As a Registered Dietitian, you may encounter people who have gotten their knowledge from Google. Here are our keys to show your expertise!

The nutrition world is filled with self-proclaimed experts who get most of their information off of the frequently used and often unreliable World Wide Web. As all of us know, the most reliable source of dietary advice is from a Registered Dietitian, who completes a rigorous academic program and over 1000 hours of supervised practice before being able to call themselves experts in the field. Although it’s great that these so-called Google Degrees are so interested in nutrition, we all know that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, especially about food. So what do you do when you find yourself talking to someone who quotes unreliable or false information? Whether this happens on Facebook or in real life, here’s how to deal.

1. Disagree politely

There’s nothing wrong with disagreeing, as long as you do it politely. Make sure you avoid negative language, name-calling, or Facebook fighting, but don’t be afraid to stand up for your field.

2. Have research ready

There’s nothing like a little bit (or a lot) of evidence-based research to support your argument against a food fallacy. Staying on top of current research will keep you updated on the latest in the field. A quick tip: find up-to-date research in nutrition using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library. There’s nothing like facts to squash a fad.

3. Be confident

You are on your way to becoming a nutrition expert, so don’t be afraid to show it off. Be confident in your knowledge because you worked hard for it. Besides, you’re only doing them a favor!

What’s the craziest thing about nutrition you’ve ever heard someone say? Sound off in the comments!

P.S. – Mine was when someone tried to convince me that she didn’t eat carbs because her body had a carbohydrate intolerance and stored all carbs as fat. It looks like those micronutrient metabolism classes paid off 😉

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