Food is essential for life and has a central role in all aspects of health. Your eating style will be a reflection of many factors from early learning, environmental cues and current health goals. An Accredited Practising Dietitian understands not only the impact of nutrition on health but the values you hold and the relationship you may have with a particular food or habit. They can help you to realign your motivations and improve your food relationships whilst meeting your nutrition requirements.
What is an Accredited Practising Dietitian?
In order for a dietitian to be accredited they have to complete ongoing assesable professional education that is evaluated by the Dietitians Australia. This criteria is set out by their Association to ensure that a high level of care is delivered to their clients from the outset of their careers to the end.
By seeing an Accredited Practising Dietitian, you can trust that they are able to assess your nutritional requirements and work with you to develop a personalised eating plan, while also taking into account your medical and personal situation. If need be, they can work with you to help you develop a better relationship with food and to understand how to maintain this, both at home and when eating out.
How do they become qualified?
In order to become a dietitian, they must complete at least 4 years of study in either a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or an undergraduate degree in Science followed on by an 18-month Master of Dietetics to become a fully qualified professional. Along with these courses, students are required to undergo practical placements that give them extensive hands-on experience before they move into the workforce.
There are a number of universities in Australia that offer these courses in dietetics or the undergraduate prerequisites, depending on the state of education.
So why choose an accredited professional?
By choosing to see an Accredited Practising Dietitian, you are getting the best care possible. Additionally, you can have peace of mind that the person you have chosen to consult has to maintain a strict code of conduct and a standard ethics that makes them accountable to their association. They are governed by this code and any complaints the public has can be taken up with the Dietitians Australia. This governing body has the power to revoke their accreditation if found of misconduct.
These professionals have developed their knowledge over an extended period of time and constantly work towards bettering their knowledge and understanding of nutrition. They have extensively studied the wide range of conditions that might make someone go to a dietitian, such as diabetes, food allergies, and eating disorders.
An added benefit of seeing an Accredited Practising Dietitian is that because they are a registered nutritional professional, Medicare and Health Insurances can assist towards the cost of seeing a dietitian. So before seeing a dietitian, make sure you speak with your doctor to see if you are eligible for rebatable service.
Dietitians understand that everyone is different, which means that there will not be a cookie cutter approach to any nutrition plan. They are able to take all of your personal information into consideration and create something that will work for you. They know that everyone’s lifestyle is different and are able to create a plan that allows for that. Dietitians understand the clear relationship between what you eat and your health, so they can do everything in their power to help you live the healthiest life possible.
Want to learn more? Get started with a FREE Dietitian Life membership to get exclusive access to the huge library of clinical advice, and practical dietetic resources. For more tips and tricks, check out our website, Facebook or Instagram!
