The Power of Food — Introduction
Dietitian
Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. They work in many settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, cafeterias, and clinics. Some are self-employed and have their own practices.
Most dietitians and nutritionists have a bachelor’s degree and have participated in supervised training through an internship or as part of their coursework. Many states require dietitians and nutritionists to be licensed.
Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The role of food in preventing and treating illnesses, such as diabetes, is now well known. More dietitians and nutritionists will be needed to provide care for patients with various medical conditions and to advise people who want to improve their overall health.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Your Mission
Antioxidants, essential amino acids, monounsaturated fats—these are disease-fighting chemicals found in super-foods. Improving and maintaining health is important to most people, and they rely on professionals to aid them in reaching their health goals. One such professional is a registered dietitian.
Registered dietitians share the energizing goal of improving the quality of life through nutrition. As experts in human nutrition, dietitians help people choose the right foods to prevent and manage disease. They track and study patient health data and often work closely with doctors to make sure patients receive safe and appropriate nourishment.
In this activity, you are the registered dietitian. You will examine weight gain and loss for your patients and help them stay on track to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. You will review patient case studies and use mathematics to make recommendations for healthy meal and exercise plans. Never underestimate the power of food!
