What is an RDN?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

As Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), we bring expertise that goes beyond just recommending healthy eating. With specialized training, clinical experience, and a passion for supporting your health journey, RDNs are uniquely equipped to address the complexities of your nutrition needs. But what does it really take to become an RDN? Let us break it down for you.

What Makes an RDN Different?

Becoming an RDN is not just about following a food pyramid or suggesting generic diet tips. It requires a rigorous process that ensures dietitians like us can provide evidence-based, personalized nutrition guidance that works for YOU. Here’s how it works:

  1. Academic Excellence – To become an RDN, we completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, ensuring a solid foundation in nutrition science and the most current evidence-based practices. Our studies were accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), guaranteeing top-tier education in the field of nutrition.

  2. Hands-On Experience – To apply that knowledge in the real world, we completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program in a healthcare setting. This practical experience, which can last from six to twelve months, is essential in refining the skills necessary to assess, plan, and manage nutrition interventions for various health conditions and lifestyles.

  3. National Exam Certification – After gaining the required knowledge and experience, we passed a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This rigorous exam ensures that we possess the expertise to provide you with the highest standard of nutrition care.

  4. Ongoing Education – As RDNs, we are committed to continuing professional development to stay at the forefront of nutrition science. This commitment ensures that the guidance we provide is always based on the latest research and best practices.

Why Does This Matter to You?

When you work with us as your RDN, you’re not just getting advice based on general guidelines. You’re gaining access to a personalized, evidence-based approach that takes into account your unique health needs, lifestyle, and goals. Here’s how our expertise can help you:

  • Address Root Causes – Whether you’re dealing with thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, or digestive problems, our approach helps uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a tailored plan that works for you. No more guessing games or cookie-cutter solutions.

  • Customized Nutrition Plans – You won’t find one-size-fits-all advice here. We work with you to develop a nutrition strategy that fits your life—based on your specific health challenges, goals, and preferences. Whether you need help improving your energy, losing weight, or managing stress, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

  • Holistic and Functional Approach – We focus on the whole person, not just a set of symptoms. By integrating functional nutrition principles, we address the connections between gut health, inflammation, blood sugar balance, and more, to optimize your health from the inside out.

  • Ongoing Support – Your journey to better health doesn’t end with a one-time consultation. We’ll guide you through each phase of your health transformation, helping you make sustainable changes that lead to lasting results. You’ll never feel alone in your journey.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

By working with us, you’re investing in long-term health solutions that get to the heart of the issue. With our expertise as RDNs, you’ll have the support, guidance, and strategies needed to achieve real results. Whether you’re struggling with digestive discomfort, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances, our personalized approach will help you unlock your body’s true potential.

If you’re ready to take charge of your health and start your journey toward lasting wellness, apply to work 1:1 with us today. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for YOU.

Hey There, I'm Nicole!

Nicole Fennell is a functional nutrition dietitian and fellow Hashimoto's patient with first-hand experience navigating the ups and downs of living with thyroid and immune system dysfunctionn. Her unique approach to nutritional management of chronic disease and nagging symptoms includes focusing on nourishing and building the body up versus tearing it down with low-calorie diets and high amounts of exercise.

Nicole has a real food approach and believes healthy eating, physical activity, and peace of mind are key to disease prevention and management. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys being active with her husband and three kids, lifting weights, practicing yoga, walking cooking, eating, and being outdoors.
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Whether you’re dealing with exhaustion that never ends, a Hashimoto's diagnosis, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, painful PMS, or stubborn acne that just won’t quit—please know you’re not alone. At Chews Food Wisely, we’re all about connecting the dots between your never ending list of symptoms and personalized nutrition solutions that last.

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