It's National Registered Dietitian (RD) Day so give your favorite RD a hug, and eat your vegetables.
I'm commonly asked: "What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?" And, "What do dietitians do?" So, I rounded up some of my favorite RDs to tell me what they do for work and which foods they would never eat.
But first, what is a dietitian? To put it simply, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist but not anyone can call themselves a dietitian. In other words, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. Confused yet? Let's break it down.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently approved the credential RDN for dietitians to use. It stands for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. I personally find it more confusing than helpful, but either way, dietitians are given the option to use RD or RDN after their name. It means the same thing.
I'm commonly asked: "What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?" And, "What do dietitians do?" So, I rounded up some of my favorite RDs to tell me what they do for work and which foods they would never eat.
But first, what is a dietitian? To put it simply, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist but not anyone can call themselves a dietitian. In other words, all dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. Confused yet? Let's break it down.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has:
- Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently approved the credential RDN for dietitians to use. It stands for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. I personally find it more confusing than helpful, but either way, dietitians are given the option to use RD or RDN after their name. It means the same thing.
So what do dietitians do?
Jenn LaVardera, MS, RD
Nutrition and Health Communications Manager
Dole Food Company and Dole Nutrition Institute
Why did you decide to become a registered dietitian (RD)?
I LOVE food - for it's taste, cultural and social significance, and connection to health. Health from food is something people struggle with so I wanted a job that allowed me to help others make more informed and healthier food decisions.
Current job(s)?
Nutrition and Health Communications Manager for Dole Food Company and Dole Nutrition Institute
Favorite thing about being an RD?
In my job I get to talk about fresh fruits and vegetables all day - what wouldn't an RD love about that?
Least favorite thing?
Not everyone understands how much education goes into becoming an RD. I think the profession is often undervalued.
Favorite food?
Mango
Guilty pleasure food?
Carrot Cake
One food/drink you'd never eat or drink?
Never have I ever drank a can of soda. I was blessed with a distaste as a child.
Schools attended for your degree(s)?
BS from Pepperdine University
MS from Tufts University
Dietetic Internship through Hunter College
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
Science is always changing but the best advice stays the same: moderation and variety make the healthiest diet.
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
Unemployed? Working with food has always made sense for me. I would enjoy doing something that allowed me to be outdoors more though.
I LOVE food - for it's taste, cultural and social significance, and connection to health. Health from food is something people struggle with so I wanted a job that allowed me to help others make more informed and healthier food decisions.
Current job(s)?
Nutrition and Health Communications Manager for Dole Food Company and Dole Nutrition Institute
Favorite thing about being an RD?
In my job I get to talk about fresh fruits and vegetables all day - what wouldn't an RD love about that?
Least favorite thing?
Not everyone understands how much education goes into becoming an RD. I think the profession is often undervalued.
Favorite food?
Mango
Guilty pleasure food?
Carrot Cake
One food/drink you'd never eat or drink?
Never have I ever drank a can of soda. I was blessed with a distaste as a child.
Schools attended for your degree(s)?
BS from Pepperdine University
MS from Tufts University
Dietetic Internship through Hunter College
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
Science is always changing but the best advice stays the same: moderation and variety make the healthiest diet.
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
Unemployed? Working with food has always made sense for me. I would enjoy doing something that allowed me to be outdoors more though.
Dianne Rishikof , MS, RD, LDN
Nutrition Consulting
Nutrition Consulting
Why did you decide to become a registered dietitian (RD)?
I became a dietitian because I am inherently interested in science, health and nutrition. And I realized that doctors really didn't know about nutrition and the effect of food on health, so there was a great need for an expert in that area.
Current job(s)?
I own Dianne Rishikof, Nutrition. A consulting firm, where I help individuals feel their best. My areas of specialty are gut health/digestive disorders, kids (picky eaters, parents at the end of their rope), and wellness/weight loss.
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Helping people achieve their goals and watching them breathe a sigh of relief.
Least favorite thing?
Trying to convince other people that my services have value.
Favorite food?
Sushi
Guilty pleasure food?
Ice cream
One food/drink you'd never eat or drink?
Regular brand hot dogs
Schools attended for your degree(s)?
Tufts University for BS
Simmons School of Health Studies for my Internship and MS
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
If I had the talent, I'd be a singer :) But my talents lay in science and health :)
Keep in touch with Dianne!
www.diannerishikof.com
facebook.com/diannerishikof.nutrition
https://twitter.com/DianneRishikof
pinterest.com/diannerish/
https://instagram.com/dianne.rishikof/
I became a dietitian because I am inherently interested in science, health and nutrition. And I realized that doctors really didn't know about nutrition and the effect of food on health, so there was a great need for an expert in that area.
Current job(s)?
I own Dianne Rishikof, Nutrition. A consulting firm, where I help individuals feel their best. My areas of specialty are gut health/digestive disorders, kids (picky eaters, parents at the end of their rope), and wellness/weight loss.
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Helping people achieve their goals and watching them breathe a sigh of relief.
Least favorite thing?
Trying to convince other people that my services have value.
Favorite food?
Sushi
Guilty pleasure food?
Ice cream
One food/drink you'd never eat or drink?
Regular brand hot dogs
Schools attended for your degree(s)?
Tufts University for BS
Simmons School of Health Studies for my Internship and MS
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
If I had the talent, I'd be a singer :) But my talents lay in science and health :)
Keep in touch with Dianne!
www.diannerishikof.com
facebook.com/diannerishikof.nutrition
https://twitter.com/DianneRishikof
pinterest.com/diannerish/
https://instagram.com/dianne.rishikof/
Annemarie Pease, RD, LDN, CLC
Nutrition Counseling & Consulting
Nutrition Counseling & Consulting
Why did you decide to become a dietitian?
I found it was very intriguing to learn about how food affects the body (both in good and bad ways). I also love to educate and thought this was a very rewarding way to do so!
Current job(s)?
Private Practice-Owner of Nourish & Nurture LLC in Windham, NH
www.nourishandnurturellc.com
Civilian Health Promotion Specialist at Hanscom Air Force Base
Per Diem Dietitian for Healthy Ever After
Mom (to a beautiful, sassy, silly little 3 year old girl and expecting baby boy next month!)
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Being able to help people learn how to live a healthy life through diet and lifestyle changes. Understanding that everybody is different and being able to tailor plans and goals to meet individual needs.
Least favorite thing?
When clients/patients seek you out for help and then are blatantly non-compliant.
Favorite food:
I'm not biased. Some of my favorite: Banana & PB, Pita and hummus, stir-frys, frozen yogurt, Mexican (enchiladas/guacamole)
Guilty pleasure food:
Definitely chocolate. And queso dip (can't help it...so good)
One food you'd never eat (or drink):
The new bacon-wrapped pepperoni pizza from Lil Caesars they've been advertising lately (just no.) and pretty much all Energy Drinks/Fruit Drinks..
Schools attended:
Framingham State University (BS)
Danbury Hospital-CT (Dietetic Internship)
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
There are so many different paths/careers you can follow as an RD. Whether your passion is in clinical, counseling, food service, wellness, community, culinary, etc. There is something for everyone.
Also would like people to know that dietitians are not the "food police". We are not here to judge what people eat, we are here to help you learn what the best balance is for you and your health. We are human and occasionally treat ourselves to the "unhealthy" foods too! ;)
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
I think I may have been interested in Interior Design or possibly owning my own coffee shop/café (maybe one day!)
Keep in touch with Annemarie!
www.nourishandnurturellc.com
I found it was very intriguing to learn about how food affects the body (both in good and bad ways). I also love to educate and thought this was a very rewarding way to do so!
Current job(s)?
Private Practice-Owner of Nourish & Nurture LLC in Windham, NH
www.nourishandnurturellc.com
Civilian Health Promotion Specialist at Hanscom Air Force Base
Per Diem Dietitian for Healthy Ever After
Mom (to a beautiful, sassy, silly little 3 year old girl and expecting baby boy next month!)
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Being able to help people learn how to live a healthy life through diet and lifestyle changes. Understanding that everybody is different and being able to tailor plans and goals to meet individual needs.
Least favorite thing?
When clients/patients seek you out for help and then are blatantly non-compliant.
Favorite food:
I'm not biased. Some of my favorite: Banana & PB, Pita and hummus, stir-frys, frozen yogurt, Mexican (enchiladas/guacamole)
Guilty pleasure food:
Definitely chocolate. And queso dip (can't help it...so good)
One food you'd never eat (or drink):
The new bacon-wrapped pepperoni pizza from Lil Caesars they've been advertising lately (just no.) and pretty much all Energy Drinks/Fruit Drinks..
Schools attended:
Framingham State University (BS)
Danbury Hospital-CT (Dietetic Internship)
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
There are so many different paths/careers you can follow as an RD. Whether your passion is in clinical, counseling, food service, wellness, community, culinary, etc. There is something for everyone.
Also would like people to know that dietitians are not the "food police". We are not here to judge what people eat, we are here to help you learn what the best balance is for you and your health. We are human and occasionally treat ourselves to the "unhealthy" foods too! ;)
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
I think I may have been interested in Interior Design or possibly owning my own coffee shop/café (maybe one day!)
Keep in touch with Annemarie!
www.nourishandnurturellc.com
Allison Knott, MS, RD, LDN
Regional Registered Dietitian / Wellness Manager for FLIK International
Regional Registered Dietitian / Wellness Manager for FLIK International
Why did you decide to become a dietitian?
I've always had an interest in food despite not being aware of it until my freshman year of college. I was swimming for a small college in Kentucky and we were required to attend a nutrition presentation. It made such a huge impression that when I went home that weekend I sat with my family at the dinner table and could not stop talking about what I had learned. My dad looked at me and said, "If you can remember everything like you remember this then you'll be set." I never looked back. I transferred schools to enroll in a food and nutrition program and went on to become a dietitian.
Current job(s)?
Regional Registered Dietitian / Wellness Manager for FLIK International
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Food is essential to so many aspects of life - cultural experiences, enjoyment, nourishment, love. I am thankful that I can share that with others every day. I also have a passion for education and for helping others - two things that come together well when you're an RD.
Least favorite thing?
I don't police other's food choices and it bothers me when someone thinks that I am passing judgement on what they have chosen to eat.
Favorite food:
I can't pick just one, but I will take savory and spicy foods over sweets any day.
Guilty pleasure food:
I try not to have guilt associated with food.
Schools attended:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (BS)
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Dietetic Internship)
Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy (MS)
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
A veterinarian and/or someone involved with animal rescues
Keep in touch with Allison!
Instagram: allisonknottrd
Twitter: @allisonknottrd
I've always had an interest in food despite not being aware of it until my freshman year of college. I was swimming for a small college in Kentucky and we were required to attend a nutrition presentation. It made such a huge impression that when I went home that weekend I sat with my family at the dinner table and could not stop talking about what I had learned. My dad looked at me and said, "If you can remember everything like you remember this then you'll be set." I never looked back. I transferred schools to enroll in a food and nutrition program and went on to become a dietitian.
Current job(s)?
Regional Registered Dietitian / Wellness Manager for FLIK International
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Food is essential to so many aspects of life - cultural experiences, enjoyment, nourishment, love. I am thankful that I can share that with others every day. I also have a passion for education and for helping others - two things that come together well when you're an RD.
Least favorite thing?
I don't police other's food choices and it bothers me when someone thinks that I am passing judgement on what they have chosen to eat.
Favorite food:
I can't pick just one, but I will take savory and spicy foods over sweets any day.
Guilty pleasure food:
I try not to have guilt associated with food.
Schools attended:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (BS)
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Dietetic Internship)
Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy (MS)
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
A veterinarian and/or someone involved with animal rescues
Keep in touch with Allison!
Instagram: allisonknottrd
Twitter: @allisonknottrd
Molly Cleary, MS, RD, LDN
Clinical Dietitian, Massachusetts General Hospital
Clinical Dietitian, Massachusetts General Hospital
Why did you decide to become a dietitian?
I decided to become a dietitian because I think that prevention of chronic diseases by living a healthy and active lifestyle is what our country needs to cut health care costs and improve quality of life. And because I love food!
Current job(s)?
Clinical Dietitian at MGH Downtown. My specialties include general medicine and surgery. I also work very part time as a subcontractor in corporate wellness.
Favorite thing about being an RD?
My favorite thing about being an RD is helping people improve their lives and motivating them to make healthy changes. I also love teaching people that eating healthy can taste amazing and feel satisfying.
Least favorite thing?
The most challenging part about being an RD is trying to earn the respect from other clinicians in the hospital setting. Our role in the medical field is becoming more important every day, but it can be hard to have our voices heard.
Favorite food:
Cheese! The more flavorful the better, and the best thing about strong-flavored cheeses is that a little can go a long way.
Guilty pleasure food:
Anything buffalo chicken
One food you'd never eat (or drink):
I don't drink beverages with calories (think juice, soda, sweet tea, etc) with the exception of milk, and the occasional libation :)
Schools attended:
Indiana University Bloomington (BS)
Mass General Hospital (Dietetic Internship)
Framingham State University (MS)
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
Our well-rounded education really does make us the true nutrition experts. We can provide expertise in so many areas other than just weight loss, and our continuing education requirements force us to stay current so that the information we provide to you is always in line with the most recent research. And no, we don't "hate" you just because you eat something unhealthy in front of us-- dietitians love pizza too!
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
A graphic designer.
Keep in touch with Molly!
Instagram: @molclear
I decided to become a dietitian because I think that prevention of chronic diseases by living a healthy and active lifestyle is what our country needs to cut health care costs and improve quality of life. And because I love food!
Current job(s)?
Clinical Dietitian at MGH Downtown. My specialties include general medicine and surgery. I also work very part time as a subcontractor in corporate wellness.
Favorite thing about being an RD?
My favorite thing about being an RD is helping people improve their lives and motivating them to make healthy changes. I also love teaching people that eating healthy can taste amazing and feel satisfying.
Least favorite thing?
The most challenging part about being an RD is trying to earn the respect from other clinicians in the hospital setting. Our role in the medical field is becoming more important every day, but it can be hard to have our voices heard.
Favorite food:
Cheese! The more flavorful the better, and the best thing about strong-flavored cheeses is that a little can go a long way.
Guilty pleasure food:
Anything buffalo chicken
One food you'd never eat (or drink):
I don't drink beverages with calories (think juice, soda, sweet tea, etc) with the exception of milk, and the occasional libation :)
Schools attended:
Indiana University Bloomington (BS)
Mass General Hospital (Dietetic Internship)
Framingham State University (MS)
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
Our well-rounded education really does make us the true nutrition experts. We can provide expertise in so many areas other than just weight loss, and our continuing education requirements force us to stay current so that the information we provide to you is always in line with the most recent research. And no, we don't "hate" you just because you eat something unhealthy in front of us-- dietitians love pizza too!
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
A graphic designer.
Keep in touch with Molly!
Instagram: @molclear
Tara Linitz, MS, RD, LDN
Outpatient Dietitian, Massachusetts General Hospital
Outpatient Dietitian, Massachusetts General Hospital
Why did you decide to become a dietitian?
Growing up as a competitive athlete, I learned how important it was to fuel my body properly with healthy foods. Additionally, two of my younger siblings had numerous serious food allergies, so we had to get creative in the kitchen. In school, I always loved science, so it was a perfect transition, since nutrition requires such a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and biochem. Ultimately, I wanted to share this evidence-based knowledge I had learned to help educate others, whether it was proper nutrition for general wellness, sports performance, or food allergy management.
Current job(s)?
Outpatient dietitian at Massachusetts General Hospital, specializing in general nutrition, weight management/wellness, gastrointestinal nutrition and food allergies
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Hearing that you "changed someone's life" and seeing them light up about the positive behavioral changes they've been able to implement, whether it's for weight loss, blood sugar/cholesterol management, or symptom management of difficult food intolerances/GI distress.
Least favorite thing?
Hearing the words, "Well, Dr. Oz said..."
Luckily we now have evidence backing us up about his misinformation!
Favorite food:
Anything Italian... fresh bread with olive oil, balsamic, & tomato bruschetta
Guilty pleasure food:
Dark chocolate & red wine but hey- there are some antioxidants there! ;)
One food you'd never eat (or drink):
I think it's important to be adventurous about trying new foods/cuisines, and that all food can fit. But... If you're really looking for an answer here, probably those incredibly processed sodas/"juices" that are electric colors and come with a laundry list of ingredients most of us can't even pronounce. Those things look like they could last through nuclear war.
Schools attended:
Cornell University - BS in Nutrition/Dietetics
Massachusetts General Hospital - Dietetic Internship
Northeastern University - MS in Exercise Science/Public Health Concentration
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
We're not the food police. We love food and we're passionate about it. We studied it for a reason.
We also go through extensive schooling and training to be able to call ourselves dietitians. Please know that just because someone calls themselves a "nutrition expert" or "nutritionist," that they may not have gone through the proper training. Do your research so you end up in safe hands.
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
In my dreams... I'd be working on a vineyard.
Growing up as a competitive athlete, I learned how important it was to fuel my body properly with healthy foods. Additionally, two of my younger siblings had numerous serious food allergies, so we had to get creative in the kitchen. In school, I always loved science, so it was a perfect transition, since nutrition requires such a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and biochem. Ultimately, I wanted to share this evidence-based knowledge I had learned to help educate others, whether it was proper nutrition for general wellness, sports performance, or food allergy management.
Current job(s)?
Outpatient dietitian at Massachusetts General Hospital, specializing in general nutrition, weight management/wellness, gastrointestinal nutrition and food allergies
Favorite thing about being an RD?
Hearing that you "changed someone's life" and seeing them light up about the positive behavioral changes they've been able to implement, whether it's for weight loss, blood sugar/cholesterol management, or symptom management of difficult food intolerances/GI distress.
Least favorite thing?
Hearing the words, "Well, Dr. Oz said..."
Luckily we now have evidence backing us up about his misinformation!
Favorite food:
Anything Italian... fresh bread with olive oil, balsamic, & tomato bruschetta
Guilty pleasure food:
Dark chocolate & red wine but hey- there are some antioxidants there! ;)
One food you'd never eat (or drink):
I think it's important to be adventurous about trying new foods/cuisines, and that all food can fit. But... If you're really looking for an answer here, probably those incredibly processed sodas/"juices" that are electric colors and come with a laundry list of ingredients most of us can't even pronounce. Those things look like they could last through nuclear war.
Schools attended:
Cornell University - BS in Nutrition/Dietetics
Massachusetts General Hospital - Dietetic Internship
Northeastern University - MS in Exercise Science/Public Health Concentration
Anything else you'd like people to know about being an RD?
We're not the food police. We love food and we're passionate about it. We studied it for a reason.
We also go through extensive schooling and training to be able to call ourselves dietitians. Please know that just because someone calls themselves a "nutrition expert" or "nutritionist," that they may not have gone through the proper training. Do your research so you end up in safe hands.
If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?
In my dreams... I'd be working on a vineyard.