I often cringe and hesitate to answer when people ask “so what do you do?” As soon as I tell people that I am a Registered Dietitian I am almost always met with a response like “oh, I have questions for you” or “don’t look over there at the dessert table” or “what is your opinion on keto/whole 30/etc.” While I love nutrition and the science behind it and have such a passion for teaching and sharing that with others, I often find myself discouraged by the stigma that surrounds this profession. I have found that people expect a dietitian to eat and look a certain way and they expect a dietitian to shame or judge them based on their imperfect eating habits and imperfect body size or shape.
Well I am here to say, dietitians are people too! I do not have perfect eating habits and I enjoy all of the foods. And I do not always feel confident in my body. And if we are out and about and enjoy a meal or snack or drink together, I am not watching you or judging you or picking apart your food or drink choices. As professionals, I believe dietitians have a long and tough road ahead to break down some of the current ideas and views that people may have of us. Some of this is partly due to the dietitian’s role in healthcare in the past and how nutrition has been approached and presented as very rigid and strict with no room for personalization or modification. Fortunately, there is a lot of work being done to change this perception of RDs, and I am glad to be a part of this new age of dietitians.
I say all of this to encourage you that this space and our business will operate with this in mind. We will not use and do not believe in a one size fits all nutrition approach. We will not shame or judge you for your eating habits, food preferences, or body size or shape.
We are here to help you reach your nutrition goals. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Comments