Science

Dietitian: Dietitians practice medical nutrition and are encouraged to use the USDAs My Plate Approach set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as Association guidelines American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, etc. When developing patient plans of action. For example, if a patient has diabetes, an RD will follow the American Diabetes Association to offer recommendations and treatment. Nutritionist: A nutritionist's focus is on the individual and his or her unique biochemistry, lifestyle, mental and emotional health, environment, and spiritual state. Nutritionists use a fresh, organic-foods approach to treating individuals and groups of people. They emphasize and promote active lifestyles, teach healthy eating, utilize proven assessments and therapies, and base their approach on scientific findings. Conversely, a nutritionist will approach an individual with diabetes or other conditions using a holistic, whole-body approach when creating a plan of action; taking into account the whole person, the intricacies of the body's systems, and their interrelatedness.