In defense of dietitians
Recently, I received a strange email from a colleague. She had received a message from a potential client who was looking for a dietitian that was neither "petite nor thin". My friend had sent the email to 4 different dietitians, and apparently, none of us fit the bill.I found it odd that someone would request a practitioner in this manner. Would a patient want a pulmonologist that smoked or an obese bariatric surgeon? Perhaps she didn't realize that dietitians are people first, and then nutrition professionals. Dietitians struggle with the same food and health issues that others deal with. Many of us have witnessed a close family member or friend with a chronic illness, which piqued our interest in nutrition and health in the first place. The majority of us are not in perfect "gym rat" shape.   Many of us are working mothers with little time to devote to pilates classes, running clinics or regular yoga.  We eat cheese, drink wine and bake cookies over the holidays like the rest of the world. But, we also realize that we must practice what we preach, which is moderation. Most of us have adopted lifestyle changes to maintain good health- like eating breakfast, taking walks, drinking water and avoiding fast food. We love food, too- so give us a break!I have been blessed with good genes and an appetite for health, which keeps me within my weight for height range. I don't profess to be perfect, nor will I ever be. I have strugged with food and weight issues in the past and have eaten due to stress, anxiety and boredom, too. I have 2 parents with diabetes (one deceased from complications), so I know my risk is high. But, if you offer me chocolate, I will want to eat it! As I get older, I have realized, I can't always have my cake and eat it, too.  I must pass on donuts, cake and other treats most days of the week.  I must make time for exercise, even if it's not the latest trend or highest "fat blasting" activity out there. Dietitians want their clients to have a good relationship with food and not see it as punishment or sacrifice.  Food is to be savored and enjoyed- not obsessed over or put on a pedestal. My motto is, eat it, enjoy it and move on. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice.So if you're looking for a dietitian who is petite (5'4) , not perfectly thin, understands and loves food and health and all the issues that go with it, I may be able to help you.