What are the skills required to do well in this career?
Increasingly recognised as a vital part of public and individual health, nutrition graduates use their skills to help people and communities make the right eating choices.You will need:
an aptitude for science
good communication skills including verbal, presentation and written
passion, enthusiasm and empathy
the ability to encourage and motivate others
effective team working skills
the capability to multitask and work independently
time management skills
proficiency in data research, evaluation and reporting
self-motivation and a good head for business, particularly if setting up your own consultancy
commitment to continuing professional development.
What are the various professional paths in this career?
As a nutritionist, you'll generate, assess and deliver scientific evidence-based nutritional advice in a variety of settings to improve health and well-being and to promote a healthy diet and lifestyle.You'll work in non-clinical public and private settings such as:
educational and research institutions
food retailers and manufacturers
local authorities
the media
the National Health Service (NHS)
overseas aid
sports organisations.
Which are the top institutes to study nutrition?
To do the Bachelor program in Nutrition and Dietetics, one should have completed intermediate in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The B.Sc. in Food Science and Nutritionis a three-year program.Subjects taught in this course are: Chemistry, Bio-chemistry, Food Science & Technology, Dairy Technology, Polymer Chemistry, Human Physiology, Food Microbiology, Foodservice Management, Food Standards & Quality Control etc.Some of the top institutes in India offering this course are:
Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru
NIMS University, Jaipur
Sharda University, Greater Noida
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad
Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Landran
Singhania University, Pacheri Bari
Dr BMN College of Home Science, Mumbai
CMJ University, Shillong
How do I become a Registered Dietician?
In India, in order to become a registered dietician, one needs to clear the RD exam conducted by the Indian Dietetic Association. To be eligible to write this exam, you need to have:
B.Sc. Home Science in Foods & Nutrition
Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics OR M.Sc. in Foods & Nutrition (only). This is a 3+1 format where the candidate must have done a minimum of four years in Home Science or Foods, Nutrition& Dietetics.
6 months continuous internship (or 3+3 months) from recognised hospitals listed on the IDA website OR 2 years' experience in a multispecialty hospital as a full-time dietitian.
What is the role of a nutritionist?
As a nutritionist you'll typically need to:
create, deliver and evaluate a range of practical and educational food-based initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyle changes
support individuals, communities and workforce's, to make positive, practical changes to their food choices and general health
advise sports professionals on how diet can optimise their performance, enhance recovery from injury and achieve optimum body size and build for their sport
deliver presentations and workshops on areas such as health education/promotion, behavioural and lifestyle change, weight management and eating for performance
provide nutritional information for food production and help to secure approval for health claims on packaging
develop and analyse menus, e.g. for school meals, sports teams on tour, residential care settings and workplace restaurants
provide specialist advice on healthy eating to particular client groups, such as maternal, infant or elderly, and work in specific areas like bone health and salt or sugar reduction
promote nutritional advice via the press, website content, e-learning tutorials and webinars, seminars, audio and video podcasts and social media
conduct dietary surveys, food research and clinical trials to develop and enhance the evidence base
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