nutrition-jobs
14 Mar
Food, Health, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Nutrition

Nutrition Month: Fueling Your Future with a Career in Nutrition

March marks the celebration of Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of healthy eating and the vital role nutritionists and registered dietitians play in your overall health. Whether you’re looking to improve your own eating habits or trying to pursue a career in nutrition, this month serves as a reminder that food is fuel for your body and has a huge impact on your overall health.

This month highlights both individuals who want to make changes to their nutrition and the nutrition specialists that help you make that happen. If you’re a recent graduate or just starting out in your nutrition career, this post offers helpful information about what you can expect from a career in this field, as well as offer insights into how you can be successful in your professional journey.

The Importance of Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good health, managing chronic diseases, and supporting the body’s growth and development. Every day, we make choices that directly impact our health, whether it’s fueling our bodies with the right foods, managing portion sizes, or learning about the nutritional value of our favorite dishes. 

Career in nutrition

Registered dietitians (RDs) and nutritionists guide individuals when making these choices, help to create personalized nutrition plans, and provide individual and group counseling for people who want to discover how to implement new nutritious habits.

As part of Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) encourages people to “Fuel for the Future” by focusing on eating nutrient-dense foods, understanding the importance of meal planning, and encouraging healthy habits. This is a wonderful time to reflect on the role of nutrition in your life and, for nutritionists and dietitians, to stay up to date on research and reignite your passion for helping others with their nutrition journey.

A Career in Nutrition: What You Need to Know

As you embark on your career as a nutritionist or registered dietitian, there are key things you should know if you want to be successful. It’s important to understand that nutrition is about more than recommending healthy foods, it’s also about taking a holistic approach to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

1. Education and Credentialing

To pursue a career as a registered dietitian (RD), you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field, as well as a master’s degree. Your education will include courses in food science, biochemistry, anatomy, and public health, along with supervised practice through a dietetic internship.

In the United States, to officially become an RD, you must pass the National Registration Examination for Dietitians and complete continuing education requirements.

Nutritionists can have a more varied educational background, and their requirements depend on the state or country in which they practice. In some places, nutritionists are required to have similar credentials to RDs, while in others, the title may not require a formal certification. However, regardless of your specific title, having a strong foundation in nutrition science is key to your ability to help others and overall success.

2. Job Opportunities in Nutrition

As a new graduate, you might be wondering where your degree can take you. The world of nutrition and dietetics offers a large variety of career opportunities, each with its unique challenges and rewards. Some of the most popular career paths include:

  • Clinical Dietitian: Working in hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers, clinical dietitians assess patients’ nutritional needs, create meal plans, and offer counseling on managing health conditions through diet. For those who enjoy a fast-paced, problem-solving environment, this could be a great choice.
  • Community Dietitian: Working in public health settings, educating and supporting communities on the importance of nutrition. Dietitians in this field may run programs that focus on improving eating habits, especially for underserved populations. If you have a passion for making a positive impact on the overall health of communities, this could be a rewarding role.
  • Sports Nutritionist: Sports nutritionists and dietitians work with athletes to optimize performance through nutrition. This can include creating meal plans that enhance energy levels, improve recovery, and prevent injuries. This is a growing field, particularly with the increasing focus on health and fitness.
  • Foodservice Management: Working in food service operations like hospitals, schools, or corporate offices, foodservice managers ensure that meals are nutritionally balanced, meet quality standards, and are safely prepared. This role is ideal for those who are both dedicated to nutrition and may have a history of food service or want to dive into the field.
  • Private Practice: As a dietitian or nutritionist, you can also establish your own practice or consider working for a private practice, offering counseling for clients who are seeking more personalized guidance. This path offers flexibility and autonomy but requires managing your own business and advertise your services to potential clients. Feel free to reach us out if you’re a nutrition enthusiast, have a degree and licensure in dietetics and would like to work in a growing private practice.

3. Building Experience and Networking

One of the most important things you can do in the early stages of your career is to gain as much experience as possible. You can do this through internships, volunteer opportunities, or working in beginner level roles, such as diet techs and research assistants. These experiences give you a competitive edge when applying for higher level jobs. Nutrition is a growing field, and staying up-to-date on the latest research and trends is a great way to be successful.

Networking is another key factor. Attending conferences such as FNCE, joining professional organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and connecting with established professionals in your area can open doors and help you learn from others in the field.

Challenges and Rewards of a Career in Nutrition

The biggest challenge many new dietitians and nutritionists face is navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare and wellness. With new trends and research, it’s important to stay up to date on information and know what is trustworthy and what isn’t.

career-in-nutrition

As a dietitian or nutritionist, you are making a direct impact on people’s health and lives. Helping individuals prevent and manage chronic diseases, improve their overall quality of life, and educate communities about the importance of food choices is incredibly fulfilling.

Also, the growing demand for dietitians and nutrition professionals, particularly in areas like preventive care, weight management, and sports nutrition, offers a variety of career opportunities. This is an exciting time to join the field.

The Future of Nutrition Careers

During this Nutrition Month, remember that the work of nutrition professionals is a key part of promoting overall health and wellness. As a nutritionist or registered dietitian, you have the opportunity to play an important role in improving public health.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the field for years, nutrition is a growing field that offers a variety of career opportunities. Try to expand your knowledge, connect with others, and stay committed to making a difference and you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness LLC is a multi-location private practice, currently serving NJ, NY and FL Here, at Jalpa Sheth Nutrition & Wellness, we are committed to give back to our Academy, fellow dietitians and future registered dietitian nutritionists graduates. If you’re looking to find out more about the profession, seeking guidance as a new graduate, looking for a job as an RD or looking to start your private practice, feel free to reach out our office, we may surely have something to offer!!

 

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20 Nov
Diet, Health, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Nutrition

Nutrition Facts Labels: What They Mean and How to Read Them

Nutrition facts labels can seem confusing, but having the ability to read them allows individuals to make informed and healthy nutrition choices. This post breaks down the different components of nutrition labels and provides tips on how to choose the most nutritious foods. It also reviews common food label claims and discusses what they really mean.

Understanding the basics of Nutrition Facts Labels

The major components to understand on a nutrition facts label are serving size, servings per container, calories, and % daily value. The FDA sets guidelines that determines the serving size amount on food labels. These include common household measures, reference amounts based on food consumptions surveys, practicality, and clarity. This amount is meant to reflect typical consumption patterns, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect how much you should eat. The information listed on the nutrition label reflects the amount of macro and micronutrients that are in one serving size. The servings per container indicates how many individual servings are in the food package. This can be useful for calculating the nutrition facts of an entire container of food.

The calories reflect the total amount of energy in one serving size. This value is important if you are tracking your calories to lose or gain weight. It can also be helpful when trying to make nutritious choices, if a product is calorically dense it may be high in added sugar or fat and might be best to avoid or enjoy in moderation. The % daily value is the percentage of the recommended daily intake for a specific nutrient that one serving of the product provides. The % daily value is based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet and recommended daily values set by the FDA. If a % daily value is 5% or less, it’s considered to be low in that nutrient. If a % daily value is 20% or more, it’s considered to be high, providing a significant amount of that nutrient for the day. Understanding the % daily value can help people make food choices based on nutrient content, such as if the food is high in fat or sugar, or low in fiber or protein.

Macronutrients

There are 3 macronutrients: fat, protein, and carbohydrates. The body breaks down macronutrients to create energy. There are different types of fats, including unsaturated fat, saturated fat, and trans fats. Unsaturated fats are considered healthy fats and help to promote good heart health. Saturated fats and trans fats are considered unhealthy and contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

A nutrition facts label will list the saturated and trans fat content, which is helpful for identifying what foods are high in unhealthy fats. It’s recommended to limit saturated fats to 10% of your daily calories and to limit trans fat to less than 1% of your daily calories. Cholesterol content is another requirement for a food label. Cholesterol is a type of lipid and is a waxy, fat-like substance found mainly in animal products. It’s needed for bodily functions, but only in limited amounts, especially for individuals with heart disease.

Protein is a macronutrient that is a key factor in muscle growth and repair. Daily protein recommendations are different for each individual based on their height, weight, health condition, and other factors. This value is helpful to understand if you are trying to maintain a high protein diet and are picking out packaged items such as granola bars and cereal.

Nutrition labels have certain guidelines for listing the carbohydrate content of an item. Total carbohydrates must be shown, as well as dietary fiber, sugar, and added sugar. From these values, an individual could also find out how many starches are in the food as well, even though they are not listed. You would do so by subtracting the sum of the dietary fiber and sugar from the total carbohydrates. This is important for individuals who are managing diseases, such as diabetes. This way they can avoid added sugars and identify foods high in fiber.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are essential for bodily function. Sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamin D are the only micronutrients required to be listed by FDA guidelines. Although sodium is technically a micronutrient, it’s listed along with the other macronutrients because of its significant impact on overall health.

Ingredient list

Once you’ve made your way through the macro and micronutrients, you’ll find the ingredients listed towards the bottom. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, starting with the highest quantity and ending with the lowest. In other words, the first ingredient listed is the largest percentage of the food product. This is important for a number of reasons, one of them is determining if a product is made with mostly whole grains. If a food product is made mostly with whole grains, it will typically be listed as the first or second ingredient. 

The ingredients list is also a great place to check for any added sugars, however it might not be listed in these exact words on a label. “Added sugar” may also be called high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, honey, agave nectar, and fructose. These are just a few examples of ingredients that indicate that there has been sugar added to the food product. The ingredient list is also useful for discovering any allergens. If a product contains one of the 9 major allergens, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and/or sesame, it must be displayed on the nutrition facts label.

Special Claims and Food Label Terms

Food companies use specific claims and label terms to help sell their products, these claims can be helpful for identifying nutritious foods. Here are a few commonly used claims and what they mean.

  • Calorie free: less than 5 calories
  • Low calories: 40 calories or less
  • Sugar free: less than 0.5 g of sugar
  • No added sugar: no sugar or ingredient that contains sugar was added
  • Fat free: less than 0.5 g of fat
  • Low fat: 3 g of fat or less
  • Cholesterol free: less than 2 mg of cholesterol
  • Low cholesterol: 20 mg or less of cholesterol
  • Sodium free: less than 5 mg of sodium
  • Very low sodium: 35 mg of less of sodium
  • Low sodium 140 mg or less of sodium

These can be great to look for when managing chronic diseases. For example, individuals with diabetes can look for sugar free or no sugar added food products. Or people with high blood pressure can look for products that say sodium free, very low sodium, or low sodium.

Want to learn more about Nutrition Facts Labels?

Being able to read a nutrition facts label is a powerful tool. It can help with disease management, weight loss, portion control, carb counting, and so much more. It gives you the power to make informed decisions that are going to benefit your overall health. It’s important to remember that everyone is different and a calorie or macronutrient intake that works for one individual may not work for another. There are many different factors that contribute to each person’s nutritional needs. If you’d like to learn more about nutrition facts labels and finding a diet that works for you, schedule a consultation today!

 

Jalpa is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with a Master’s degree in Health & Nutrition from Brooklyn College, CUNY in New York. She also holds a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, CDR.

 

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Food labeling
08 Sep
Diet, Food, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Nutrition

Understanding Food Labels: What’s Hiding In Your Food?

Making healthy and informed food choices is essential for maintaining overall well-being. It’s important for us to know what’s in our food. It’s typically labeled on the package, but it can be confusing and hard to read. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Understanding food labels is a crucial step in ensuring you’re nourishing your body with the right nutrients and avoiding hidden additives that may negatively impact your health. Let’s delve into the importance of deciphering food labels and using valuable tips on how to make informed choices to truly know what’s hiding in your food.

Food labeling

The Importance of Food Labels

Food labels are like a window into the contents of packaged foods, providing valuable information about their nutritional composition and ingredients. They empower you to make choices aligned with your dietary preferences and health goals if you know how to read it! By reading and understanding food labels, you can:

  • Control Nutrient Intake: Food labels list essential nutrients such as calories, fats, sugars, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This information helps you maintain a balanced diet and manage calorie intake.
  • Avoid Allergens: If you have food allergies or sensitivities, labels can help you identify potential allergens and make safe choices.
  • Identify Hidden Ingredients: Labels reveal the presence of hidden ingredients like additives, artificial flavors, and colorings that may impact your health over time.
  • Compare Products: Food Labels allow you to compare different products and choose the one that best aligns with your dietary needs.
  • Make Informed Decisions: By understanding food labels, you can make informed decisions that contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Food labelsDeciphering Food Labels: What to Look For

  • Serving Size: Begin by checking the serving size, as all nutritional information on the label is based on this. A serving size isn’t meant to tell you only to eat that amount. It is there to tell you the amount of food that applies to the nutrition. Be mindful of portion sizes to accurately assess your nutrient intake.
  • Calories and Macronutrients: Pay attention to the calorie count and the amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins per serving. Choose foods that align with your dietary goals.
  • Nutrient Content: Look for key nutrients such as fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin A, C, and D), and minerals (like calcium and iron) that are beneficial for your health.
  • Ingredients List: The ingredients list provides insight into what’s actually in the food. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first few ingredients make up the bulk of the product. Avoid items with lengthy lists of unfamiliar or overly processed ingredients.
  • Additives and Preservatives: Be wary of additives, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. Some additives may have potential health risks, so opt for products with minimal or no additives.
  • Sodium and Sugar: Excessive sodium and added sugars can contribute to health issues. Choose products with lower sodium and sugar content.
  • Allergens: If you have allergies, carefully read the label for any potential allergens or cross-contamination warnings. Allergens are listed in bold under the ingredient list. 
  • % Daily Value: This percentage helps you understand how a serving of the food contributes to your daily nutrient intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Aim for products with higher percentages of essential nutrients.

In general, you want to look for labels that are lower in saturated fat (specifically trans fat), added sugars, and sodium

Food labels

. All of these have been linked to heart disease and chronic obesity when consumed in high amounts. The items that you want more of are fiber, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and potassium. A diet high in fiber helps lower cholesterol, keeps blood glucose level, reduces calorie intake, and promotes a healthy digestive tract.

What’s Hidden? 

There are several common food additives in food today. Research 

has shown that many have detrimental health affects while others can actually be good for you? An example of a good one is Guar gum. It’s added to food to bind or thicken products. Guar gum is high in fiber and can help increase the feeling of fullness, so you intake less calories. An example of a detrimental additive is high fructose corn syrup. It sweetens food, but in high amounts has been linked to obesity and diabetes.

Misleading Food Labels

Marketing can be a powerful tool, especially when it comes to food. However, a good bit of labels that are promoted as “healthy” are just buzz words. Without knowing exactly what they mean, you could be buying a product thinking that it’s organic and healthy, when really it’s the opposite of what you need. Here are some common marketing food labels and what they really mean. 

  • All Natural: there are no artificial ingredients or colors. It does not mean that the animal or product lives/was grown outdoors. 
  • Humanely Raised: common on animal products, but there is no legal definition for it. It can be put on products even in places where animals are raised in confinement systems. 
  • No Hormones or Steroids: It’s actually illegal to use hormones or steroids in all chicken products so whether it has this label or not, you’re getting the same product. 
  • Fresh: this just means that the meant never went below 26 degrees. Which is not always a good thing! 
  • Vegetarian Diet: Marketers can put this on a food label without it being true. There are no legal checks on farms to determine what is fed to the animals. 
  • Cage Free: one of the biggest misleading labels! All chickens raised for meat are cage free. So don’t buy the more expensive package just because it has this label. 

In a world saturated with packaged foods, being a conscious consumer is a powerful way to take control of your health. Learning how to read and interpret food labels empowers you to make informed choices, allowing you to understand exactly what’s hiding in your food. By paying attention to serving sizes, calories, nutrients, ingredients, and certifications, you can make dietary decisions that align with your well-being goals. Remember, the more you know about your food, the better equipped you are to nourish your body and enjoy a healthier, happier life.

 

For guidance on nutrition and what you need to do to manage your health, email Jalpa to set up a consultation!  

 

Jalpa is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with a Master’s degree in Health & Nutrition from Brooklyn College, CUNY in New York. She also holds a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, CDR.

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Nutritional supplements
05 Jun
Diet, Fitness, Food, Micronutrients, Nutrition

Top 5 Essential Nutrients You Might Be Missing in Your Diet

It’s common for us to wonder if we’re getting all the essential nutrients, we need through what we eat. For most of us, we get stuck in ruts and eat the same thing over and over to get all our essential nutrients until we find a new menu item we like. We take a multivitamin and hope that it covers all our needs of essential nutrients. But a supplement doesn’t always cut it. It can be low quality or not the amount we actually need. A healthy diet is vital for maintaining good intake of essential nutrients and thus, maintaining good health and preventing nutritional deficiencies. But even if you think you’re eating a healthy diet, there may be certain nutrients that you’re missing out on. The list below covers the most essential nutrients, and how to get them through food. 

Essential Nutrient: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for building and maintaining strong bones. Vitamin D also helps regulate the immune system and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and some types of cancer.

While vitamin D is found naturally in a few foods, such as fatty fish and egg yolks, most people get their vitamin D from sun exposure. However, many people don’t get enough sun exposure to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D. This is especially true for those who live in northern latitudes or spend most of their time indoors.

If you’re not getting enough vitamin D from sun exposure or your diet, you may be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency. Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, and bone pain.

To ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D, you can take a vitamin D supplement or eat more vitamin D-rich foods. 

Food Sources of Essential Nutrient – vitamin D include:

  • Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel Essential Nutrients
  • Egg yolks
  • Milk and Milk products
  • Fortified cereals
  • Mushrooms

 

Essential Nutrient: Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for many bodily functions, including regulating muscle and nerve function, maintaining healthy bones, and supporting the immune system. Magnesium is also involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production and protein synthesis.

Despite its importance, many people don’t get enough magnesium in their diet. This is because magnesium is often lacking in the modern Western diet, which tends to be high in processed foods and low in whole, nutrient-dense foods. Magnesium is also one of the first minerals we lose when we strength train. As it’s very important for muscle and nerve function, it’s extremely important for athletes or people that strength train consistently to ensure they’re supplementing magnesium. 

Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, tremors, and fatigue. The best way to get enough magnesium would of course be through your diet. But supplementation is sometimes required if your diet doesn’t consistent of the items below. 

Some foods that are high in magnesium include:

  • Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
  • Nuts, such as almonds and cashews
  • Seeds, such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
  • Whole grains, such as wheat, quinoa, barley
  • Legumes, such as black beans and lentils

Essential Nutrient: Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also important for the immune system and cognitive function.

 

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting over 25% of the global population. Symptoms of an iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

While iron is found naturally in many foods, it can be difficult to get enough from diet alone, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Iron from plant-based sources is less readily absorbed by the body than iron from animal sources. If you are vegan or vegetarian, consider a supplement to ensure you are getting enough iron. 

Some foods that are high in iron include:

  • Red meat, poultry, and fish
  • Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
  • Legumes, such as lentils and beans
  • Fortified cereals and breads
  • Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots

Essential Nutrient: Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in nerve function, muscle function, and blood clotting.

Many people don’t get enough calcium in their diet. By incorporating more calcium-rich foods into your diet, you can ensure that you’re getting enough calcium to support your bone health and overall health. But as stated above- you have to be getting enough vitamin D so that your body can absorb calcium. 

Some foods that are high in calcium include:

  • Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose low-fat or non-fat options to reduce saturated fat intake.
  • Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens. 
  • Some foods such as tofu, soy milk, and orange juice are fortified with calcium. 
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds are all good sources of calcium. 
  • Canned fish such as salmon and sardines with bones are also excellent sources of calcium.

Essential NutrientsEssential Nutrient: Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for a number of reasons. Firstly, they play a crucial role in maintaining brain health and cognitive function, particularly during fetal development and infancy. Omega-3s are important structural components of brain cell membranes, and they also help to support communication between brain cells.

 

In addition to their role in brain health, omega-3s have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. They also help to support healthy skin, hair, and nails, and may even improve mood and mental health.

Some foods that are high in Omega-3s include:

  • Fatty fish
  • Brussels sprouts, seaweed, algae, spinach, and broccoli
  • Chia seeds, flaxseeds and hemp seeds 
  • An omega-3 supplement is a great option if you know you’re not going to be eating a variety of fish, nuts or seeds. 

To sum it all up, instead of worrying about individual nutrients and if you’re getting enough, you should focus on a varied diet instead. A healthy diet should consist of a variety of fish, vegetables, meat, nuts, seeds, fruit and some dairy at least 80% of the time. You can go out and have fun with friends or family of course- a flexible diet is key to consistency. But for the majority of the time, put an emphasis on whole foods and you will cover the basis of nutrients you need to be healthy. 

If you want more guidance on nutrition and what you need to do to manage your health, email Jalpa to set up a consultation!  

 

Jalpa is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with a Master’s degree in Health & Nutrition from Brooklyn College, CUNY in New York. She also holds a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, CDR.

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