As obesity continues to skyrocket in the United States for both children and adults, people often wonder what they should eat and what is good for them. Conflicting information about diets (with protein, without protein, ‘good’ carbs, ‘bad’ carbs, trans fats, etc.) continues to confuse most media listeners. Nutritionists can help decipher the facts and myths of 21st century nutrition and food, and help determine the best foods to eat.

Nutritionists are health care specialists who help answer questions about nutrition, health, and diet. Based on their knowledge and experience, they can give advice on what to eat for preventative nutrition or for certain illnesses and healthy foods, establish healthy eating guidelines, and assist in meal and menu planning.

As the population continues to age, more and more people are seeking the advice of nutritionists for solid information on what to eat. Many diseases, such as digestive problems, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and obesity, can be improved or controlled by eating a healthy diet. Athletes and children also visit nutritionists on a regular basis so they can improve athletic performance or address health issues at an earlier age.

The terms nutritionist and dietitian are sometimes used interchangeably, which can cause confusion; A registered dietitian is a licensed health care worker who has completed a bachelor’s degree and passed a national exam administered by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). A dietitian does the same tasks as a nutritionist, but may be more involved with meal planning aspects in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

Certified nutritionists are certified by the American Board of Nutrition or the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists and have advanced degrees in nutrition or medicine. If a person is not certified, they may not have the proper credentials in terms of education or formal training. If you are consulting a nutritionist, ask to see her credentials. There are certificate programs that people can take that will provide formal education, but they may not be recognized by the state.

For those struggling with weight or health problems, a visit to a nutritionist is a must. They can give good advice and develop guidelines and meal plans based on a person’s health and lifestyle. Individual nutritional advice can be much more effective than general suggestions, since it is designed specifically for an individual. It is especially important to involve children with nutritionists if they have health or weight problems, as habits can be more easily reformed at a younger age.

Nutrition information in the 21st century is a confusing mass of information abounding with conflicting ideas, diets and advice. It is extremely difficult to distinguish what is right and what is wrong. Talk to trained nutritionists to find out what foods are right for you and how you can become healthier through what you eat.