Ask a new dietitian anything...

[foodandfitness]

It's been a long journey, but after all the school and internship I got the RD! I opened up a private practice in January and do nutrition counseling and some personal training.

If anyone is taking the RD route or thinking about it, I'd love to be a resource.

Here's my impressions so far:
1. Schooling was fun but the 6 month nonpaid internship sucked
2. 95% of dietitians are women. (both a curse and blessing)
3. Don't expect to make big $$ working for someone else
4. School builds a good base but you really don't know @#$% about weight loss or anything until after school.
5. Being part of the ADA and SCAN is one of the best resources and opportunities I've yet to have.

So if anyone is curious, ask away!

[Labello]

whats your dream future/career?

[foodandfitness]

whats your dream future/career?

Right now I'm trying to fill up my schedule just doing my nutrition counseling and personal training. I'd like to continue doing that and eventually get into teaching/motivational speaking. I'm in Toastmaster's to work on the public speaking.

I'm a big fan of 4 Hour Workweek. Ideally I'd like to have more free time to pursue other hobbies.

[WallStreetZaff]

I'm currently an exercise science major. I love nutrition and working out and the whole 9 yards. Would I have to change majors to pursue a career in that, or could I somehow make it work via exercise science?

[foodandfitness]

I'm currently an exercise science major. I love nutrition and working out and the whole 9 yards. Would I have to change majors to pursue a career in that, or could I somehow make it work via exercise science?

You don't have to change degrees to teach people nutrition along with the exercise. Just realize when you are outside of your scope of practice and refer out. Not every client needs to see a RD to learn how eat less and move more.

As a RD and personal trainer, I know that my expertise lies in nutrition but I know a fair amount about exercise. The opposite is often true for ESS majors. I recommend clients to other trainers when I need to and they recommend me back. I really look for exercise scientists that have a good background in nutrition because those are the people I like to collaborate and share with.

[WonderPug]

It's been a long journey, but after all the school and internship I got the RD! I opened up a private practice in January and do nutrition counseling and some personal training.

Congratulations.

I'm a big fan of 4 Hour Workweek.

I'm so sorry.

[foodandfitness]

Congratulations.


I'm so sorry.

Thanks! Haha, sorry you didn't like the book. I took some good things from it and left the rest for the buzzards. I've also read Guerrilla Marketing (great read) and How to Win Friends and Influence People (a classic) which are 2 books I'd recommend to anyone starting a business.

[WonderPug]

I've also read Guerrilla Marketing (great read) and How to Win Friends and Influence People (a classic) which are 2 books I'd recommend to anyone starting a business.

I've started and sold a number of businesses, and I disagree strongly with your recommendations, especially in regard to Guerrilla Marketing.

[moneyrich]

was it hard to get an internship?
i hear it's competitive.

[foodandfitness]

I've started and sold a number of businesses, and I disagree strongly with your recommendations, especially in regard to Guerrilla Marketing.

Touche' but if that's how it is, do you suggest an alternative starting point for someone with no formal business education? I'm guessing you've read those books?

[VitaminVendetta]

Congrats.

I have a bunch of questions.

1) what is your opinion on saturated fats?
2) what is your opinion on linoleic acid?
3) what is your opinion on red meat consumption in relationship with diseases?
4) what is your opinion on multivitamins when consuming a healthy, varied diet?
5) what is your opinion on insulin spiks? What level should I reach?
6) what is your opinion on carbohydrates post workout? Low/high GI? Do I need them?
7) what is your opinion on coffee consumption? Healthy or not?
8) what is your opinion on CLA for fat loss?
9) what is your opinion on catechines for weight loss?
10) what is your opinion on high dosed folic acid?

I have many, many more questions, but I'll let you answer these first.

[foodandfitness]

was it hard to get an internship?
i hear it's competitive.

Its hard if your resume has nothing good on it. It's very competitive, but if you stay dedicated and do things to make you stand out, you should be fine.

[WonderPug]

Touche' but if that's how it is, do you suggest an alternative starting point for someone with no formal business education? I'm guessing you've read those books?

I stared my first company in college. I just found a need and filled it. It's not that hard.

In my opinion, most books on business are like books on sex. If you need to read a book on the subject, you probably don't have natural talent.

Congrats.

I have a bunch of questions.

Now this has potential. Where's the popcorn?

[soupermayn]

Can i get lean while still enjoying my favourite foods like pizza, ben and jerry's and jelly?

[moneyrich]

Its hard if your resume has nothing good on it. It's very competitive, but if you stay dedicated and do things to make you stand out, you should be fine.

did you have to put in a lot of volunteer time during school to make your resume better?
do you dislike people that call themselves a nutritionist?

[foodandfitness]

That's not the purpose of this thread. I'm answering questions pertaining to the occupation.

But whatever..

1. They taste good. Eat them.
2. Essential
3. Red meat is fine. Its good to eat other meats too.
4. Multivitamins are not necessary for people that consume adequate amounts of micronutrients with enough calories
5. No opinion on insulin spikes. Pancreas takes care of insulin.
6. CHO post workout is great for endurance athletes
7. Coffee is the nectar of the Gods. Being productive leads to good health IMO
8 and 9. Calorie balance > supplements for fat loss
10. I don't recommend high doses of folate

Congrats.

I have a bunch of questions.

1) what is your opinion on saturated fats?
2) what is your opinion on linoleic acid?
3) what is your opinion on red meat consumption in relationship with diseases?
4) what is your opinion on multivitamins when consuming a healthy, varied diet?
5) what is your opinion on insulin spiks? What level should I reach?
6) what is your opinion on carbohydrates post workout? Low/high GI? Do I need them?
7) what is your opinion on coffee consumption? Healthy or not?
8) what is your opinion on CLA for fat loss?
9) what is your opinion on catechines for weight loss?
10) what is your opinion on high dosed folic acid?

I have many, many more questions, but I'll let you answer these first.

[SUPERM4N]

How prevalent is broscience amongst dieticians?

[sekaonayr]

can you pm me some solid things about nutrition that you don't think i would know? ive read all stickies

[VitaminVendetta]

That's not the purpose of this thread. I'm answering questions pertaining to the occupation.

But whatever..

1. They taste good. Eat them.
2. Essential
3. Red meat is fine. Its good to eat other meats too.
4. Multivitamins are not necessary for people that consume adequate amounts of micronutrients with enough calories
5. No opinion on insulin spikes. Pancreas takes care of insulin.
6. CHO post workout is great for endurance athletes
7. Coffee is the nectar of the Gods. Being productive leads to good health IMO
8 and 9. Calorie balance > supplements for fat loss
10. I don't recommend high doses of folate

I award you 7/10. Your answers are very general and sometimes even seem to dodge my question. Not bad, tho. I award you a PhD in brotrition.

[foodandfitness]

I stared my first company in college. I just found a need and filled it. It's not that hard.

In my opinion, most books on business are like books on sex. If you need to read a book on the subject, you probably don't have natural talent.

Interesting opinion. I respectfully disagree, but the proof is in the pudding so the results of my endeavors are to be continued...

Can i get lean while still enjoying my favourite foods like pizza, ben and jerry's and jelly?

No of course not! You have to eat CLEAN BRO! Haha, jk. C'mon now.

did you have to put in a lot of volunteer time during school to make your resume better?
do you dislike people that call themselves a nutritionist?

I did a lot of volunteer time and I don't have any problem with "nutritionists"

[soupermayn]

No of course not! You have to eat CLEAN BRO! Haha, jk. C'mon now.

Well done you has past the ultimate test.

You are now part of the league of extraordinary nutritionists. (Bodybuilding.com Certified 2011)

A league of great honour. Put it on your CV and jobs shal fall their knees asking you to take them.

[WillBrink]

4. School (hopefully) builds a good base but you really don't know @#$% about weight loss or anything until after school.

This...added needed comment in brackets. RDs are some of the most clueless people about nutrition I have ever met.

[foodandfitness]

How prevalent is broscience amongst dieticians?

I'm not sure. It depends on the individual. Since most RDs work in a clinical setting, I'd say the average is probably low in the scope of their practice.

can you pm me some solid things about nutrition that you don't think i would know? ive read all stickies

R u srs? No.

I award you 7/10. Your answers are very general and sometimes even seem to dodge my question. Not bad, tho. I award you a PhD in brotrition.

Come at me, bro

[Labello]

Right now I'm trying to fill up my schedule just doing my nutrition counseling and personal training. I'd like to continue doing that and eventually get into teaching/motivational speaking. I'm in Toastmaster's to work on the public speaking.

I'm a big fan of 4 Hour Workweek. Ideally I'd like to have more free time to pursue other hobbies.

What are the most important lessons you learned from the 4-hr workweek concept (dont know much about).

Much appreciated..hey u said we could ask anything lol.

[foodandfitness]

What are the most important lessons you learned from the 4-hr workweek concept (dont know much about).

Much appreciated..hey u said we could ask anything lol.

The main points I took away from it are:
1. Time is the only finite resource, don't let your business consume you
2. Design the structure of your business to have more free time (automate!)
3. Be more effective with email and communication

more about the book here: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/overview/

[moneyrich]

were the things you learned in school, things that are easily found all over the web?
seems like everybody gives nutrion advice on the web.

[Trillios]

Congratulations! I'm in the RD program as well 1st yr going to 2nd. Didn't read other posts since I'm short on time but when I do I'll make sure to ask something not covered. I hope to open my own private practice as well! Maybe even a gym .

[foodandfitness]

were the things you learned in school, things that are easily found all over the web?
seems like everybody gives nutrion advice on the web.

No, bro. C'mon now.

Nutrition sciences covers a much larger scope than fitness. Nutrition for...
-schools and communities
-hospital food system management
-specific diseases
-counseling and psychology of eating
-hospitality management
-health inspector
-pregnancy and nutrition through the lifecycle
-drug/nutrient interactions
-nutrigenomics
-etc.

EDIT- Afterthought- actually most of that stuff can be found somewhere on Pubmed.gov

[Cumulonimbus]

These threads make me lol.

Reminds me of PT weekend seminar warriors.

[greekmanman]

No, bro. C'mon now.

Nutrition sciences covers a much larger scope than fitness. Nutrition for...
-schools and communities
-hospital food system management
-specific diseases
-counseling and psychology of eating
-hospitality management
-health inspector
-pregnancy and nutrition through the lifecycle
-drug/nutrient interactions
-nutrigenomics
-etc.

EDIT- Afterthought- actually most of that stuff can be found somewhere on Pubmed.gov

Nutrigenomics...ausome

Congrats!