Name: Ridhima Gupta
Academic Qualification: B.Sc Home Science with specialization in Food and Nutrition from Lady Irwin College, Delhi, India (Admission Batch: 2016)
M.Sc Foods and Nutrition from Amity Institute of Food Technology, Noida, India (Admission Batch: 2019)
Certified quality management systems professional training from BSI (British Standards Institution) in 2021
Member of IDA - Indian Dietetic Association
1. Why did you choose this profession?
I chose this subject because I enjoyed biology and always had a strong curiosity to learn more about food. I was also always creative with my culinary interests.
2. How can one become a dietician in India?
It is highly recommended to complete a B.Sc. degree followed by an M.Sc. degree to gain better experience in this field.
3. What training, knowledge, or abilities are required for this field?
- Knowledge about human physiology, diseases and disorders of the human body, food and nutrition, and food and human body responses.
- Skills like patience, communication, pursuing and influencing capabilities, and knowledge imparted with analytical thinking.
- Decision-making is required to deal with the patients.
4. What guidance would you provide a person thinking about this career?
Make sure you have good in-depth knowledge of the required subjects, analytical skills, and patience to gain experience.
5. What do you want people to understand right now about a dietitian's job?
People need to understand that it takes a lot of forbearance to get a hold of the field and that it should be valued and respected in all respects. A dietitian can change people's lives completely.
6. What is the most satisfying thing about your profession?
One of the most satisfying things about the profession is when you see your patients or clients change their habits and get the desired results. It provided a sense of achievement, motivation, and satisfaction in real life.
7. What does a regular work week look like in your profession?
It is usually 6 days of working, which includes guiding the patients or clients towards their health in terms of food and fitness. It may even include encouraging and motivating them to follow your instructions. And obviously, you need to cater to whatever queries they might have.
8. What part of your job is the most difficult?
I think every job has something challenging about it. In the field of dietetics, the most challenging part is making people understand that the journey of progress is different for every individual depending upon various factors, which can be explained to them as per their case.
9. We have heard that taking vacations during a patient-centered operation can be a little challenging. What are your views on it?
Yes, that is true. You are working in a health-based industry. You are working in close association and hand in hand with the doctors and people suffering from health conditions. Your little negligence may cause a person to experience bad health and what not!
10. Is consultation the only option available in this field, or are there other options?
There are many other options available in the field other than counseling. You may choose to do research and development, training, writing, cooking, or even open your own start-up.
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?
As per the recent changes in the rules, you may not be required to do RD to practice as a dietitian.
12. Debunking Myths: Is this true?
You always eat healthy.
Not really. I do cheat or eat unhealthy meals sometimes, though I maintain a balance between them.
You never skip your workout.
Although I occasionally skip physical activity, I am committed to avoiding extended breaks from it. I try to include at least some form of exercise in my daily routine to maintain consistency and promote a healthy lifestyle.
You are always well-maintained in your work and personal life.
Maintaining work and personal life is not always possible. You need to learn, unlearn, grow, and adapt to the ways of life to sustain yourself.
13. Healthy meals can never be tasty.
That is surely a myth. Healthy meals do taste good, and this is one of the things we dieticians do for you.
14. What kind of diet did you eat while you were growing up? You always used to eat well, right?
I remember my mother feeding me a healthy and nourishing diet, making sure it contained all the nutrients that are needed for the development of a growing child's body. I also remember eating junk, but now I realize how my mother used to maintain balance. She still does. Mothers are mothers anyway!
15. Do your friends and family members think you're comparing what they eat when you go out? Do they ask you for guidance or suggestions?
No. I do prefer keeping my professional and personal lives separate until and unless someone needs my support and guidance.
16. Do you feel burned out when surrounded by patients or clients most of the time?
Yes, sometimes it takes a lot to help them through difficult situations. I make sure that I take steps to keep myself in place in all respects.
17. Would you suggest this career to someone else if their main goal is to make money in it?
I would say they would have to be patient for that. With experience, they can make money. Freelancing or a startup is a good one to consider.
18. 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, the industry is definitely becoming more and more commercialized with time. There are various health-supporting products available in the market, which represent the increasing consciousness of people about their health.
19. What should one be aware of before entering this profession?
While competition exists in all fields, it is comparatively intense in this specific field. But the ones with good and complete qualifications hold a demand in the market.
20. Lastly, what message would you like to give future aspirants and the general audience?
EAT HEALTHY! LIVE WEALTHY!
(NutriScope/GS)
