It’s March, and that means it’s National Nutrition Month®!
This year’s theme is Food Connects Us. In a time of political turmoil, this is a much-needed goal. I believe food brings the world together and food is the ultimate people-connector. Check out other posts about National Nutrition Month® listed below and learn more about the benefits of sharing food with others.
The four weeks of March have specific themes and talking points. Throughout the month we will explore each weekly theme. This week’s theme is…
Week 2: Connect with a Nutrition Expert.
Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
Find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
Receive personalized nutrition information to meet your health goals.
Let’s look at each one…
Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
An RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a credentialed food and nutrition professional, trained to provide medical nutrition therapy. RDNs have extensive knowledge of both food and the human body and specialize in evidence-based practice.
RDNs are qualified via completion of a rigorous course of study, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees, completing supervised practice, passing a national examination, and continuing professional development throughout their careers.
RDNs work in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient hospitals and clinics, community and public health programs, foodservice, schools, athletic programs, corporate wellness, private practice, food industry, research, teaching, media, and more.
Find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
An RDN can help you select foods within your culture, your budget, and your personal preferences that maximize your health and well-being. Whether you need to treat a disease or health condition, prevent a chronic illness, or achieve better health, an RDN can help!
RDNs often have specialized expertise in a specific population or disease state. For example, RDNs who specialize in prenatal nutrition, pediatric nutrition, sports nutrition, diabetes, renal disease, oncology, or weight management. RDNs may also have familiarity with the foodways of a particular culture.
To find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs, check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Find-a-Nutrition-Expert page, a database of credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners by location, specialty, language, or insurance and payment options.
Receive personalized nutrition information to meet your health goals.
When you meet with an RDN, don’t expect to be handed a photo-copied meal plan that applies to “everyone.” The RDN will take an extensive health history and learn about your personal food preferences, your food preparation skills, your lifestyle, and anything else that can impact your diet.
The RDN will equip and empower you to meet your health goals. Expect to take small steps over time to achieve them. Lasting change requires sustainable changes not impossible or impractical ones.
Seek the help of an expert – an RDN! The second week in March is also when RDNs celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day on the second Wednesday of the month.
Celebrate National Nutrition Month®
Need ideas? Each year, the Academy provides numerous ideas for celebrating National Nutrition Month®. Here are 50 ideas. Here is the complete list of NNM resources.
Learn more in previous posts about NNM:
Celebrate a World of Flavors Without Leaving Home National Nutrition Month - 50 Years of Celebrating Nutrition
"RDNs specialize in providing personalized nutrition care to patients for a variety of chronic health conditions. This is why it is so important to connect with an RDN and get a personalized nutrition plan for your unique nutrition needs. While you may need to get a referral to see an RDN, there is no need to develop a health condition to see an RDN – RDNs provide preventative care through prenatal nutrition counseling, meal planning, sports performance and so much more." ~ Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, RDN, Academy Spokesperson in Massachusetts
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