by A nutrition professional can help you optimize your fueling strategy and mitigate common running-related problems, ranging from post-workout energy crashes to mid-run trips to the bathroom. But knowing who to trust with your health is complicated. “Expert” is a relative term, and it turns out that the meaning of “nutritionist” varies depending on who you’re talking to.
So how do you know who is legit? For tips on finding a qualified doctor (and knowing who to avoid), we spoke with three registered dietitians about the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist. Here’s what you need to know.
Dietitian versus nutritionist: what’s the difference?
The difference between a nutritionist and a dietician comes down to education, experience, and credentials. Registered dietitians (RDs) are trained at the university level and from 2024They must have at least a graduate degree to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam to obtain the RD designation. Future registered dietitians also participate in an internship in which they accumulate between 900 and 1,200 hours of supervised practice.
More from the world of the runner
TO Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) has similar training to a registered dietitian, but is accredited through the American Nutrition Association (ANA), which requires test takers to have a master’s of science or doctorate in nutrition or a related field. Like registered dietitians, they must also complete about 1,000 hours of supervised practice.
Both registered dietitians and certified nutrition specialists must obtain separate licenses in the states where they practice and regularly earn continuing education credits to maintain their credentials.
The requirements or qualifications for a “nutritionist” or “nutrition coach” are much less rigorous. In fact, there are none.
“Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist,” he says Marie Spano, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD, sports dietitian. “There is no regulation behind that term.”
Some nutritionists obtain certificates through universities or private companies, but courses vary from institution to institution and there are no universal standards for evaluating or testing programs. Some nutritionists forgo formal education altogether and rely on their own research or personal experience to inform their work.
If you have any nutrition-related illness, you are technically not allowed to treat a nutritionist other than an RD or CNS, including meal planning, diet recommendations, or supplements. “Let’s say someone has hypertension or diabetes or even gastrointestinal conditions. It is not legal for [health coaches or nutritionists] in many states to intervene,” he says Gabriela Barreto, MS, RD, CSSD.
A nutritionist can provide general dietary recommendations to people with a simple health history. And for people who need a little extra support as they try to change their behaviors around food, a nutrition coach can offer the encouragement and accountability they need. But again, there is no assurance that a nutritionist’s advice is backed by formal education or rooted in science.
How Dietitians Can Help Runners
“A dietitian is a certified expert in food and nutrition,” says Joanna Gregg, RD, food data curator at My FitnessPal. “Dietitians study to become experts in the science of foods and how they affect human health. “They are trained in medical nutrition therapy and nutritional counseling for a wide range of demographics and can earn further certifications in a specialty such as sports, weight management, oncology, eating disorders, or pediatric nutrition.”
Dietitians who work specifically with runners help their clients improve their performance, train more effectively, and feel better during and after workouts. This often starts with fuel recommendations that are more personalized.
“A dietitian who understands energy production will listen to what you do every day. They will understand your speed and distance and will be able to estimate how much energy you are using” and, therefore, how many calories you need to consume, Barreto says. They can also monitor your progress, recognize trends you may not notice, and continually adjust your fueling strategies.
“We can also help with proper nutrient timing,” Spano says. Runners are more than familiar with carb-loading before a race, but they often drop the ball during the recovery period, when a plate of pasta is less appealing. “Especially when it’s an endurance athlete, that hour after training is a really crucial time to get nutrients,” Barreto says, noting that dietitians who work with athletes are well-versed in sports nutrition products and can choose the most drinkable ones. , shakes, gels and bars suitable for the needs of your customers.
For some runners, fueling and nutrient timing are not their most pressing concerns. Both Spano and Barreto often work with athletes who have food fears or disordered eating habits, as well as other medical nutrition issues that can interfere with running. “We can also help with blood work or other tests that may be necessary to ensure the individual is healthy,” Spano says.
What you should know before hiring a dietitian
While hiring a dietician is an investment, it could save you time and money in the long run.
There’s no shortage of free nutritional advice online, but sifting through the clutter to find information that’s accurate and relevant to your body, your sport, and your personal goals is a daunting task. “You can spend all day on the Internet looking for things, but that doesn’t mean you can put it all together if you’re not an expert in that area,” Spano says.
Even the most nutrition-conscious runners make mistakes. Barreto notes that runners who use online activity calculators often eat hundreds of calories, leading to fatigue, headaches and poor performance.
Spano agrees that undereating is a common problem among runners, especially women. He also finds that runners who are very focused on eating healthy foods often consume too much fiber, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
After consulting with a dietitian, you may also discover that you are unnecessarily spending money on nutrition-related products that you don’t actually need. “A sports dietician can help with effective supplements. And it’s not just about which supplements work. Often, I am eliminating things that No work,” says Spano. “So a runner might come to me and say, ‘You don’t need to take this, this, and this.’ And they say, ‘Oh, thank God.’ I’m tired of doing this routine.’ Therefore, we help them save money, time and wasted efforts.”
Tips for hiring the right dietician
Finding the right dietician is a lot like finding the right doctor or therapist; Some are more qualified than others and it may take time to connect with a professional you feel is right for you and your needs. Use these tips for a successful search.
Visit EatRight.org
You can always Google “dietitians near me,” but if you want to narrow your search, check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics online database from nutrition experts. You can search by location, specialty, and insurance, and each professional’s contact information and credentials are clearly listed.
Pay attention to credentials
Remember: There are no regulations for the terms “nutritionist” or “nutrition coach.” Look for a professional who is a registered dietitian (RD) or certified nutrition specialist (CNS).
Choose a sports specialist
The scope of nutrition is broad, so dietitians tend to specialize in one area. Choose someone who, in addition to having RD or CNS in their title, also has CSSD, which stands for “certified specialist in sports dietetics.” This indicates that they have received additional training in working with athletes.
Do a quick interview
“Receive a phone call. Talk to them and ask them how they work with clients and tell them your specific needs. Ask them about their experience,” Spano suggests. And make sure they understand your specific population, as the needs of an ultramarathon runner will be different from those of a triathlete or someone training for their first 10K.
“There are little details in every sport and population, even if you dig deeper into how you carry your gel packs. Someone who knows the sport will understand what is realistic in different situations,” adds Spano.
