I hope you have found this series an invaluable resource of nutriton information.
This is the seventh post in the series…
Best Books Written by Registered Dietitians
(Note: At the top of each post in this series, I have provided a description of what a dietitian is; therefore, if you have read any of the other posts in the series, you may want to skip down to the list portion.)
You may be asking…
So what exactly IS a Registered Dietitian, and why do I want to take note when a health and wellness book is written by a Registered Dietitian?
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A registered dietitian, by definition, is considered the expert in the field of nutrition science. The term Registered Dietitian is actually different than a nutritionist. In fact, the term nutritionist is not a regulated term and has a more general meaning. The term registered dietitian, however, is regulated much like the terms doctor or lawyer. In other words, you are not allowed to call yourself a doctor unless you are a doctor, and you cannot call yourself a registered dietitian unless you have completed all the academic and professional requirements.
Requirements for Registered Dietitians
So what are the requirements? Is there some kind of certification you need to be a registered dietitians?
Actually, you cannot just get a certification to become a registered dietitian. Whereas there might be certifications available for nutritionists.
To become an RD you must:
-
Complete a Bachelors Degree at a college accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Dietetic Education. Some of the required courses generally included are:
- Microbiology
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Evidence Base Nutrition
- Human Nutrition and Metabolism
- Nutrition Counseling
- and more
2. Complete 1200 hours of a competitive internship (The internship is usually completed in hospitals, community service agencies, medical clinics, etc)
3. Pass the CDR Exam
Just like a lawyer can’t practice law without passing an exam, an RD cannot become a registered dietitian without pasing the CDR.
4. In addition, by 2024, all register dietitian will be required to have a master’s degree as well. Many RD’s already do.
5. Complete Continuing Education Units throughout their career to keep their registered dietitian credentials.
So you can see why it is a plus when a health and nutrition book is written by a registered dieitian. I want to preface here that just because an RD is considered the expert, doesn’t mean you can’t get great nutrition information and advice from non-dietitians. People who have a passion for nutrition or people who have discovered something that works for them can write insightful nutrition books.
Many health and wellness enthusiasts have done extensive research on their own and have valuable information, but if you are getting advice from non-dietitians, I would recommend looking for the following:
- Are they getting their information from a Registered Dietitian? Are they seeing what multiple registered dieitians have to say about the topic before giving advice?
- Do they know when it is time to refer their clients to a registered dietitian? Many informed people have general nutrition knowledge, but when a client or customer needs medical nutrition therapy; then, a dietitian may be needed. Dietitians are trained in nutrition as it relates to diseases, drug-food interactions, tube feeding, enteral nutrition (nutrients through the veins), and various other medical conditions. These topics can get complicated and even be dangerous if incorrect information is given.
For example, someone may tell a client to eat more bananas because bananas are healthy, after all, BUT if a person has kidney failure and is on dialysis, too many bananas could put someone in the hosptial or worse!
One Final Note..
So one final thought before we move on to the book lists. If a book is written by a non-RD, you may want to see if a registered dietitian has written a review about the book, recommended the book, or even written a forward for the book.
Nutrition books written by non-dietitians are not a deal breaker, by any means, but you can see why seeing that RD beside an author’s name in a nutrition book is a plus.
Okay now for the good stuff…
The seventh post in this series is…
Books for Registered Dietitians by Registered Dietitians
I’m a Registered Dietitian: Now What?
You finish all those years of schooling and all those hours in an internship program, and then you are set free. Now What? That is where this book comes in. “I’m a Dietitian: Now What?” is perfect for any dietitian whether you are a soon to be dietitian, brand new dietitian, or have been a dietitian for years! This books helps you explore why you became a registered dietitian and why you want to continue being a registered dietitian. Bonus! You can get 15 CEUs as well!
The Essential Cancer Treatment Nutrition Guide and Cookbook
This book is a must read for any dietitian who wants to increase their Cancer treatment nutrition knowledge. Along with discussing the varoius types of cancer treatments, this book also discusses how to manage cancer and cancer treatment side effects like anemia, cachexia, fatigue, insomnia, taste changes, food aversion, mouth sores, nausea, and wound healing. You can also earn 20 CEUS!
The Nourishing Meal Builder
One of the road blocks to nutrition today is that many people don’t know how to cook anymore. More specifically, people don’t know how to create a meal on the spot without a recipe or a meal plan.
In the real world we don’t always have time to pre-plan our meals, and when the chaos of life gets in the way, we reach for fast food, takeout, or convenient processed meals.
I think one impactful ways dietitians can help others live healthier, and even happier, less stressful lives is to teach our clients and patients how to create meals on the spot. This ebook gives dietitians a simple tool to use to help clients learn how to create delicious nutritious meals then and there.
The Nourishing Meal Builder is also a fantastic resource for dietitians because it provides a catalog of nutrients and foods and their benefits based on research.
A Primer on Ayurveda – Color edition: A Practical Guide for Dietitians, Nutritionists and Healthcare Professionals
This was such a unique and interesting read. I enjoyed reading about a nutrition approach that I didn’t know much about. This book is written as a practical guide for Dietitians, Nutritionists and other healthcare professionals who want to integrate the Ayurvedic principles and into their practice, and provide a holistic approach to counseling.
The Non-diet Approach Guidebook for Dietitians: A How to Guide for Applying the Non-diet approach to Individual Diet Counseling
More and more people are expressing a desire to take on the non-diet approach when it comes to health and nutrition, and dietitians need to learn how to help our clients as they go through their non-diet journey. This book not only explains the non-diet paradigm with supporting evidence but also provides a framework for dietetic practice using the non-diet approach. Counseling discussion points and worksheets for clients are also included as well.
Unpacking Weight Science, Episodes 1-12 Supporting Materials
Like “Body Kindness,” this book takes a non-diet approach as it discusses the science behind weight-neutral perspectives. Topics included inthis book are weight bias, stigma, adn discrimination, BMI meets death, and the science of compassion.
Serving the Broccoli Gods: True Tales and Tips from a Nutritionist on a Quest
Dietitian, Mary Purdy, is halarious. She knows how to perfectly balance humor with actual nutrition knowledge. I think this book’s description explains it best when it says, “Serving “The Broccoli Gods” is a collection of intimate, funny and candid personal essays about life as a dietitian, interspersed with helpful and relevant nutrition tip side bars so you laugh a little AND learn a little!”
All the Books on RD2RD
Finally there is a place where dietitians can go to find what we need whether it is a book to further develop our knowledge or a handout perfect for our clients, we can find it here!
The topics are endless and the customer service is excellent!
You can find all kinds of books, posters, worksheets, journals on anything from FODMAP diets and childhood diabetes to Healthy Snacks and recipes for your clients. There are even books and resources on how to promote your digital products and how to start a business!
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