Name: Diya Soni
Academic Qualification: B.Sc (Hons) Foods and Nutrition from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, India (Admission Batch: 2017)
M.Sc Foods and Nutrition from Amity Institute of Food Technology, Noida, India (Admission Batch: 2019)
1. Why did you choose this profession?
I always had interest in Biology subject and I liked to have knowledge on foods always. This course was something fusion of both and good for creating an impact on people's life with a lifestyle modification.
2. How can one become a dietician in India?
By doing B.Sc. Pass in Science or Hons in Foods and Nutrition and then to upgrade they can pursue Masters as well.
3. What training, knowledge, or abilities are required for this field?
Interest and Knowledge in Biology and Food, the impact of food on body. To have good communication skills as you are required to talk to clients. Listening skills is also very important.
4. What guidance would you provide a person thinking about this career?
If you are interested working in hospital and have no problem doing direct consultation with clients then go for it.
5. What do you want people to understand right now about a dietitian's job?
Companies are very limited to switch and pay is not that great in job field. To create personal clients extrovertness is required.
6. What is the most satisfying thing about your profession?
To help people for lifestyle modification and get them on right track on eating right.
7. What does a regular workweek look like in your profession?
Work life balance is good but depends on which company you are work in some gives targets which makes the profile very much stressful but some companies are more about service so you can definitely create a good balance.
8. What part of your job is the most difficult?
To get your own personal clients and make them pay attention to you as they sometimes tends to take your advice lightly.
9. We have heard that taking vacations during a patient-centered operation can be a little challenging. What are your views on it?
It depends on the company you are working with and their leave policy, if they are following a before hand policy you can inform them in advance and then plan your leaves the right way. Also, we connect with the client mostly on a daily basis so setting right expectations from very beginning and rapport formation with the client also plays a crucial part here.
10. Is consultation the only option available in this field, or are there other options?
Mostly yes, rest if you are in food industry then it will be less of consultation.
11. What is your opinion about the RD exam? Is it necessary to qualify for this exam to practice as a dietician in India, or is it just one choice?
Just a choice not necessary.
12. Debunking Myths: Is this true?
You always eat healthily.
My eating habits depend heavily on keeping portions under control because you can not skip your favorite food merely to meet a goal. So the key is moderation.
You never skip your workout.
Yes, if some things come up that I am not able to manage, then I skip.
You have always maintained a healthy work-life balance.
Yes
Healthy meals can never be tasty.
False, this is a myth. People think eating healthy means salad and soups but being in this era you can even make pizza burgers healthy.
13. What kind of diet did you eat while you were growing up? You always used to eat well, right?
My diet was and still is a combination of largely home-cooked meals and occasionally cheat meals.
14. 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?
They ask me everything yes,
And I also try to make better choices this way, they automatically go for the same dishes without even asking as if they know if she is eating then it is good to be good and healthy.
15. Do you feel burned out when surrounded by patients or clients most of the time?
Sometimes when they don’t follow what is mentioned and then talk to us in a rude and negative way.
16. Would you suggest this career to someone else if their main goal is to make money in it?
NO, in my opinion this is not a well paying job or good with increments. And it is super difficult to make your own clients as they want our consultations on very minimal rate or sometimes even free.
17. With so many slimming products or supplements coming on the market or people opting for crash diets over a balanced diet, do you feel like your industry is becoming more commercialized?
Yes, but now that there is much more knowledge, people tend to back off when they hear about health issues.
18. What should one be aware of before entering this profession?
In India scope is there but it will take more time or years to build.
19. Lastly, what message would you like to give to future aspirants and the general audience?
My message would be: "Please trust only qualified dietitians, don't be afraid to ask about our qualifications and yes, we are here to help you." 🙂
(NutriScope/GS)
