The world we live in is a time that is filled with an inexhaustible amount of information. If we are looking for the answer to a question, all we need to do is search it with a tiny computer that fits into our pockets. Most of the time, the abundance of information is an extremely beneficial thing. But, due to the ease with which individuals can search for and publish items on the internet, there’s also a lot of false information out there. That’s why you must be able to spot and obtain reliable data. In an article published at thedailymeal.com, where they looked at the unique food trends in the decade, they described the 2010s as an era of cuisine trends(1). Kale, as well as other “superfoods,” gluten-free everything, high-end vegan eateries, and gourmet toast juice cleanse. Do any of these sound familiar? With all the trends and blog posts that tell us the best foods to eat, it’s easy to be confused. This is why it’s crucial now more than ever before to be able to discern reliable information in the midst of all the trends.
While famous bloggers, Instagramers, or YouTubers, as well as journalists, are certainly sincere when they offer recipes and weight loss stories, or even basic “diet” advice, rarely do the writers of these articles have any knowledge beyond their own experiences. One of the most popular trends is to believe the idea that “it worked for me, so it will work for you, too.” The scientists acknowledge that this is not always the case. Every person reacts differently to different situations and has different needs to maintain or attain health. To further add to disorientation, you can find names such as holistic health experts and registered dietitians in the air. In Total Health and Fitness, we use registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to provide the most trustworthy, scientifically supported nutrition information. We also depend on RDNs to guide our other experts who aren’t RDNs free of misinformation and ensure that our curriculum only teaches the correct principles.
To become an RDN requires a high standard of dedication and education. The first step is that those who are interested in becoming RDNs need to complete a 4- year Bachelor’s degree. After completing their Bachelor’s degree, they need to apply and then be accepted to an internship in dietetics. The process of gaining training can be a challenge, and the national acceptance rate is at around 50 percent. Students should have an average GPA of 3.5 to be competitive when they submit their internship applications. The process of applying for internships also requires rigorous interviews, hours of volunteer experience, as well as essays. After being accepted for training, prospective RDNs must complete a total of 1200 unpaid (most internships are, at minimum, the sum of $6,000) hours of work experience at different institutions.
The expertise ranges from clinical to community and school nutrition programs. Interns must write essays or conduct research, create case studies, and make presentations in relation to their experience. Only after completing an accredited internship can future RDNs sit for their boards and receive an official title: RDN. The credential is renewed each year for five years and requires continuous education throughout this time in order to maintain it. This helps ensure that RDNs are up-to-date with the latest research-based information within the nutrition field. While the whole procedure is thorough, it is also a way to ensure it is certain that RDNs are the best knowledgeable and knowledgeable source of information in the nutrition industry.
However, Nutritionists working in Utah are not required to have a license or certification. Utah doesn’t need an official permit or certificate to practice, and they are under no legal obligation to attain an education (2). This is in stark contrast to what is expected by RDNs and clearly shows why you should be wary when looking for nutrition-related information. Be sure to ask these questions while trying to be more knowledgeable:
Where does this information come from? Are the authors an RDN?
If the writer isn’t an RDN, What are their credentials? Keep in mind that even if a person is educated, they might not have a high level of education in the field of nutrition science. Even doctors need to be able to take an introductory course in c nutrition classes.
Do the authors have hidden motives other than giving nutrition guidance?
Do the things they’re preaching seem too good to be authentic?
If you ask these types of questions, you’ll be able to identify trustworthy nutrition facts more easily. RDNs can be the best-experienced source of nutrition research. Here at Total Health and Fitness, we only offer scientifically backed and evidence-based programs. This is the reason we prefer to rely on RDNs for their expertise and encourage you to follow the same.