The different nutrition professions.
Nutrition is a science that studies the effect of nutrients on the body. It is she who determines the nutritional needs to be respected in order to enjoy good health. Being nutrition a very broad field, linked to many other sectors, it encompasses several professions. Depending on their case and their objectives, people who wish to consult have the possibility to choose between various nutrition professionals. While some have followed a long course of study (medical, etc.), others are qualified to advise people on diet after specific training.
However, they pursue the same objective, which is to guide people to have a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. They are there to help you fight against chronic diseases, being overweight, cardiovascular diseases, obesity or even diabetes. You should know that there are several specializations in the field of nutrition. Some professionals receive a very varied audience, while others welcome specific profiles such as athletes or older people. the Nutrition professions are numerous.however it arises from the best known.
the nutrition coach
Nutrition Coach – Source: spm
The nutrition coach is a nutrition professional who helps clients adopt a health-promoting diet. He establishes a nutritional program that must be adopted over time. It is an art of living that helps prevent weight gain. following a nutrition coach trainingthe future professional aims to help his patients adopt a proper diet and a healthier lifestyle. Well-being and health come first, hence the importance of the recommended diet for a person not being a source of frustration.
the naturopath
Naturopathy is a field related to well-being and health whose main objective is to determine the causes of disorders that occur in a person. The naturopath is not a doctor or a health professional. His function is to give advice to his clients to restore and/or maintain their well-being. Through his recommendations, the person will be able to overcome disorders related to stress, a hectic pace of life, even diseases. His advice will focus on food, but he also relies on phytotherapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, breathing techniques, etc. In some cases, the naturopath may advise their clients to do specific exercises and following a diet. He will do everything possible to make the person feel better and have better health.
the dietitian
The dietitian is a specialist whose main function is to help people find a balanced diet. Specialized in nutrition and dietetics, he teaches each of his clients to choose the basic elements to favor in order to have a healthy diet, without depriving themselves of the pleasure of eating. Usually he will encourage the adoption of a healthy eating by establishing personalized menus. These are custom made to meet the individual’s nutrient needs. The dietitian must calculate the caloric intake and nutrients of each dish to achieve the goal set (lose or gain weight, maintain BMI, for example). What you should know is that the dietitian not only cares for sick people. In fact, his clientele is mainly made up of people in good health, who seek to achieve their ideal weight and/or prevent diseases linked to an inappropriate eating habit.
The sports nutritionist
The sports nutritionist is a doctor whose main mission is to monitor the nutrition of athletes. Its function is to establish a healthy food hygiene for the athlete, according to the physical discipline that he exercises and the intensity of his practices. The role of the sports nutritionist is to establish a tailored program and diet personalized for each patient. The objective is to optimize the performance of the athlete, improve their physical condition and their state of health in general. To do this, he may need to lose, gain, or maintain weight.
What courses for nutrition professions?
There are several possible trainings for a career in the field of nutrition. Courses are also accessible at various levels of study, from Bachelor’s to Master’s. There are also specific training courses to become a nutrition professional. The course to follow depends on the profession in question. Some trades require years of study, while for others several months of training provide the opportunity to acquire the required skills. For become a nutrition professionalit is possible to practice after obtaining one of these specific diplomas:
- DU Nutrition (BAC +2),
- BTS dietary nutrition (BAC +2),
- Bachelor of Nutrition (BAC +3),
- Bachelor of Health Professions: Nutrition and Human Food (BAC +3),
- Nutrition Engineer (BAC +5),
- Master in nutrition (BAC +5).
It is also possible to follow certified nutritionist training or nutrition coach, remotely through specialized platforms.
Where do nutrition professionals work?
Nutrition professional – Source: spm
Different nutrition professionals have several options when it comes to where to practice. In most cases, there are two main options available: practice as a liberal or as an employee. It all depends, of course, on the nutrition profession in question. For a dietitian, for example, you can practice in a hospital environment, as a liberal, in research or in a community (sports center, food rehabilitation center, dining room, association, etc.).
Most nutrition professionals can practice as self-employed professionals. Directly after training or after a few years of employment, the intern can open a practice and work on their own. Choosing to work in a hospital setting, a nutrition professional must listen to patients and define the diets that are right for them. Like all hospital staff, they must respect health regulations and hygiene standards.
When working with a community, the main role of the professional will be to establish menus adapted to all members. Therefore, you must ensure that the menus offered are suitable for everyone, paying attention to allergies and special diets. Some nutrition professionals may also work in the field of research, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sector. In this case, they will contribute to the design of products and will study elements related to food.
What qualifications are required for these jobs?
To be a nutrition professional, you need to have certain qualities. In the first place, it is clear that it is a profession that requires seriousness and rigor, because the health and well-being of patients are at stake, in addition to having acquired very solid knowledge in the field in which the professional practices. For a sports nutritionist, for example, you need to have knowledge of sports. This profession also requires interpersonal skills. It is a profession that involves discussions with patients and other professionals, particularly those in the medical field. Finally, the nutrition professionals they must also be pedagogues. Most of the time, they have to convey information to patients, explain how a diet works.
Who consults nutrition professionals?
In recent years, nutrition, and in particular the need or need to eat well, has been at the center of concern. The various problems related to poor nutrition concern a large part of the population. To avoid them, both women and men prefer to consult a nutrition professional. It is often people who already have health problems such as obesity who have been recommended by their doctor to consult with a professional in the field for nutritional rebalancing. They are also athletes of all kinds, especially high level. they need the Skills of the nutrition professional. to perform better.
Nutritionists are also consulted by patients to make assessments. They will also give nutritional advice and follow-up taking into account weight, food intolerances, metabolism, allergies, physiology and different objectives. Healthy eating is a must for people of all ages, both young and old and the elderly. The increase in the number of nutrition professionals attests to the needs generated by the change in lifestyle. With the lack of time to cook healthy meals and exercise, the need for a healthy and balanced diet is obvious.
