You see the word dietetics and you might automatically think diet. That four-letter word might conjure up images of strict meal plans, fasting, drinking nasty concoctions, and basically, denying yourself the food that you really enjoy. But a dietitian’s job isn’t to make your life miserable! How well do you understand the role of dietetics? Test your knowledge below:
True or False: A Dietitian is Just Another Way of Saying Nutritionist
False! Although both professions offer similar services, only dietitians are provincially regulated professionals who have completed at least four years of university education and countless hours of hands-on training. However, a dietitian can also be a nutritionist. To ensure you’re receiving the most qualified nutritional advice, make sure that you see the initials RD, PDt, or Dt.P next to the dietitian’s name.
To learn more about the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist, click here.
True or False: Dietitians Can Help Me Lose Weight
True, but they can also do so much more! According to the College of Dietitians of Ontario, “Dietitians have the education and skills necessary to translate medical and nutrition information into practical healthy eating plans for healthy eating. They can help with food sensitivities, allergies and nutrition-related diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.” In other words, helping you lose weight is only a portion of what a dietitian does. Rather than give you a shopping list of healthy food alternatives that can assist in weight loss, dieticians provide a thorough and personalized assessment of your health to ensure that your weight gain is not symptomatic of an underlying health issue.
True or False: I Don’t Need to See a Dietitian if I’m Healthy
False! Dieticians measure health different from other health professionals. Your diet may play a bigger role in your health than you realize, from conditions like diabetes, IBS, and celiac disease, to things like skin problems, mood swings, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, or allergic reactions. Plus, dietitians aren’t strictly problem-solvers. They can also help you achieve your sports and fitness goals, transition to alternative diets, and give you a thorough understanding of your children’s health needs.
True or False: Dietitians Help Make the World a Better Place
True! Dietitians are employed by municipal and provincial governments to provide professional consultations regarding food safety, counselling, proper food labeling, and nutrition guides. Canada Food Guides are regularly updated thanks to the consultations provided by a number of nutrition professionals. All registered dietitians must complete rigorous yearly workshops and training to ensure their knowledge is up-to-date. Dietitians work in medical clinics, grocery stores, health food stores, hospitals, government bodies, and schools.
True or False: Closing the Gap Offers Professional Dietetic Services
Absolutely true! At Closing the Gap, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our clients a full scope of health services. Our registered dietitians provide professional and personalized nutritional assessments and advice for all your health concerns. Contact us to learn more about our services and book an appointment today with a registered dietitian.