Calgary Nutritionists vs Registered Dietitians

are you interested in improving your diet but unsure where to start? Good nutrition has become big business as increasing numbers of people discover the importance of good nutrition in preventing disease and protecting health.

How to Select a Nutritionist You Can Trust

The term ‘nutritionist’ is not protected by law in Alberta. That means that people with different levels of training and knowledge can all themselves nutritionists. This makes it very challenging for you, as the consumer, to determine whether the person has the training and knowledge to help you with your particular challenges and goals.

At Preventous, we overcome this problem by working with Registered Dietitians (RD).

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian is a health professional who:

  • Holds a specialized Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from an accredited university program
  • Has 1 year of practical training (internship) within various hospital and community health-care settings
  • Has successfully passed a national board exam and is registered with a provincial regulatory body such as the College of Dietitians of Alberta
  • Proves competency in the field each year to continue registration

The term Registered Dietitian is protected by law so only qualified practitioners can use the titles dietitian, Registered Dietitian, Registered Nutritionist and RD. Some dietitians refer to themselves as nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians or are qualified to be giving nutrition advice.

What Can a Registered Dietitian Do for You?

Registered dietitians offer up-to-date nutrition expertise in a variety of hospital, community and food-industry settings. At Preventous, Registered Dietitians deliver nutrition services that include specific plans and solutions for general healthy eating, weight loss, weight gain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, digestive disorders, eating disorders, sports nutrition, prenatal and post-natal nutrition, post-menopause nutrition, low energy, food cravings, nutrition for children and teens, nutrient deficiencies, and much more.

Nutrition is a critical component of achieving peak health. Make sure you’re getting advice and assistance that will give you results by being selective when choosing a nutritionist.