Dietitians continually live on the bleeding edge of information. In part because medical professionals are required to take part in continuing education. But that’s not the only reason.

One of the traits I see time and time again in RD’s and Dietetic Interns is the ongoing hunger for knowledge. One of the reasons for the “Starving Dietitian” title in fact.

Nutrition, being a relatively young science is an ever changing atmosphere, as I’m sure many of you have realized. Why call it the “bleeding” edge instead of the cutting edge?

Because there’s an inherent, well, danger to it. Not in the sense that our lives are at stake, per se. We’re in danger of latching onto new information too soon.

I’ve noticed that among the range of ages for RDs, the older one’s tend to be more “dogmatic” so to speak in their recommendations than the young ones.

I’m not sure if that’s because, as science has shown, we become more closed minded throughout life, or because the younger generations understand nutrition is not a static topic.

As part of my internship I elected to watch a recent webinar called “Fresh Look at Cool Foods” featuring Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert and Kristin Reimer, RD.

One of the most remarkable tidbits they gave was one describing how the “cook at home” movement is being driven by 2 groups. Grandparents and young adults.

I was as surprised as you. It seems that seeing the bloom of national weight gain has triggered a reverse effect of scaring younger generations into eating better, which starts in their homes.

Then again maybe it’s because the younger generations are quicker to admit their 3 a day sodas and 5 a week McDonalds runs are in all likelihood not very good for them.

I kid you not I’ve had more than one person ask “What’s so unhealthy about a McDonalds? Seems healthy enough to me”. I think it’s that level of denial that may be keeping the weight of the nation so high.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of work to do on the younger generations too, but just maybe we’re beginning to see a change in attitude.

Welcome to the Nutritional Enlightenment.

Be good to each other.

-J. Iufer