State of My Goals Address: March 2016

As promised, I am sharing updates on my goals and 2016 resolutions in the state of my goals address. You can take a look at my 2016 goals and my thoughts on goals and resolutions. Sharing these goals is a way to keep me accountable and help me to improve, grow, and learn. People who share their goals tend to be more successful. So, I'm sharing the goals here to encourage you and to keep me accountable. You're welcome to comment with your goals and share your progress as well. Feel free to tag your goals with #RDTODgoals or #healthyRD on social media.

2016 Goals
Try 30 new recipes.
In March, I tried a few new recipes including:

• Lemon loaf (pictured above)

• Homemade pizza dough

• Blueberry lemon custard bread

For those keeping track, this makes my new recipe count 11 out of 30.

Build endurance and strength.
I'm still going to my favorite strength-training class. The leader did this crazy squat circuit, and I'm still walking funny 2 days later.

I continue to update my workout playlist to encourage myself to do continue building endurance and enjoying cardio. Adele anyone? Listening to music or watching shows is super helpful motivation to me. Songs and shows help me keep track of time and encourage me to finish strong. I set goals in my head like "Keep sprinting through the end of this song" or "You can keep jogging through this show . . . it's only 5 more minutes; you're strong. You can do this." Do y'all do this self-talk through workouts? Or, is it just me? Please tell me it isn't just me. Hahahaha.

Let me know if you have favorite workout songs. You can leave recommendations in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you listen to and what motivate you.

Travel.
There was no big travel this month. We did have family and friends visit, which is so fun! We got to show them our city!

Read more.
I've started reading more than watching television. I started and finished Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker. It was a book about ministering and the Church. I've heard her speak twice, and her writing style is very much her voice. I really enjoy when someones speaking voice and writing voice are similar.

For those keeping track, this brings my book count to 2 in 2016.


Learn something new.
I learned how to make pizza dough (see goal #1). It's also National Nutrition Month (NNM). I had the opportunity to share healthy recipes and teach children at Seacrest Studios. I always learn something new when I'm in new situations, like being on t.v. or radio. It was a fun experience, and I learned a lot about green screens. Happy NNM!

These are my broad goals for 2016. What goals are you working on in 2016?
Comment below.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Goals: February

 

Goals: January

The Beginning of a New Year 2015

RDtipoftheday's Friday Favorites: March Edition

Welcome to RDtipoftheday's favorites from March. This is blog series that highlights of some of the best blog posts I've found and my favorite things from this month.

Cookbooks
I've been loving my new cookbooks. I received several cookbooks as Christmas and birthday gifts (thanks family!). Here are some of my favorites.

image from amazon.com

Duff Bakes

image from amazon.com

Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

image from amazon.com

Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics

Books
One of my 2016 resolutions is to read more. So far this year, I've read two books For the Love and Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker.

Cooking
When I'm stressed, I find that I benefit from rest and a creative outlet. Cooking and baking are generally my outlet. So, I've been cooking and baking quite a bit.

I am loving this salad with spinach, goat cheese, blueberries, and almonds. I've been eating it for lunch; it has been on repeat. So yummy!

I made pizza dough. Look for a post with pizza dough recipe coming soon.

In the Spring, I always look forward to eating King Cake. Here's my easy King Cake recipe. Enjoy!

Easter is a time for celebration. It's a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. When I think of Easter, I remember going to church and gathering with family after church. I remember celebrating forgiveness and all that Easter entails with family. We gathered and ate ham, rolls, and my Aunt always had deviled eggs as an appetizer. Here are my two takes on deviled eggs: bacon, egg, & cheese deviled eggs and Tex-Mex deviled eggs. Click on the links for recipes and nutrition facts. You can also sign up for FoodCare for free to access hundreds of recipes.

Podcasts

I have been listening to a new-to-me podcast. It's called The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. I have been listening to about 1-2 episodes per day. I usually listen on my commute or while cleaning house. I've started at the beginning, and I'm on episode 50ish. I'm loving it! Check it out. It's free. She posts one episode per week but sometimes there are bonus episodes!

I hope you enjoyed these tips, recipes, and all of my Friday favorites. Let me know if this is a feature that you would like me to continue by commenting below. And, let me know if you have something you want to be featured. Thanks! Have a great weekend!

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. 

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Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

 How Can I Become a Registered Dietitian Nutrition? 5 Steps

Finding Your Niche as a RD

5 Things You Should Know about Becoming a Dietitian

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Specializations and Certifications: Finding Your Niche

I recently answered one of the most frequently asked questions that I receive: "How do I become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)?" Today, we are discussing what happens after you pass the RD exam. Many students and dietetic interns are interested in becoming experts in the field of nutrition. Today, we are discussing "How do I find my nutrition niche?"

After the RD Exam: Specialization

After you become a registered dietitian, you can earn specialization credentials and complete further education. I look at these credentials as continuing your education, growing your knowledge of nutrition, and finding your niche.

Specialization is not necessary to practice in an area, but it does help further your education in the field of nutrition and dietetics. After you practice for approximately 2 years or 2,000 hours, you are eligible to take a specialty nutrition exam. There are five specialty nutrition exams available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). They are:

• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition or CSG
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics or CSSD
• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition or CSP
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition or CSR
• Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition or CSO

You can also receive other advance certifications from other accrediting agencies. For example, you can earn

• Certified Nutrition Support Clinician or CNSC through ASPEN
• Certified Diabetes Educator or CDE through NCBDE

CDR also offers two certifications:

• Certification of Training in Adult Weight Management
• Certification of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management

The adult certification for weight management has two parts. There is level I training and level II training. I completed the Certification of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, since I am a pediatric dietitian. It was helpful for learning more skills related to weight management. I enjoyed the speakers at the conference. I learned a lot studying the exam review material and at the conference, especially about bariatric surgery options for children <18 years old and reflective listening skills. I encourage you to learn more about this certification if you work with weight management patients.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) also recognizes fellows in nutrition.

• Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (FAND)

To apply for this fellowship, a RD must be in good standing with the AND, be a member of the AND for at least 5 years, and have 5 cumulative years of full-time or part-time employment in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Why should I consider earning a certification or specialization?

Reason #1: Find Your Niche

I know you've completed a lot of school to become a registered dietitian. You earned your undergraduate degree, applied and completed your internship, and completed your Master's degree. You studied for and passed your RD exam. And, now I'm encouraging you to complete more exams. Yes, I am asking you to consider finding your niche. Where do you fit? What are you good at? What area of nutrition do you practice in? What do you want to learn more about? What area of nutrition do you want to become the expert in?

Reason #2: Continuing Education & Licensure

If you are a dietitian, you are required to complete continuing education units (CEUs). To maintain your RD licensure, you must complete 75 CEUs every five years. If you earn a board certification in nutrition (CSP, CSR, CSG, CSSD, or CSO), those certifications provide 75 CEUs.

The LD (licensed dietitian) licensure is the state licensure. It is not required for all practitioners, but most hospital or clinical dietitians are required to have this licensure in every state they practice nutrition. To continue to hold your LD licensure, you have different CEU requirements in each state. Check with your state licensure board for individual state LD requirements.

Follow me, RDtipoftheday, on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter, for more information about healthy eating, encouragement, recipes, and nutrition facts. You can also subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin, so you won't miss any posts.

Denon Stacy, MS, RD, CSP, LD

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How Do I Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist? 5 Steps to Becoming a RD

Happy National Nutrition Month! I get many questions from friends, clients, and students who are curious about how to become dietitians. Today, I am telling you the five steps you need to complete to become a Registered Dietitian.

Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

Registered Dietitians (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are the nutrition experts. The RD and RDN are two credential designations for one certification program. In other words, a dietitian can choose to use the title RD or RDN.

A nutritionist is different from a dietitian. Anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist;" however, you have to complete many hours of education and an internship to become a RD/RDN. We complete a lot of education in school, an undergraduate degree and Masters Degree. We also receive valuable on-the-job experiences through dietetic internships. After completing your internship you must pass the RD exam to earn your RD or RDN credential. All students that complete their dietetic internship will be required to have a Master's degree by 2024 in order to sit for the RD exam.

These are the 5 steps to become a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

 1) Complete Your Undergraduate Education.

2) Take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).

You will need to take the GRE at least 6 months before you plan to apply to your internship. You will need to have your exam scores to complete your dietetic internship applications and to complete your post-graduate or Masters degree applications. Different dietetic internships have different desired scores for the GRE. Some dietetic internships simply require "completing the GRE," so there is no score cut off. So, research your dietetic internship's requirements.

3) Apply for Your Dietetic Internship.

3) Complete Your Dietetic Internship.

4) Complete Your Masters Degree.

In the past, you were not required to complete your Masters Degree. By 2024, all students that complete their dietetic internship are required to have a Master's degree in order to sit for the RD exam in 2024.

I choose to complete my Masters of Science (MS) even though it was not a requirement to take the RD exam. I choose to complete my MS for several reasons. One, I earned 12 graduate credit hours for completing Masters choices during my internship. These applied to the MS degree. I also wanted the opportunity to teach on the collegiate level, so I felt the MS was a great degree to support my career goals.

I have several co-workers and fellow dietitians that have Masters degrees in various areas. I worked for a registered dietitian that earned her MBA because she knew she wanted to open her own nutrition practice. I had a registered dietitian that earned her Masters of Art (MA) in Counseling; I've seen her use her counseling skills daily.

I encourage you to think about your future career goals. Research different Masters degrees. And, research your dietetic internship programs. Many dietetic internships offer Masters level courses that you complete during your dietetic internship. So, research and find the best fit for you and your future career.

5) Pass Your RD Exam.

Follow me, RDtipoftheday, on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter, for more information about healthy eating, encouragement, recipes, and nutrition facts. You can also subscribe to this blog, RDtipoftheday.blogspot.com, through BlogLovin.

If you liked this post, you might enjoy:

5 Things You Should Know About Being a RD

Where can Dietitians work? A list from A to Z.

National Nutrition Month: How did it start?

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Happy National Nutrition Month® 2016!

I love celebrating. I think we all do. There's birthdays, holidays, and national days . . . peanut butter day, hamburger day, pie day. The list goes on and on.

We do this in the medical field too. We have nurse's week. In March, we celebrate Social Work month, Kidney Month, and National Nutrition Month®. Can you guess which is my favorite?? Don't answer that; don't make me choose.

As a medical profession, I so value my team. I've had the privilege of working on several interdisciplinary teams, which are comprised of doctors, nurses, social workers, child life workers, and dietitians. It is such a cool thing to learn from one another and work alongside one another to take the best possible care of our patients. I love it!

In honor of all of this celebrating in March, here is my roundup of all of the celebrations, so you can be in the know.

Have you ever wondered about if you are keeping your kidneys healthy? Are you concerned about blood pressure or dietary salt intake. Learn about how to keep your kidneys healthy and add tons of flavor to food without adding buckets of salt. It's National Kidney Month, so take care of yourself.

Happy National Social Worker Month! I enjoy the opportunity to work with and learn from different professions. Every health care and medical professional works together to best serve their patients. Learn how my social workers have been an integral part of caring for my patients.

I enjoy being a dietitian and teaching people about good nutrition and health. So, how did this month celebrating nutrition start? How did National Nutrition Month® start? Find out here.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

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State of My Goals Address: February

As promised in previous posts, I am sharing updates on my goals in the state of my goals address. You can take a look at my 2016 goals and my thoughts on goals and resolutions. Sharing these goals is a way to keep me accountable and help me to improve, grow, and learn. People who share their goals tend to be more successful. So, I'm sharing the goals here to encourage you and to keep me accountable. You're welcome to comment with your goals and share your progress as well. Feel free to tag your goals with #RDTODgoals or #healthyRD on social media.

2016 Goals
Try 30 new recipes.
In February, I tried a few new recipes including:

• Goat cheese salad
• Ina Garten's Pork Tenderloin - mine came out a little dry, so I'll try it again in the slow cooker

For those keeping track, this makes my new recipe count 8 out of 30.

Build endurance and strength.
I'm still going to my favorite strength-training class. I continue to update my workout playlist to encourage me to do continue adding cardio. Good music super helpful motivation for working out.

I also recently found a podcast I love. I've been listening to it on my commute, when cooking, cleaning, and I listened to it on x1.5 speed while working out. It is fun! Check it out! It's the Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast. It is a show hosted by a woman who interviews her friends. It is a fun, encouraging show. I've really enjoyed it.

Travel.
My husband and I had the opportunity to travel. I had a work-related trip that took me to Chicago, IL. We went up a day early and stayed a day late, so we could have a little vacation together. It was fun! We went to Chicago last August for another work-related trip. I'll share my thoughts on the windy city in the future.

My friend and I took a road trip to Waco, TX to explore the city. It was so much fun! Look for a fun travel post about Waco soon.

Read more.
Since I went on vacation, I had some time to read. I read in the airport and on the plane until I got motion sickness. I started and finished For the Love by Jen Hatmaker. It was a funny book that kind of resembled a printed blog. Each chapter covered a different topic, but all the book was about giving grace and mercy to combat the impossible standards we place on ourselves and on others. She is a hilarious writer. I've heard her speak twice, and her writing style is very much her voice. 


These are my broad goals for 2016. What goals are you working on in 2016?
Comment below.

For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you liked this post, you might enjoy:

The Beginning of a New Year 2015



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Healthy Vacation Tips Roundup