How can a Registered Dietitian help me?

Registered Dietitians are the food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical advice based on your specific needs.

Registered Dietitians (or RDs) are regulated health professionals who have met the education and training requirements to be registered with the profession.

Some Registered Dietitians refer to themselves as “nutritionists” but not all nutritionists are Registered Dietitians. Choosing a nutrition professional with one of the designated titles will ensure you are receiving the highest quality advice from a regulated health care professional.

A Registered Dietitian can:

• Coach you through diet and lifestyle changes as you work to achieve your healthy eating goals or work to manage disease
• Help you with label reading, grocery shopping and saving money at the supermarket
• Help you with practical ideas for meals and snacks on the go, cooking tips and more
• Analyze and adapt your favorite recipes to meet your lifestyle and health needs
• Help you and your family members achieve and maintain a healthy weight via a healthy lifestyle individualized to your needs
• Work with the physically active or serious athlete to meet sport nutrition needs
• Treat and manage disease by helping you with specific, individualized nutrition care plans

Registered Dietitians also:

• Work with individuals, families, communities and other professionals to help Alberta families to achieve and maintain good health, including the prevention of childhood obesity
• Work in hospitals and long term care settings with clients as part of the interprofessional health care team to help treat and manage disease with specific nutrition care plans
• Work in interprofessional team clinics with clients who attend outpatient appointments
• Work in hospital foodservice departments, manage kitchens and foodservice production in schools, nursing homes, restaurants, industrial plants, military bases, and other institutions.
• Promote health and prevent disease
• Advise government on population-wide initiatives to improve the health of Canadians
• Conduct food and nutrition research in academic and practical work settings to promote up to date, evidence-based professional practice and service
• Work with companies to achieve corporate wellness
• Work in other related healthcare, food and nutrition settings and non-traditional settings