The Super(market) Hero Dietitian

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You read that right. Dietitians are now being hired on as a tool shoppers can utilize to navigate their way through the grocery store aisles. With packages and products flooding the shelves with different claims, confusing numbers, and questioning verification stamps, grocery shopping has become a dizzying experience, specifically for those who may need extra help when deciding what foods to buy. Large grocery store chains, especially those wanting to jump on the wellness bandwagon are hiring RD's as food experts (can I get an amen on the "expert" title?!) to help consumers find their way through their stores. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics founded the Supermarket-Retail Dietitians practice group in 2001 and it only had 14 members. Today, there are over 720 members which is a testament to the grocery chains emphasis and commitment to keeping consumers happy by providing food and nutrition guidance. 

So as RD's, what can we actually do in a grocery store environment?? Some brands are hiring dietitians to lead grocery store tours, conduct cooking demonstrations, provide in-store health screenings, and offer taste opportunities - free samples, PLEASE! Other avenues have more behind-the-scenes RD's who run web-pages, social media platforms and apps, in addition to newsletters, magazines, and tip sheets where consumers can find recipes, healthy meal inspirations, and ingredient guidance. For all the folks out there wanting to be a boss, RD's also have the opportunity to be working towards the top at the corporate or regional level to develop resources that make it easier and more compelling to make healthy food choices. 

As somebody who finds peace in grocery shopping (I confess - it's a hobby of mine), I take an interest in this different career path as a dietitian. I never would have thought putting my hobby into work like this, but is definitely something I will keep in mind when looking for jobs after graduation. Catch me at your local store (Aldi, please hire me) helping people make better food choices! 

AG 

References- 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/free-dietary-advice-might-be-as-close-as-your-local-grocery-store/2018/11/16/dc93559a-e368-11e8-b759-3d88a5ce9e19_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.40169bacc9fc

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