Name: Mehak Shah

Academic Qualification: BSc in Home Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) from Delhi University, India (Admission Batch: 2017)

MSc Foods and Nutrition from Amity Institute of Food Technology, India (Admission Batch: 2019)

1. Why did you choose this profession?

I wanted to help people live a sustainably healthy life. I wanted my professional self to have a positive impact on my personal life too.

2. How can one become a dietician in India? 

You have to specialize in Nutrition related subjects in your bachelors like, Home science, Applied Nutrition, Public Health, etc. After that you can either do a PG diploma or do Masters in Foods and Nutrition/ Public Health and Nutrition/ Sports nutrition

3. What training, knowledge, or abilities are required for this field?

One should be thorough with all the diseases and what kind of diet is required for them. 

Empathy would also be one characteristic value that should be appreciated in a dietitian as it helps the client to open up about their health. 

It is important to know about human anatomy, have great communication skills, and have a lot of confidence. 

It is also important to have knowledge about supplements and lab reports to understand the depth of the situation.

4. What guidance would you provide a person thinking about this career?

It is an awesome profession, you get to meet new people from different backgrounds, you make new friends and you get to help people. 

While being in this profession many skill sets like communication skills get polished. You can help people stay healthy and understand the true meaning of health apart from that you have the knowledge to keep your family in shape and healthy.

5. What do you want people to understand right now about a Dietitian's job?

It is interesting, yet it is a difficult profession. 

It is not about simply making diet charts with regard to a person's health and health goals. It is also about understanding where the person is coming from and advising them the best without judging them. It is about appreciating the small steps a person is taking to improve everyday instead of criticizing their way of living no matter how it is.

6. What is the most satisfying thing about your profession?

Witnessing the personal growth of my clients is immensely gratifying.

Observing their health getting better brings a sense of accomplishment.

When they develop a newfound respect for their bodies and take a moment to consider what they are consuming, it is truly rewarding.

7. What does a regular work week look like in your profession?

For me: 

It's about getting up at 5:30 am and taking client calls from 6am to 2pm. After that I make nutrition blogs and try to upgrade my knowledge by doing more nutrition related courses and read new researches. 

The schedule is pretty much hectic but I still make out time to eat well and workout as we have to follow what we preach. 

8. What about your job is the most difficult?

Sometimes you get into a creative block. It is difficult to always find new recipes and make them healthy in your own way. It is very fun but sometimes you may get stuck.

9. We have heard that taking vacations in a patient-centered operation can be a little challenging. What are your views on it?

Yes. indeed it is. 

Many of the patients  are very understanding. But they constantly need your support and guidance.  In a corporate job environment you can distribute your dependency to your colleagues but in our profession clients mostly don't feel that attached or comfortable to talk about their concerns with anyone apart from you. So, they wait till you come back.

10. Is consultation the only option available in this field, or are there other options?

No, you can spread knowledge through many mediums like blogging, creative reels, youtube channels, writing a book, etc. 

11. What is your opinion about the RD exam? Is it necessary to qualify for this exam for practicing as a dietician in India or is it just one choice?

If you wish to become a Registered Dietician it is mandatory to clear the RD exam in India. It is not illegal to become a nutritionist and spread knowledge about diet and give diet plans even if you have not cleared the RD exam.

12. Debunking Myths/ Is this true?

You always eat healthy

No, I try to balance eating healthy and unhealthy food.

You never skip your workout

I do. 

If I don't feel like working out at all or if I have something that needs my immediate attention, I skip my workout.

You are always well-maintained with your work and personal life

Sometimes working from home may mix up both of these things. But I will try to be better the next day.

Healthy meals can never be tasty

They sure can. I often try to experiment with healthy ingredients.

13. What kind of diet did you eat while you were growing up? You always used to eat well, right?

My mom always tried to give me a wholesome meal but. Now since I am getting to know more about a balanced diet, being a vegetarian protein was not as much in my diet as needed.

Do your friends and family members think you're comparing what they eat when you go out with them? Do they ask you for guidance or suggestions or do you offer them?

Yes many times they do. Like how many calories do you think this dish would have. I mostly don't mind giving my opinion but sometimes it may just be too many questions and I would ask them to ask me all of that in a different setting.

14. Do you feel burnt out surrounded by patients or clients most of the time?

I always try to balance my work and personal life so that I don't have such feelings. But, not all days are the same. I do feel burned out at least once in a month. So, that day I wouldn't talk much and try to rest my vocal cords as much as I can.

15. Would you suggest this career to someone else if their main goal is to make money in it?

Unfortunately no. 

It is more of a passion for me but to make sure I am earning a real lot of money I would not recommend it to others.

16. With so many slimming products or supplements coming up in the market or people opting for crash diets over a balanced diet, do you feel like your industry is becoming more commercialized?

Yes I do feel it. 

Unfortunately, most patients are also leaning towards it. Many dieticians are forgetting their ethics to make money.

17. What should one be aware of before entering this profession?

It's a really wholesome profession, but you may have to get emotionally involved at times.

18. Lastly, what message would you like to give to the future aspirants and general audience?

It might be the best profession to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. 

If you have a real passion for food or you are a foodie, you should totally opt for this.

(NutriScope/GS)