Qualifications to Provide Accurate Information

It is that time of the year that everyone is making new year resolutions to improve themselves: lose weight, get fit, eat better, meal plan…….the list goes on.

It is also that time of the year that products and services are being pushed in our faces that will guarantee weight loss, improved health, cleanse and detox……

It all becomes so believable when you see before and after pictures of a transformation that has taken place; or someone says they have more energy because they are following a celery juice diet.

Who is behind these claims? Are you reading the fine print? Are you asking questions about the products and services being marketed?

Things to think about before you jump on the next diet, cleanse or detox.

What goals do YOU want to achieve? Is it to lose weight; have more energy, stop drinking diet sodas?

Is the “diet” a long term solution? Meaning can you see yourself doing this for the rest of your life? You may see results following a 3 day detox or a 30 day diet, but what are you going to eat on day 4 or 31? Are there life long habits that you can take with you?

How much is this going to cost you? I have seen people spend hundreds of dollars on the latest and greatest gimmick or fad diet, with nothing to show for it.

Who or where are you getting your information from? What qualifications and credentialing does this person have? Did they receive a certificate over the internet? Are they being a “coach” for a company because they are interested in health and wellness and want to make extra cash? Are they an influencer of multiple products so they can make money?

Ask questions: what college degree do you have that stand behind what they are promoting? Have they had to sit for a National board exam? Did they pass that exam? What kind of continuing education do they need to keep their license or certifications?

In the state of KY, one needs to be licensed or certified thru the governing board to provide any nutrition education.

Please see the following link for detailed definitions of a licensed dietitian and certified nutritionist.

http://bdn.ky.gov/Pages/statutes.aspx

A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has completed multiple layers of education and training established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

All RDs or RDNs must:

• Get a four-year Bachelors degree in Dietetics or Nutrition from a university or college that offers an accredited nutrition curriculum.
• Complete an extensive supervised internship/clinical program at a health care facility, food service organization or community agency.
• Pass a rigorous board exam.
• Complete fifteen mandatory continuing education hours each year to stay accredited.

Your health is in your hands!