Written by staff blogger, Food Literacy Specialist, Emily Mathew, Registered Dietician
Nutrition Month is here, and this year's theme is "Unlock the potential of food: Find a Dietitian." At your local Library, we want to help you do just that.
A Dietitian is a trained professional who can assist you in making informed decisions about your diet and nutrition. They possess the knowledge and expertise to provide you with evidence-based information and tailored recommendations that will work for your unique needs.
Finding a Dietitian can seem like a daunting task. There are many different types of diets and eating plans out there, and it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. However, the good news is that your Library has a wide variety of evidence-based resources written by Registered Dietitians that can help you make informed decisions about your health and nutrition.
While it's important to find a Dietitian that is right for you, it's also vital to be cautious about non-evidence-based and potentially harmful fad diets. These diets may promise quick weight loss or other health benefits, but they often lack scientific support and can be harmful to your health. Instead of following a fad diet, it's best to focus on eating a balanced and varied diet of foods you enjoy, and choosing nutrient-dense food like fruits, vegetables, protein rich foods, and whole grains.
How do I know which books to choose?
When you're looking for an evidence-based book about food and nutrition, make sure to check the author's credentials. Dietitians will have the letters "RD" or "RDN" after their name, which stands for Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
To help you on your journey to better health and nutrition, we've put together a list of some of our favorite Dietitian-written books that are available at your local library:
A great resource for anyone looking to break free from diet culture and learn how to eat intuitively. It covers topics such as understanding the science behind weight and health, how to overcome emotional eating, and how to cultivate a positive relationship with food and your body.
For anyone looking to break free from diet culture and learn how to develop a healthy relationship with food, this is a fantastic read.
The Food Lover's Healthy Habits Cookbook
This is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their health and nutrition. The book is filled with delicious and healthy recipes, as well as practical tips for developing healthy habits.
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole is a great resource for anyone looking to break free from diet culture and learn how to eat intuitively. Intuitive eating is a way of listening to your body's natural hunger and fullness cues to guide your food choices, rather than restrictive dieting rules.
Free food and nutrition programming
Did you know that Halifax Public Libraries has its own Registered Dietitian? We have tons of food and nutrition programs happening all year around where you can learn to cook, learn about the ways that different foods can affect your health, and how to save money at the grocery store.
Check out our “What’s on” calendar and our Food & Cooking page for up-to-date information about how to register for a food or nutrition program near you!
Another great resource to find Registered Dietitian led programs in your area is by signing up for FREE Wellness Programs with the Community Health Teams. Programs are open to residents of Nova Scotia who are 18 years of age or older with a valid NS health card. Food and nutrition-related programs include heart-healthy programs, preventing diabetes, eating well on a budget, gut health, and so much more. For more information and to register, visit www.communityhealthteams.ca, opens a new window.
How can I find a dietitian near me?
If you are seeking a professional who is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to provide you with personalized advice and guidance about your diet, check out the Dietitians Network of Nova Scotia's "Find a Dietitian" page. On this page, you will find a comprehensive list of registered dietitians who are ready and willing to assist you with your specific needs. Whether you are looking to improve your overall health, manage a chronic condition, or simply learn more about how to make informed choices about your nutrition, you will be able a great fit for you.
So, this Nutrition Month, make the most of your local library resources, and unlock the potential of food by finding a Dietitian. Whether it's through reading an evidence-based book, attending a program led by a registered Dietitian, or a cooking class at the library, there are many ways to gain valuable knowledge and advice about nutrition. Start exploring the resources available at your local library and make this Nutrition Month the start of your journey to better health and wellness.
Happy reading, and happy eating!
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