Free Dietitian Appointment

Hershey's is the last company that you would think would promote nutrition, health and dietitians...but low and behold, they are!

Hershey's has 2000 free certificates available to anyone on their website, promoting their new campaign "Moderation Nation". Clever.

1) Go to http://www.hersheys.com/moderationnation/connect.aspx

2) Search for an RD in your area - or just skip this part and write "Ashley Harris, RD, CD" on the certificate.

3) Bring the certificate to any Registered Dietitian (it MUST be an RD, "Nutritionists" don't count and wont be covered) for one full hour appointment, paid for by Hershey's. Offer open through March of 2011.

The dietitian or the client will then submit the certificate along with a copy of the clients drivers license to the Hershey's address for full coverage up to $250 for a one hour session.

Now there really isn't any excuse for you to not make an appointment. You'll learn something, and its free.

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Okay and just to explain my view on this...I don't like when corporate companies like candy, soda, cereal, etc try and partner with health care because I think its contradictory and just a blatant conflict of interest - yes I'm saying I don't agree with ADA sponsorship. BUT...when anyone actually goes out of their way to promote Registered Dietitians, who are the nutrition and food experts to give FREE nutrition care to ANYONE...then I'm all for it. I still wont be happy if you tell me you are eating Hershey bars, but Ill thank the company for paying for your visit.

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New Year’s Resolutions: Accountability

Accountability Holds You to Your Goals

New Year’s Resolutions almost always have something to do with health. Whether it’s to lose weight, maintain your weight or get into the gym more. At your local gym, I’m sure you’ll see a very busy January! But what happens after January? What happens as we get into March, April and finally summertime? Nothing. Most New Year’s resolutions are short-lived. We tend to get really excited and fired up at the beginning but then we lose our steam. Our lives get busy, we lose interest, etc. If there is one thing that you can add on to your New Year’s health resolution this year its accountability.

Keeping up with and monitoring progress toward your goals is the only way to get there. Checking in, talking it over and having someone help you out if you get stuck, burn out or just need a new road to get there is so important! If the saying “you are what you eat” is true, then I’d like to introduce you to the Doctors of the future, Registered Dietitians.

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is different than a “Nutritionist”. The term “nutritionist” in most states is not a regulated term, meaning that anyone can claim to be one. An RD must have a Bachelor of Science degree from an American Dietetic Association (ADA) accredited university, they must have completed a supervised practice internship (much like a medical residency) at a medical center or hospital and then they must pass the RD Exam. Only then can they be called a Registered Dietitian. Think of it this way, “RD” stands for “Real-Deal.”

Did you know that most insurance companies will cover sessions with a Registered Dietitian? If you have a certain diagnosis codes like high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight, anorexia or even pregnancy or depression, they may cover unlimited sessions per year! But even if they don’t cover a dime, this is still an investment you need to make each year. Meeting with an RD once per quarter throughout the year provides you with accountability and “insurance” in a way. If you are trying to lose weight they can hook you up with a meal plan, nutrition education and nutrient analysis of the foods you’re eating. There’s a reason why diets don’t work and why people gain their weight back, and it goes beyond “calories in, calories out.” The only ones who know this little secret are RD’s. Not “Nutritionists”, not your sister, not your trainer. And if you aren’t trying to lose weight, take those sessions to educate yourself about new foods, the science behind metabolism and digestion, or just as health check-ins. RD’s take a minimum of 5 years worth of courses about food, chemistry and physiology…so pick their brains!
Here’s to a New Year, and a New You!

Blessings,

Ashley

For a list of RD's in your area, please use the link to the right "Find a Nutrition Professional" which will lead you to the ADA website to search by zipcode, specialty, etc.

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