Myth-busting #WhatDietitiansDo

Sep 1

My name is Ruby Davegun (yes that will be RD2 once I’m on the register list). I’m currently in my final year.

My areas of interest in dietetics are incredibly broad, ranging from gastroenterology to paediatrics. Currently I envision myself either in critical care, sports nutrition or neuroscience.

After gaining some experience in a clinical post in the NHS, I would love to work as a travelling dietitian, combining my passion of food with travelling.

About Me: Growing up, I lived in London, with chicken and chips being my everyday after school staple meal. By 11 years old I won an honours for the swimming challenge awards and took part in netball tournaments. As you’ll hear many dietitians and nutritionists say “I’m passionate about food” – sorry to break it to you but me too! I often use my inspirations from travelling and trialling different cuisines abroad and bring it back to my own kitchen where I like to play with punching spices 🌶, exotic fruits and lingering aromas. I also post traditional recipes passed down the family to me as well as incorporating new twists and restaurant favourite remakes on my blog (the link to my blog can be found on my bio @Rubys_Recipes_)

P.s. Dietitians are not chefs and because my cultural background is from Punjab, India that does not make my name short for Rubinder.

This blog post aims to challenge the thoughts you might have kept about dietitians and what we do.

1. Dietitians are the food police

No, we aren’t going to arrest you for having an extra biscuit with your tea. We understand that all foods fit. What we eat is more than nutrition, it can be cultural foods, foods we like to eat, accessible foods in the area, what people can afford. We aim to take a holistic approach to dietary inventions.

2) Dietitians know it all

As a student I can definitely put my hands up to say I don’t know everything written in the Manual of Dietetic Practice back to front. While yes, all registered dietitians can help in general diet and lifestyle advice, the majority of dietitians specialise in a field they enjoy. This could be mental health, gastrointestinal, paediatrics, oncology or even wider roles. Dietitian’s also vary in experience (some working longer in one field at one location, while others have enjoyed a rotational post).

3) Types “Dietitian” on Google to find the majority of images to be white females in a lab coat, smiling holding some fruit... Again, this is a poor representation of us. @bda_dietitians

4) My dietitian will stick me on eating salads all day everyday 🥗

Again, far from the truth 🙅🏽‍♀‍. The majority of Dietitians are the biggest foodies you’ll come across - I for one of them. I’ve mentioned this before but for my new followers I’d just reiterate: THERE ARE NO GOOD OR BAD FOODS!! Labelling foods in such a way can create unhealthy eating patterns. While dietitians generally have overall balanced diets, we also enjoy foods people might label as “unhealthy.” Take this picture for example, some may be shocked to not see a bowl of salad, or green tea in sight - this is because individual food choices won’t make or break your health. I hate to say it but.... moderation is key.

5) Doctors vs Dietitians

I hear this one often enough. The truth is Dietitians can be undervalued as a profession but doesn’t mean we conform to the label. All healthcare professionals hold a key role in overall care. It’s not about necessarily creating a hierarchy, but rather working collectively to reach a common goal - which is patient focused, individualised care. We all have our strengths and limitations and that’s what makes us so special. #TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork

Hopefully the next time you are in an MDT meeting you'll look out for a dietitian and how impactful their intervention can be. We are allied health professionals; we are registered dietitians. Have started an initiative using the hashtag #WhatDietitiansDo to diversify dietetics and give a true depiction of our day to day roles. Be sure to check it out!