Boost Your Nutrition Awareness

Judy Dodd, MS, RD, LDN Giant Eagle^® Corporate Nutritionist

Is this you?

I am interested in knowing more about setting goals for a wellness oriented lifestyle.
The weight keeps creeping up and I want to take control.
Diabetes and heart disease are issues in my family, and I want to lower our risks.
My child has a food allergy and food shopping and preparation is a nightmare.
Our lifestyle is driven by time, health needs and a tight budget, but I don't know where to start to eat smarter!
Exactly what does all the information on a label mean to my health needs?
I know we should be eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, but my family is in denial when we get to the table. Help!

You need a registered dietitian! Registered dietitians are the food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. See our wellness programs for more information.

Question: What are the qualifications of a registered dietitian?

Answer: A registered dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition who has:

Graduated with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Coursework includes food and nutrition science, biochemistry, food service systems, physiology, microbiology, communication, business and economics.
Completed an accredited, supervised practice internship.
Passed a national exam for registration.

In addition, a registered dietitian must meet continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration. Many registered dietitians have advanced degrees and are certified in specialty areas such as weight management, pediatric or geriatric nutrition, diabetes education, renal or diabetes support.

Question: Is there a difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian?

Answer: All registered dietitians qualify to be a nutritionist, but not all nutritionists have earned the credential of registered dietitian. Registered dietitian is a legal credential with a nationally recognized exam and standard that must be met to take the exam and maintain registration.

The education that precedes qualifying for the registration exam provides both academic and practical emphasis on the science of both food and nutrition. This positions the registered dietitian to be able to translate science-based messages that involve health needs, performance and wellness to more basic needs of what to eat, how to choose foods and ways to enhance health through lifestyle choices. So look for a nutritionist who has registered dietitian behind his or her name.

Did you know Giant Eagle^® has a staff of registered dietitians available online, in select stores and in our quality assurance area to help answer your food and nutrition questions? To locate an registered dietitian at Giant Eagle^® and boost your nutrition awareness, email nutrition@gianteagle.com.