What do Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists do?

Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists are specifically trained as nutrition and food experts. They help contribute to the health and well being of all Albertans.

As essential members of interprofessional health care teams, Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists translate scientific, medical, and nutrition information into practical, individualized therapeutic diets and meal plans for people.

Collaboration with clients, caregivers, health professionals and/or other stakeholders is central to dietetic practice.

Being a Registered Dietitian or Registered Nutritionist involves:

• Working with health professionals such as nurses, physicians, social workers, and speech language pathologists to manage nutrition for health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment of acute and chronic diseases with a variety of client populations in a variety of settings.
• Delivering information through formal and informal presentations, counseling and coaching that enables individuals to make informed decisions about food choices and nutrition services.
• Influencing the development and promotion of consumer products, managing quality food service in health care institutions, and influencing food, nutrition, and public health policy.

Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists are the trusted source for nutrition and food counselling. They translate the science of nutrition into practical advice based on your specific needs.

A Registered Dietitian or Registered Nutritionist can:

• Coach you through diet and lifestyle changes as you work to achieve your healthy eating goals or work to manage disease
• Help you with label reading, grocery shopping and saving money at the grocery store
• Help you with practical ideas for meals and snacks on the go, cooking tips and more
• Analyze and adapt your favorite recipes to meet your lifestyle and health needs
• Help you and your family members achieve and maintain a healthy weight by developing a healthy lifestyle individualized to your needs
• Work with the physically active or serious athlete to meet sport nutrition needs
• Treat and manage disease by helping you with specific, individualized nutrition care plans

Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists also:

• Work with individuals, families, communities and other professionals to help Albertan families achieve and maintain good health—including the prevention of childhood obesity
• Work in hospitals and long term care settings with clients as part of the interprofessional health care team to help treat and manage disease with specific nutrition care plans
• Work in interprofessional team clinics with clients who attend outpatient appointments
• Work in hospital foodservice departments, manage kitchens and foodservice production in schools, nursing homes, restaurants, industrial plants, military bases, and other institutions
• Promote health and prevent disease
• Advise government on population-wide initiatives to improve the health of Albertans
• Conduct food and nutrition research in academic and practical work settings to promote up to date, evidence-based professional practice and service
• Work with companies to achieve corporate wellness
• Work in other related health care, food and nutrition settings and non-traditional settings