Episode 166: What’s the difference between a Nutritionist vs Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

Why is our practice The Gymnast Nutritionist® even though we are all Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (specialized in pediatrics and sports nutrition). 

Marketing. No one knows what a dietitian is. Not even in the hospital. We get all dietricians, dietary, nutritionalists, etc. But, there are HUGE differences between dietitians and nutritionists. We are not created equally. And, like in any professions, they bad dietitians and bad nutritionists. 

But, I am confident to say there are way more “nutritionists”, health coaches, etc who do harm out there bc they just don’t have the training needed to do what they’re trying to do. 

Now, this is going to come off as all “high and mighty” which is funny because if any other professions—doctor, nurse, physical therapist, etc was saying you shouldn’t try to do those professions without the training + credentials, no one would bat an eye. 

But I guess the thing about nutrition is everyone eats, everyone has an opinion about what people eat, and especially former gymnasts—they think they know it all.

I bring all this up bc it’s about knowing what’s up as a consumer and making sure you’re choosing qualified professionals to help your CHILD and adolescent gymnast. 

It’s one thing if as an adult you want to work with some personal trainer or health coach to help you with your nutrition—whatever, that’s your choice. 

But for your own child or teen— we need to be more careful because they are not just small adults. Their physiology is different, their development and cognition is different, their nutrition needs are different, and the growth piece is so so so critical and even adult dietitians don’t know how to assess this (including NCAA dietitians—you’re working with adults). 

In this episode you’ll learn: 

• Why The Gymnast Nutritionist® team is made up of highly specialized Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (no “health coaches” over here)
• The differences between a “nutritionist” and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
• What it takes to become a RDN
• Why you should only hire a RDN to work with your gymnast on nutrition versus a personal trainer, health coach, “nutritionist”, etc

Links & Resources 

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com