Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health and well-being, impacting physical, mental, and emotional functioning. From managing chronic conditions to optimizing energy levels and supporting mental health, the significance of proper nutrition cannot be overstated. However, with the abundance of information available, navigating the world of nutrition can be overwhelming and confusing. This is where the expertise of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) becomes invaluable.
What is a registered dietitian nutritionist? A registered dietitian nutritionist or RDN is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:
◆ Earned a bachelor’s degree with coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
◆ Completed an accredited supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency or foodservice corporation.
◆ Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
◆ Completes continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration on an ongoing basis.
A RDN has the expertise, training and credentials to provide you with the necessary information to promote positive lifestyle choices. After learning about your health history, favorite foods, eating, and exercise habits, a RDN will help you set small goals to get you to your long term goal of overall health. A RDN translates evidence-based nutrition science into practical solutions for healthy living. They can help you sort through nutrition misinformation and provide sound, easy-to-follow nutrition advice. A RDN will uniquely combine behavior and habit changes to your life, which will help you make personalized and positive lifestyle changes. A RDN can also help specifically with the management of chronic diseases through medical nutrition therapy. They can review your lab results, help you understand your condition and provide education about the nutrients that affect it. Creating nutritional changes takes patience, practice, and trustworthy professional guidance. A RDN can be that support to allow you to set goals to achieve your desired results.
Meet Our Dietitian
Alina Pittman
Alina Pittman is a Registered Dietitian and holds a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition from Winthrop University. Alina can assist clients with managing health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, thyroid disorders, weight loss, disordered eating, as well as eating disorders. She has developed and utilized her skills and abilities to counsel patients on making behavior modifications and lifestyle changes to help them meet their health/nutrition goals utilizing Intuitive Eating principles and a non-diet approach.
Alina understands the value of support and accountability when embarking on a new health journey to create long-term, sustainable change. She believes in an integrative approach to health and wellness, providing patient-centered care, knowing that one’s relationship with food can be impacted by many factors. Being able to participate in this journey with her clients kindles her passion for helping others be empowered to achieve their goals, have a healthy relationship with food, and improve their quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey towards healing and empowerment with Alina.