rdtobe

  • Student Life

    Nutrition Nerd Alert: The 5 Textbooks to Never Ever Sell!

    When studying nutrition and dietetics, there will be some textbooks you will want to learn from for life! These are the top textbooks you should never sell.

    Have you ever watched the show Hoarders? I think it’s crazy interesting. Namely because I am the exact opposite of a hoarder and find it extremely fascinating that people actually like keeping stuff.

    I would consider myself more clutter phobic…willing and ready to recycle, sell, trash, or give away practically anything. This can be a blessing or a curse depending upon the situation.

    In the case of selling off textbooks that in hindsight I actually needed…it’s more of curse. So that’s why I’m here, to give you some useful textbooks that you should never get rid of!

    Start your journey to a happy Match Day today! Explore Get Matched Coaching.

    1. Krause’s Food and the Nutrition Care Process

    Link to Book Here: Krause’s Food & the Nutrition Care Process, 14e (Krause’s Food & Nutrition Therapy)

    Why: It’s the bible. Well, not exactly. But it is one of the main books used by most nutrition programs. It comprehensively covers most conditions/diseases dietitians would encounter, the nutrition care process, life cycle nutrition, as well as all of the nutrition basics. Essentially, if you could memorize everything in this book, you would make a bomb dietitian.

    2. Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference

    Link to book here

    Why: This book literally has every lab test known to man and explains what the test is for, normal results, abnormal results, and test explanation and physiology… all in alphabetical order. Definitely handy if you are going to be in a clinical setting.

    3. A Food Service Management Textbook (recommendation, Foodservice Management: Principals and Practices)

    Link to book here

    Why: This one isn’t specific, you just need to make sure you have a textbook that involves the principals of food service such as quantity food productions, accounting/financial management, food safety, menu planning, etc. Given that food service systems comprises 17% of the RD exam, it’s an area to know well. It’s also great to have a textbook on hand that reminds you how to perform all of those pesky calculations. 🙂

    4. Life Cycle Nutrition: An Evidenced-Based Approach

    Link to book here

    Why: This is a personal fav. I found this book randomly in the library and fell in love. Because it has an emphasis on “evidenced-based”, it gives you the actual studies from which the nutrition recommendations are based on. Plus the book is new (2015) so all of the research is newer findings compared to stuff from the 80s. It is broken down into diseases the way Krause’s is, but also includes quick reference charts, case studies, medical terminology, and more. I love it for the research aspect, but it’s a great textbook all-around!

    5. ASPEN Nutrition Support Core Curriculum

    Link to book here

    Why: Quite simply, because no other book goes into nutrition support in enough detail. Face it, during the internship or if working in a clinical setting, you’re going to be working with enteral and parenteral nutrition. There’s a lot of information to know, so it’s crucial to have a reference text to go back to and refresh your memory. Plus it has practical clinical scenarios that are useful to run through.

    Notable Mentions:

    • Any quick reference text- Great for during the internship process so keep those if you have them. Plus, they are small and store easily.
    • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism- DETAILED, yet super relevant, and can be a great biochem review.
    • Any Community Nutrition book- Personally, I have an old, old book but keep it on hand in case I need a refresher on the theories of educational readiness or stages of change.
    • Nutrition and Diet Therapy Reference Dictionary- Another great reference text. It’s a dictionary made just for nutrition and medical terms that is full of suggested nutrition therapy and dietary guidelines, perfect for when you come across a word you are unfamiliar with!

    In addition to these books, click here to view some of my go-to websites for evidenced-based nutrition information. If you have recommendations on great books to keep, please comment below! Sharing is caring 🙂

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  • Student Life

    Gaining Nutrition Experience While Still in College

    We all have one classmate who seems to have years of nutrition experience, even though they’re still in school. Take our advice and gain experience, too.

    Nutrition experience can help you succeed in matching to a dietetic internship program and getting one step closer to becoming a Registered Dietitian. But where do you begin? Instead of comparing yourself to another classmate, follow this list and you’ll be racking up shadowing dates and volunteer experiences in no time.

    1. Befriend your Professors

    Your professors are key to making connections in the nutrition field. Many of them have work experience outside your university, so they can help guide you in the right direction. Plus, they can give great advice that will help you succeed.

    2. Go to Local Conferences

    Your future mentor might just be sitting next to you! Conferences draw RD’s from all over your state, so you never know who you will meet. Plus, the presentations will teach you something new and may even inspire your niche.

    3. Join a Club

    Clubs at school can help you find opportunities in and out of your university. They can also help connect you with faculty or outside professionals to score a volunteering or shadowing opportunity.

    4. Use Technology

    Scout LinkedIn for professionals in your area who are working in the field you are interested in. Find someone? Don’t be shy and send them a message.

    5. Put your Foot in the Door, Sometimes Literally

    Want to work in a hospital one day? Start by volunteering and work your way up. Is food service your calling? Snag a job in a restaurant. Being able to get a feel for your desired environment is key to finding more opportunities.

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join thousands of future dietitians on our free weekly newsletter! 

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  • Dietetics Programs

    How to Formulate Key Questions for Your Interview

    • Comments Off on How to Formulate Key Questions for Your Interview
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    After landing an interview for your topic dietetic internship choice, learn to “wow” the director and get all of your questions answered!

    You finally got an interview for the dietetic internship you’ve been eyeing since freshman year. It went great, until the director asks the dreaded question…”do you have any questions for me?” It may seem that they are just asking a simple question, but often times they are trying to judge your interest in the program. Many interviewers think that if you don’t have any questions, you probably haven’t looked enough into their program or aren’t that serious about it. Here’s a fool-proof guide to impress your top program choice and get all of your questions answered!

    Do Your Research

    You don’t want to ask a question about something that you can find on their website. Most programs have websites on their rotations, tuition and fees, or other general topics. Scope out the site beforehand to get a grasp on the basics, and then formulate your questions afterwards on things that they might not go into detail about. They may also provide you more resources or connect you with the right people (think financial aid or housing) to help answer your questions.

    Don’t be Afraid to Ask About Non-Program Topics

    Ask your interviewer where the interns live, if they have a car or not, what the area is like… anything that would help you get a better feel for what life would be like if you were an intern in that program.

    Turn the Tables

    They got to interview you, now it’s your turn to interview them! They were once in your shoes too so don’t be afraid to ask them what they like about their profession, what got them to where they are today, or what their favorite part of the program is. This is your chance to connect with the director on a personal level!

    Look Towards the Future

    Don’t be afraid to ask about job placement rates or what else interns do after graduating from the program.

    Remember What to Avoid

    Of course, there are a few things you should avoid asking about. Don’t start questions with “when I get in…” as an interview doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Also, don’t ask questions that might be beyond their scope of expertise, such as financial aid specifics.

    Most importantly, always be yourself and be polite. The interview is a chance for the director to see who you are as whole –beyond your resume! Always thank them for their time afterwards and pop a sincere thank you note in the mail for the final touch.

    P.S. For 175 sample interview questions, sample answer strategies, our full guide to interview success, and more, check out the Get Matched Course.

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  • Dietetics Programs, How to Become a Dietitian

    Improve Your Resume Over the Summer

    One of the most challenging aspects of becoming an R.D. is getting matched to a dietetic internship. Here are some ideas to add to your resume this summer!

    With the match rate hovering around 50-60% each year, the competition is fierce. Internship directors consider more than just your grades when they are looking at your application. And although each internship has its requirements, students with relevant work and volunteer experience in food service or a nutrition-related field have a higher chance of matching to an apprenticeship.

    Start your journey to a happy Match Day today! Schedule your intro call here.

    So what can you do this summer to improve your resume? Here are some ways you can gain experience.

    Volunteer

    According to a Deloitte study, 82% of hiring managers said they prefer applicants with volunteer experience, and 92% say volunteer activities build leadership skills. The same applies to DI directors. Volunteering your time in an area that you are passionate about shows DI directors that you are self-motivated, dedicated, and responsible.

    There are four broad categories to a dietetic internship: clinical, community, food service, and elective. If the internships you are interested in are clinically focused, volunteer in clinical settings. If they are a community, find community opportunities. But remember that experience can be applicable in many different ways to focus on opportunities that interest you.

    Have you thought about volunteering for the American Diabetes Association? Or the Jimmy Fund? Use VolunteerMatch.org to find other volunteer opportunities that will help your resume stand out.

    Get a Summer Internship

    Spending the summer months at an internship is a great way to get experience. A summer internship can also help you get a better understanding of what you are interested in. Use online websites like internships.com or indeed.com to find available internships. Another great way to find an internship is to network with R.D’s that might need a little help over the summer.

    Earn a Specialty Certification

    Adding a specialty certification to your resume may not only help you get matched but may also help you land a job faster. Certifications confirm your knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice. There are specialty certifications that you can earn over the summer. If you’re passionate about physical fitness, weight management, yoga, or a specialty area in nutrition, research the different certifications that are available. When looking for a certification, you should look for a validated and reliable certification examination and credible organizations.

    Here’s a list of just a few of the specialty certifications out there that would enhance your resume:

    Edit your Resume

    Perhaps you already have a lot of experience or are working this summer; make sure your experiences are communicated well by spending your extra free time editing and revising your resume. If you have a mentor, ask them to look over your resume and provide you with feedback. Would they hire you based on your resume? Would they call you for an interview? Ask them for their honest feedback. You can also use the Get Matched Course or Get Matched Coaching, which offers a resume template, resume strategies, resumes rubrics, resume checklist, and resume samples.

    Getting matched to an internship may seem overwhelming and impossible, but there are many ways of obtaining quality dietetics experiences. Taking the time to build a strong resume as a student will allow you to enter the internship application process with more confidence.

    P.S. Starting early with Get Matched Coaching gives you the advantage of getting advice from your coach on what experience to add before applying! Many of our clients start the summer before the February deadline to get a head start and be as strategic as possible. Check out more information on coaching here!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Featured

    How to Survive Life as a Parent and Future RD

    Beginning the journey as an RD2be is no easy feat, but it is even more difficult with a family of your own. One mother shares her experience below.

    Being an #rdtobe can be tricky sometimes. Making time for homework, studying, volunteering, and working can be a balancing act, but add parenting on top of that? Moms and dads take it to a whole new level when it comes to juggling parenting and schoolwork. Mom Lisa Gonzalez, BS-NDTR, was invited to share her sources of inspiration throughout her journey as a DPD student, diet tech, and future R.D.!

    #rd2be Parents: Let’s Remember Why We Went Back to School

    I am not yet an R.D. and just beyond graduation, in limbo awaiting Match Day for an internship opportunity. Fingers crossed! I am also a mom who frequently asks herself, “Why did I go back to school?”, “Why did I choose one of the most competitive programs out there?”, “WHY DID I THINK I COULD DO THIS?”.  Let us remember why we chose this grueling path to become an R.D. as it is easy to get lost in the weeds of school, work, volunteering, raising a family, extra-curricular activities, pick-ups and drop-offs, household chores, and the to-do list goes on and on and on.

    We do it for our family!

    There are many reasons why #rd2be parents make the life-altering decision to go back to school, and they all stem from a single root, we all do this to better our families. I used to work in retail, and my hours were long and included nights, weekends, and holidays. I also traveled, which kept me away from my family for days at a time. My goal in my career change is to be home at night to eat dinner with my family and, on weekends, be there for their soccer games. This is my motivation. Right now, we are putting in the long hours in school, studying, and taking any opportunity to gain nutrition-related experience, but it will all be worth it!

    Who better to advise about healthy choices and working them into your busy schedule than a MOM!

    Rd2be parents are the most time-efficient people I know.  I juggle many roles in a day, oscillating between mother, wife, friend, daughter, student, volunteer, employee, etc.  We have a real-life perspective on maintaining a healthy lifestyle on limited time and resources.

    While we try to practice what we preach, there are certainly those days when we forget to take care of ourselves in the whirlwind.  Parents, your families need you to stay healthy so they can stay healthy.  We ship our well-rested kids off to school with healthy snacks and lunches while we rush out the door on an empty stomach and bags under our eyes. Reserve 20 minutes each day to do something for yourself, whether it’s a nap, exercise, or even a pedicure.  The 20 minutes of you-time will do more for your grades than taking that extra time to cram for your biochem test.

    Happy parent= happy family!

    Because we want our children to know how important college is.

    The best way to teach kids how important education and lifelong learning is by modeling the behavior.  Even at a young age, they are watching and observing how hard you are working toward your goals.

    We love food!

    Nutrition is our passion, so we can use that to fuel our desire to advance in a field we love!

    “Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life.”

    About the Author: Lisa Gonzalez graduated in May 2016 from Arizona State University with her degree in dietetics and recently earned her DTR certification. She has a previous degree in Fashion Merchandising and worked in the retail field before jumping into the world of nutrition. She has taught various nutrition classes at her daughter’s preschool and helped coordinate a nutrition program for the school. She desires to become a registered dietitian specializing in oncology and is interested in working with the veteran population.  Her research interests include probiotics and their potential relationship with cancer.  She is a mom of two little girls, ages 5 and 6. When she has free time, she enjoys camping, rock climbing, and hiking. 

    P.S. Are you applying to the dietetic internship program of your dreams? Our Get Matched Course can help you on a fast track to a successful and happy Match Day!

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  • Productivity, Student Life

    Exam Study Strategies for #RD2Be’s

    Studying for exams as a nutrition major can be difficult. These study strategies can help you succeed in becoming a Registered Dietitian.

    P.N. and EN equations, Krebs cycle enzymes and intermediates, the steps in the Nutrition Care Process-  there’s a lot of information that a future dietitian must know.  Future RD’s must get good grades in classes and excel in the internship and then pass the R.D. exam. Gone are the days that you have only your textbook and pen and paper to study. Now there are so many online tools that are designed to help you get better grades. Here are five strategies that will help you be more focused and better prepared for your exams.   

    1. Use Flashcards

    You can even save yourself the money you typically spend on 3X5 cards to make flashcards using Study Stack. You can search for flashcards that other students have already made, create your flashcards, and then practice and play games with your online flashcards. Flashcards are a great way to study for any exam. 

    2. Avoid Distractions

    How many times have you clicked on Facebook when you should be studying for that next biochemistry exam? Use ways to help monitor your distractions, like StayFocusd. StayFocusd is an extension for Google Chrome that allows you to configure how much time you spend on specific pages. Once your allotted time has been used, the site will be inaccessible for the rest of the day. With nearly 5,000 reviews, this support tool has helped a lot of people stay focused. 

    3. Create Study Groups

    If you live close to your classmates, form a regular study group with study goals set at the beginning of each session. If you would like to connect and study with students virtually, you can use  StudyRoom. StudyRoom allows you to communicate with your classmates by setting up a dashboard and sharing materials or asking questions. You need your school email address, and then you click into specific classes.

    4. Plan studying into your Calendar

    Cramming for a test lowers your ability to retain information. Create a balanced study schedule to help your brain keep what you learn. GoConqr allows you to create a study schedule and manage and track tasks. It also allows you to develop other study tools to gain insight into which topics you are mastering and which ones you need to study more.

    5. Take Breaks to Eat and Move During your Study Sessions

    When you study, you are using energy, so take time to refuel. And take time to stretch and move your body. If you need a reminder, Stand Up! is a flexible work break timer that allows you to set timers within your schedule.

    Finding the right study tools and techniques may be a trial and error process but find what works for you. Have you found an online study tool that has helped you master your nutrition classes?

    P.S. The Study Smarter Method has helped hundreds of RD’s pass the exam. Learn more about Pass The Exam Prep. 

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  • Student Life

    Stay Organized This Semester with These Top Tips

    Staying organized as a nutrition and dietetics student isn’t easy. Below are my top tips to help you stay on track to become a Registered Dietitian.

    Could you write it down?

    It’s tempting to ditch your planner for an app on your phone, but studies have shown that writing it down helps you remember it more. Invest in a cute planner (see ideas here) and never forget an assignment again.

    Keep a schedule.

    As much as you want to sleep in until noon on the weekends when you’ve been waking up super early during the week, trying to compensate for your sleep can make you more tired! You’ll be more productive when your schedule isn’t all over the place.

    Get rid of distractions.

    Whether it is a PC or Mac, many computers have programs that you can download that let you limit the amount of time spent on distracting websites (we’re talking about you, Facebook, and Instagram). Nix the temptation and get that essay done first!

    Find balance.

    It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything you have to do this semester – from homework to volunteering or even working – it can get a little daunting to balance it all. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour each day to focus on yourself and do something for you, whether a yoga class or a quick Netflix binge. Your mind and body will thank you!

    Triage.

    Triage, taking care of the most important thing first, will help big tasks seem more doable. Get that group project out of the way, so you don’t have to worry about it. Can’t figure out where to start? Try making a to-do list so you can check off your assignments as you go!

    What are your best tips to stay organized? Sound off in the comments.

    P.S. ARE YOU IN YET? Join the Get Matched Course to gain the confidence and clarity you need to get a dietetic internship!

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  • Productivity, Student Life

    TIPS TO STAY ON YOUR A-GAME THIS SUMMER

    Staying focused during the summer can be challenging as a dietetic student. Use these tips to help you enter the upcoming semester feeling prepared and refreshed.

    OK, the dog days of summer are almost over (trust us, we’re sad too!). For me, summer is a time to explore, have fun with friends, and…prepare for the upcoming school year. Wait. What? Using your summer can help you go from average to a stand-out student. Here are my tips for staying on your A-GAME during those summer months.

    Set up informational interviews with RDs who inspire you.

    Maybe it’s just me, but I love meeting new people (especially in a professional atmosphere) so that I can hear their stories. Everyone has a little gem or piece of wisdom they are willing to share; you just have to ask!

    Do I set these interviews up expecting to earn a job upon completion of my Dietetic Internship? No way! These informal interviews allow you to learn about the wide variety of careers in the nutrition world and help you expand your network of people in the nutrition world.

    So pick up the phone and set a coffee date with an RD that is inspiring to you.

    Volunteer in your community.

    Volunteering is another excellent way to meet other people in the nutrition world, gain experience, and possibly tap into a passion you didn’t even know existed.

    Some volunteer ideas that are fit for foodies are Cooking Matters, local races, and local food banks.

    Rest and relax.

    Yep, I said it…relaxing will help you stay on your A-GAME. During the school year, our brains are preoccupied with studying, working part-time jobs, getting involved in the school’s dietetic association, building our resumes, and the list goes on. According to current research, it’s SO important to give our brains mental downtime, and the summer is the perfect time to do it. Rest is when our brain can absorb and make sense of all of the information it has gathered over time.

    So this is your permission to take a nap, meditate, take a yoga class, or go for a casual walk. It’s good for you!

    Have fun!

    After all, it is summer. Use this as your chance to get creative and do something that you LOVE to do. Train for a race, bake a cake, host a dinner party, hang out with friends, go on vacation, whatever it is that brings you pure joy…do it!

    Let’s hear from you:

    • What is one way you are having fun this summer?
    • How do YOU stay on your A-GAME during the summer?

    PS Are you in yet? Sign up for our newsletter here to receive monthly webinar invitations, free resources, exclusive experience opportunities, and so much more!

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  • RD2Be Fun, Student Life

    4 Planners All Future Dietitians Will LOVE

    If you’re anything like me, your planner is as vital as a cup of coffee or your phone… maybe even more. Are you looking for a pretty planner to make those never-ending to-do lists more manageable? Check out this list!

    You are very, very busy.

    This planner from Ban.do says it all. We all know that studying nutrition can make you a little busy between studying for exams, gaining volunteer experiences, or inputting your information into DICAS to match to a dietetic internship. 

    Pineapple or fine apple? You decide!

    We know that fruit makes almost everything better- homework assignments and to-do lists included. Show the world just how much you enjoy this sweet snack with your new planner. This planner from Emily Ley even comes with stickers! Vitamin C is omitted.

    Find your passion.

    Have you been dreaming of a career in clinical nutrition? What about in a community setting? Maybe you’d like to open your private practice one day but aren’t sure how to start. This plan from Passion Planner can help you dive into your goals and dreams and find new ones, too.

    Don’t lose your marbles.

    If you’re a lover of all things luxurious, look no further. This eco-friendly plan is not only beautiful but is a fill-in-the-blank option. Ferme A Papier has created a perfect fit if you like all things personalized. Make it your own, and get organized!

    Are you using one of our featured planners to achieve this? Let us know in the comments below!

    P.S. Applying to dietetic internships and need a little extra help? Try Get Matched Coaching to land the internship program of your dreams!

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  • Dietetics Programs, Student Life

    A Surefire Recipe to Gain Volunteer Experience

    To stay competitive as a nutrition student you have to get good grades, be involved in extracurriculars, and volunteer like your life depends on it.

    The semester is coming to an end and summer is right around the corner.  As dietetic majors, you know that summer means that there is more time for… volunteering! 

    At times this is a very stressful and time provoking task but this is why you have us to help you through and find and create your best possible experiences that DI directors will gasp at (good gasps!) and put you right at the top of their lists.

    To make this task a little more tolerable, what better way to read about volunteer experiences is there than a recipe.  With just a few ingredients, a dash of determination, and some simple directions, you will be on your way to cookin’ up great volunteer experiences!

    Click here to take your application to the next level with free resources, discounts, and exclusive advice from Jenny!

    Ingredients

    • Leadership skills
    • Confidence
    • Creativity
    • Persistence
    • Enthusiasm

    Not sure where to begin? First, check out local volunteering opportunities near you here. Next, follow the directions below.

    Directions

    1. Ask – Put yourself out there. There are very few people that will turn down someone that wants to work for FREE.  What excites you?  What do you want to learn more about?  Whether it is for 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years, experience is experience, and anything helps, all you have to do is ASK!  If you are uncomfortable at first approaching someone to see if you could volunteer with them, there is nothing wrong with an email.

    Sample Email: 

    To Whom It May Concern,

    My name is __________.  I’m a nutrition major at _____________ and I’m extremely interested in your __________________.  I would love to learn more about ________, and was wondering if I could volunteer for you.  I appreciate your time and patience with this request and I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

    Thanks,

    ____________

    2. Ask again – This is where persistence comes in. If you don’t hear from anyone in a week, try a follow-up email.  Still no response?  Stop in in-person!  People are just as busy as you are and may not check their emails often.  They may think that your persistence is an asset to their company and want to know more about you.

    3. Ask for more – Yay, you are volunteering for something that you are passionate about! Now that you’ve learned the ropes of their company/business, ask for more projects.  If you have something in mind that you think will be beneficial, ask your boss for permission.  Lots of people are open to fresh, innovative, and creative ideas, that will help them make more of a positive influence in society.  Go for it!

    Now, enjoy the fruits of your labor.  At times, this may be hard work, but it’s worth it in the end.  Stay positive, always keep a smile on your face, and remember your end goal.

    P.S. Are you applying to your dietetic internship? Join Get Matched Coaching for personalized advice that will help you gain confidence that will bring you one step closer to becoming a dietitian!

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