Do You Wonder About What Eating Healthy Means for You and Your Family?

Every stage of the human life cycle has different nutrition needs to maintain health. There is so much confusing information about what is or what is not healthy that dealing with the nutrition needs of grandchildren, aging parents, your own health needs and those of your partner can be puzzling. As a parent, grandparent or other caregiver, it may be challenging to prepare healthy meals everyday as you and your family grow through the various stages of life. Better nutrition may be even more critical if you or someone you know suffers from nutrition-related health conditions.

So, where can you get reliable and safe advice to meet your nutrition needs? 

Registered Dietitians can help. As regulated experts in nutrition, they are a trusted source for nutrition information. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to help you plan healthy meals through all stages of life. They are experienced in translating scientific information into practical eating plans, recommending the right supplements and suggesting strategies to keep you and your family healthy.

Dietitians can help with weight management, food allergies or sensitivities. They also help people suffering from nutrition-related diseases and health conditions including, diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, digestive issues and food allergies. Registered Dietitians support people of all ages to achieve nutrition goals such as increased energy, weight loss and overall well-being.

Registered Dietitians are regulated health professionals who must be members of the College of Dietitians of Ontario to practice in Ontario. They are accountable to the College for ongoing competence and offer quality nutrition services throughout their career.

Registered Dietitians achieve the College standards for academic and practical education, ethics, professional conduct, and continuing competence. All dietitians must participate in the College of Dietitians of Ontario’s Quality Assurance Program for professional development and continued competence. You can expect that dietitians in Ontario bring a high degree of skill, judgment and knowledge to provide safe nutrition services for you and your family.

How can you tell that that your nutrition consultant is a Registered Dietitian?

Go to www.mydietitian.ca and click on Register of Dietitians. The Register of Dietitians will tell you whether a person can practice as a dietitian in Ontario. The Register of Dietitians contains the dietitian’s current employment information. It gives restrictions on a Registered Dietitian’s practice if there are any, and also has important information about any registration and discipline history.

How can you find a Registered Dietitian?

Look for the RD after a person’s name to make sure they are a Registered Dietitian. You can access the services of a Registered Dietitian by consulting your physician or other primary care provider, by searching online for a “Registered Dietitian” in your area or by going to www.dietitians.ca and clicking on Find a Dietitian.

Although dietitian services are not covered by OHIP, there are many government funded services through Family Health Teams, Community Health Centres, Diabetes Education Programs, Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes. Many insurance companies also offer benefits for nutrition services by Registered Dietitians.

Free and reliable nutrition information is available through Eat Right Ontario. This service provides a direct link to Registered Dietitians to answer your questions. Call 1-877-510-5102 or visit www.eatrightontario.ca

The College of Dietitians of Ontario works to protect the people of Ontario.

Registered Dietitians are a trusted source for nutrition information. Look for the RD to make sure that your nutrition consultant is a regulated health provider.

Go to www.mydietitian.ca