Nutrition
Between what you hear on TV and read online; nutrition can seem confusing. Deciding what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can help.
What is an RD and RDN?
Registered dietitians and RDNs are experts in the disciplines of food and nutrition. They translate the complex science of nutrition into healthy, real-world solutions for clients. Their credentials have the same meaning, and the “N” is an option to RDs who want to emphasis the nutrition aspect of their credential.
Both can work with you and support you in developing a realistic and sound eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul. They will partner with you to identify strategies for meal planning, grocery shopping and mindful eating. Nutritional counseling from an RD or RDN can help you manage chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, food allergies, heart disease, celiac disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
They draw on their education and experience to provide vital food and nutrition services and science-backed guidance while helping individuals make positive lifestyle changes tailored to their unique needs.
What is their education?
Registered dietitians and RDNs work in many different employment settings and roughly half have advanced degrees. Some RDNs maintain certifications in specialized practice areas, such as nutrition support, pediatric nutrition and diabetes education. Some are trained chefs, so they combine culinary expertise with nutrition to present delicious and nutritious recipes.
Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, but only RDs and RDNs have completed education and training established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Effective January 1, 2024, all new candidates seeking to take the registration examination for dietitians must:
- Earn a graduate degree in an approved and accredited nutrition curriculum
- Complete an extensive supervised program of practice in an internship or program of practice
- Pass a rigorous registration exam.
- Maintain continuing education credits related to their practice throughout their career
Where can I find an RDN in my community?
They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities, as well as school foodservice and the college environment. Some work in the retail supermarket setting or as part of research and development in manufacturing and food companies.
Others have their own practice, working with clients to address eating issues, overall wellness or specific dietary concerns. Look for cookbooks and nutrition resources authored by an RDN as a source of credible nutrition information. Possibilities for RDNs are endless as consumers become more interested in food and how it affects their health and well-being.
What is the role of the RD and RDN at Mom's Meals?
Mom's Meals provides the most comprehensive food as medicine solutions nationwide. Our RDs and RDNs working in the research and development department calculate the nutrient content of meals, ensuring they meet nutrition guidelines and requirements, as well as provide nutrition and ingredient information to clients and staff. Our nutrition counseling and education RDs and RDNs speak with clients to help them make nutrition changes to better manage health conditions and overall wellness. Those that are part of the commercial team build relationships with strategic partners, and work with agencies and health plans to establish Mom’s Meals as their food as medicine solutions provider.
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