Does a Registered Dietitian Have to be able to Cook?

Registered Dietitians are trained in food science, food preparation, sanitation and safety. So technically, they know how to cook.

This doesn't mean all dietitians like to cook, or enjoy making gourmet meals. They do have the knowledge about what nutrients are provided in different foods and food groups, which foods are more nutrient dense (meaning, they have lots of vitamins and minerals compared to relatively fewer calories), and to what internal temperatures different foods must be cooked to avoid foodborne illness (also known as food poisoning).

So a Registered Dietitian can teach others how to prepare meals, especially important for those on fixed incomes, or those who must follow special or restricted diets like people with diabetes or heart disease.

It's helpful for the Registered Dietitian to stay current in the latest research on food components, food fads (kale, anyone?), food research (is butter or margarine better?) and fad diets (no, carbs are NOT bad for you!)

Test your food knowledge with the gadget at the end of the blog that shows our local Florida fruits and vegetables in season. Click on any of the fresh fruits or vegetables and the link will take you to a page that tells you more about each one, including a resource for recipes.

If you like preparing food and learning about what foods are good for you, a career in dietetics might be the ideal job for you! Find out more about becoming a registered dietitian at Keiser University!