Nutrition Notes: celebrate Registered Dietitian Day

bounty.JPGMarch 9 is Registered Dietitian Day. Have you eaten your vegetables today?
By Darlene Endy Contributing columnist

March 9 is the fourth annual Registered Dietitian Day.

Kwown as RD's, registered dietitians are the nation's food and nutrition experts, committed to improving the health of their patients and communities. They have degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health or a related field, and they pass a national certification exam. They draw on education and experience to develop personalized nutrition plans.

Why might someone consult with an RD? Here are the top five reasons:

1. You have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure. An RD can recommend changes to your eating plan to improve these conditions.

2. You need to gain or lose weight, or are considering gastric bypass surgery. An RD can help you get the nutrients and calories that you need to stay healthy.

3. You have digestive problems. An RD can help relieve symptoms and help you choose foods that can be absorbed by your body.

4. You're pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing. An RD can make sure your diet is healthy so your baby gets what it needs from you.

5. Your teenager has issues with food and eating healthfully. An RD can assist with eating disorders and developing a healthy eating plan.

What an RD isn't:

1. The food police. RDs can suggest ways to eat healthier, but it is up to you to adhere to the advice.

2. A torturer. RDs focus on making a nutritious diet taste delicious, adding nutrient packed foods, instead of taking away all of your favorites.

3. Unrealistic. RDs have families too and face many of the same pressures that others do. We help you to set realistic goals to improve your health, one step at a time.

2010-11-10-dl-endy.JPGDarlene Endy.

4. Inflexible. RDs help you to choose an eating plan that's right for you. Our goal isn't perfection, just moderate improvements for your long-term health.

To find a registered dietitian in your area, visit and click on "Find a Registered Dietitian."
