Sunday, September 9, 2018

What's Your Job as a Nutritionist?

When we are sick, we look for a doctor. When our toilet is clogged, we look for a plumber.
When we are having toothache, we look for a dentist. When our car break down, we look for a mechanic.
But, do you realize that when we are looking for nutrition advice; we search on the internet; ask our relatives and friends; learn from supplement or food promoters. Do you know that there is a professional healthcare officer that you can look for?
Nutritionist and dietitian are experts that promote healthy lifestyle through food; with evidence based nutrition knowledge and without any bias.

You might have these questions in mind.
Is there any difference in between dietitian and nutritionist?
To be simple, dietitian can work in clinical settings; whereas nutritionist can't. This is because dietitian completes clinical attachment or practice. For example, dietitian can prescribe medical nutrition therapy towards cancer recovering patients or tube feeding patients; but nutritionist can't. Dietitian can treat ill patients, but nutritionist can't. Nutritionist play an important role to create health awareness.

Can anyone be nutritionist?
** Updates on July 2020** Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774) is to be enforced! Meaning to say nutritionists and dietitians need to register ourselves in order to practice our health services. 
Right now, there is no rules or law to be a nutritionist in Malaysia; therefore, you might find a lot of "self-recognize" nutritionist in the market; with limited nutrition knowledge or bias opinion. But, there are still a number of nutritionists who have complete their university studies and are well trained to consult people regarding their diet. I am proud to say that I am a nutritionist; graduated from The Ohio State University (USA) with B.Sc. in Human Ecology, major in Human Nutrition, Dietetics Option; and I have been working in healthcare industry for 4 years and still continuing my passion.

So,
when you are confuse on which food product to choose; ask a nutritionist to learn about food labeling. When you are confuse whether to take supplement; ask a nutritionist to assess on your nutritional and health needs. When you want to lose weight healthily; ask a nutritionist to plan and personalize your meal. When you want to create a healthy workplace; ask a nutritionist to conduct health talk or program. 

Nutrition is a growing field which has a lot of new things/researches popping up; but lacking of time to proof it right or wrong yet. I am learning and updating myself everyday and would like to share my nutrition knowledge towards the society.  I truly believe healthy eating makes a difference.

If you are looking for nutritionist, have tons of questions about your food; please contact me at nutrition.goodness. Visit GOODNESS page today.