Disclaimer Time
I'm 100% not a robot and will likely make grammar and spelling mistakes. I won’t apologize for being human. I’ll just be over here trying to be authentic and genuine. I will also be legally required to let you know I am not a registered dietitian (R.D.) yet. I am well on my way to becoming an R.D. but have grad school to finish, an internship to complete, and a national exam to pass before I am allowed to give medical nutrition advice.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is just that- nutrition therapy for a medical condition. It is prescribed by an R.D. who is working closely with a doctor and medical care team. MNT is a different approach than assisting people who are trying to eat healthier and incorporate exercise and physical activity into their lives. So the latter example is where I am comfortable assisting you at this point in time until I have my credentialing. So, anything that I put out for you folks will have the proper citation and references. Also, it is my disclaimer that I am not your doctor, and you should seek professional medical advice before implementing any new changes to your diet or exercise regimen.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) should never be given by anyone who is not a registered dietitian, not even your personal trainer.
Especially not your personal trainer!
It is outside of an athletic trainer’s scope of practice, and they should only be giving nutrition advice in broad strokes on how to count calories, balance macros, and assist in adhering to a safe diet–– one that includes all the food groups unless an allergy or sensitivity is present.
I once had to professionally and tactfully call out a prior employer who was operating outside his scope of practice and let’s just say I was let go soon after that. Ah, but that’ll be a great post to get into at a later date. But my point is exercise professionals have parameters in which they need to operate withias all other professionals do, and anyone who attempts to give out highly individualized MNT can be held liable for a client’s adverse reactions. In just the same way, an R.D. cannot give out individualized exercise plans but must adhere to general exercise recommendations from the World Health Organization. Unless an R.D. has a degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Physiology (like I do) then it is a way in which to keep both our clients and ourselves safe.
