In Nutrition We Trust
What Confuses You About Nutrition?
“Everything.”
“The amount of information online.”
“Knowing what’s accurate and what’s not.”
Yep, yep, and yep. The FLIK Dietitians are nutrition experts and we still find the information marketplace overwhelming at best and downright appalling at its worst. Nutrition is a young science with a broad spectrum, so we don’t know all the answers either. In our quest for truth, we call upon mentors, colleagues, and yes, the internet. Our clients trust us and so we must trust our sources. We put on our critical thinking caps as we comb through research to determine which new claims and trends have skin in the game. You can apply the same methods we do when searching for bona fide information.
When Looking Online, Check the URL
Feel confident in the advice you find. When doing your own online research, use these cues to determine if what you’re reading is trustworthy.
.GOV
These sites are owned and operated by the government. You can feel safe about the content, but keep in mind that there could be some influence from lobbyists or financial sponsors. Example: choosemyplate.gov, nutrition.gov
.EDU
These sites are affiliated with a university, college, or other education board. You can feel safe about the content, but keep in mind that some content may be written by students. Example: hsph.harvard.edu
.ORG
This designation was originally meant for non-profit organizations but can now be used by for-profit entities, too. You can sometimes feel safe about the content. Example: eatright.org
.COM or .NET
These URLs are open for public use. Be alert! You’ll want to use other means to vet the information on the site like the author, publish date, or scientific evidence. Nutrition-related articles on the FLIK blog are written and reviewed by Registered Dietitians, so you can feel good about these! Example: flikusa.com/blog, healthydiningfinder.com
DIETITIAN VS. NUTRITIONIST
You may be thinking, “po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe,” but these two titles are not always interchangeable when looking for expertise in the field of nutrition.
All Dietitians Are Nutritionists…
In the United States, a dietitian is a board-certified food and nutrition expert. To earn the credentials of Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), a person needs to meet education and supervised practice criteria set forth by a governing body, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Through meeting these requirements, dietitians acquire the expertise in nutrition science to provide evidence based medical nutrition therapy and counseling. After passing a board examination to earn his or her credential, a RD or RDN must continue professional development by earning continuing education credits.
…But Not All Nutritionists Are Dietitians
The title “nutritionist” varies from state to state. In over a dozen states, certain qualifications must be met before an individual can call him or herself a nutritionist. However, most states don’t regulate the use of the term “nutritionist” and anyone with an interest in diet or nutrition can call themselves one. Before getting your nutrition information from a nutritionist, you may want to find out more about his or her education, professional background, and qualifications.
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At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.
Have feedback or questions for our team? Email us at flikblog@compass-usa.com.
Interested in working with us? Apply today!