practice in a dietetic internship, and pass a registration exam provided by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
After credentialed, the professional is required to complete 75+ hours of continuing education every 5 years. Some states require a separate state license to practice as well, which entails its own defined amount of continuing education. (These professionals have the credential “LD” (licensed dietitian) in addition to their “RD” (registered dietitian).
After basic credentialing, many registered dietitians choose to receive specialization certifications through more education, experience, and testing. Source.
All of those other people and professionals promoting nutrition advice? For most, their background and formal education and experience in areas specific to nutrition is none. Many make their recommendations based on their own Google searches and personal testimonials and biased beliefs.
Registered dietitians are skilled at combining data from research studies with critical thought to personalize nutrition and food recommendations for each individual based on their medical history, allergy needs, mental status, access to food, lifestyle, and unique goals. Seeing a registered dietitian nutritionist in Waco for your nutrition questions and concerns is worth the investment, as they are the professionals most capable of creating long-term, sustainable habits to accomplish your nutrition goals.
*In 2013, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics allowed nutrition experts to choose their title of “registered dietitian” (RD), or “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN). The two credentials have identical requirements and identical scopes of practice. The reason for the change was largely linked to branding and public appeal.
