Top 5 places for correct diet facts

For nutrition & weight loss information Google has the answer, right? WRONG!

Despite SIRI helping us find the answer by simply calling her name our bodies are far more complex. For basic information, Google is great, but below you will find the TOP 5 places I recommend to start when sourcing nutrition information. 

1. A dietitian - fun fact: dietitians are the only qualified individuals trained to give nutrition advice.
2. Sports Dietitians Australia - The hub for all sports nutrition information
3. Dietitian Connection - for great webinars & information
4. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia & New Zealand - for your macro & micronutrient needs  however these are not specific to your sporting requirements. It is a great guide to start with.  
5. Dietitian’s Association of Australia – Challenging Media misinformation

My suggestions would to take information from media, friends and colleagues with a grain of salt. Just think of it like this - everyone eats so every one thinks they know about diet & nutrition. However, would you question what an engineer or podiatrists says was it comes to bridges or feet. So go to the experts that know food, the body and nutrition. 

Before adding or removing something from your diet, do your research. Just because someone has claimed it to be healthy or a quick weight loss strategy doesn't mean it is. A perfect example is coconut oil. Check out my coconut blog, coming soon.

Now that you know my TOP 5, where should you go next for specific weight loss & nutrition information?

A dietitian. As professional athletes correctly fuelling your body is just as important as your sporting discipline. So find a dietitian that works for you.

Consider this - how much you sit, stand, eat and run. How tall, short, and broad you are. Do you fidget or have wrestles sleep. These things are all individual. Meaning different energy needs. Even how your appetite hormones react are unique. Why compromise success and get your nutrition information online that is not specific to you. Or from people who aren't educated in nutrition i.e. personal trainers and nutritionists. So find a dietitian, we can help to tailor a specific diet plan to help maximise your performance without compromising your health.
 

What is the difference between a dietitian & nutritionist?

Dietitians are different to Nutritionists. I always like to clarify this as there's always confusion. The blunt answer is – anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. You could, with nil education. A dietitian is the only individual who is allowed to give individualised dietary advice. A dietitian is both a dietitian & nutritionist. Dietitians tend to call themselves nutritionists due to the confusion. Here are some key differences: 

Nutritionist

1. ZERO qualifications required…anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist”…literally anyone. 
2. No professional indemnity insurance

Dietitian

1. Bachelors Degree with Honors in Nutrition & Dietetics from accredited universities 
2. Dietetic Internship - over 1000hrs in hospitals, community and food service settings
3. Mentorship for 1-year after graduating to become an APD (Accredited Practising Dietitian)
4. Evidence-based practice must be used
5. Professional Indemnity Insurance 
6. Governing body - Dietitian's Association of Australia
   ...the list goes on.

Leave a comment! Got a question? Want to have your say. Leave me a comment at the bottom of this blog post and I'll get back to you. 

Meg :)