Of Nuts and diets!

FOOD is a hot topic these days, and dieticians and nutritionists are a prized lot. The kind of food we consume influences our thoughts, emotions, lifestyle and health. Most diseases can be kept at bay by just subscribing to the right diet. A dietician is, therefore typically, what the doctor has ordered. They prescribe the sort of diet that suits our body.

Diet and nutrition experts are employed in a variety of traditional and unconventional settings. Unconventional options include working as freelance or full time writers for food magazines and lifestyle columns, hosting health shows, working with NGOs and government departments.

People venturing into the field of nutrition need to have an enduring passion for the subject. They are individuals who are fascinated with concept of food and its influence on the human psyche. Nutritionists play an important role in helping the sick convalesce faster, in regulating the dietary requirements of infants, the aged and those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, digestive problems etc, and in helping

the healthy live longer. Dieticians work in tandem with various experts, right from cooks, doctors, fitness instructors, and to food products manufacturers.

In hospitals and restaurants, the dietician's responsibilities involve supervising bulk preparation of nutritious food specific to the needs of the in-patient. The dietician's job in speciality clinics and fitness centres involves providing advisory and follow-up services to patients and fitness enthusiasts. In residential educational institutions, dieticians oversee the preparation of healthy food suitable to the consumption of children. Nutritionists and dieticians play a slightly different role in the NGOs, where they lend their services to teach the community of healthier food habits, and about nutritious food. They also teach anganwadi workers and other field workers the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet. Manufacturers of ready-to-eat food products also consult and employ dieticians and nutritionists on matters such as packaging and development of interesting, delicious and healthy food items.

Canteens in industrial and defence establishments are also an area where nutritionists and dieticians find work. Apart from these alternatives, dieticians can also chart a career in academics, if equipped with the right qualifications, Thangam Phillip being an apt example.

Education

To get into graduate level courses in nutrition, and related subjects, you need to have finished your intermediate with science as optional subjects.

Applied nutrition is offered as part of a specialisation at the graduate level in Osmania University, University of Mysore, Delhi University, and the South Gujarat University and as a subject in Home science (BSc and BA).

Postgraduate diplomas are also available in applied nutrition, dietetics and nutrition. To pursue PG courses in nutrition and dietetics, you need to be a graduate either in home science, microbiology or medicine. There are of course a few institutes that accept students who have done catering technology and hotel management. At the postgraduate degree level, nutrition and dietetics is offered as part of the curriculum in home science (MSc).

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cxknetworks.com

Work-it-out!