Best nutritionists in America

October 1, 11:17 AMNutrition ExaminerAnnie Kay

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Source: www.usda.gov

There are excellent nutritionists in every town and city in America.

The best nutritionists inspire lifestyle change and know the science. But a few nutritionists have distinguished themselves by being not only leaders in the field, but by translating the complexities of sound nutrition in ways that inspire millions to achieve healthier lifestyles.

First, what is a nutritionist?

Nutritionist is a general term for someone who provides nutrition information, advice and education. Physicians (MD), Doctors of Philosophy (PhD), Osteopathic Physicians (DO), and Naturopathic Physicians (ND), as well as Registered Dietitians (RD) and Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) may offer nutrition services.  The training, experience, perspective and abilities of these different nutrition professionals are highly varied. Training can range from a weekend course to 8 years or more of study and supervised practice. Before working with a nutritionist, have a clear idea of their professional background and training. Most quality nutritionists have a least a BS in science. Many states now license nutritionists, which aims to ensure a basic level of training and ongoing continuing education.

What makes these nutritionists the best?

The best nutritionists in America are each professionals who have illuminated the science on what to eat to be your best in today’s toxic nutrition environment. They have added to and elevated the national discussion. The information each of these experts provide is accessible through their books, articles, websites, shows, or other media. It’s always a challenge to determine who makes the final cut - there are many more excellent and inspiring nutritionists than can be included. But, this is a blue ribbon list and together their books and ideas make a comprehensive and thoughtful nutrition library.

And now (drum roll, please…) The Best Nutritionists in America, in no particular order:

• Michael Pollan 

"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

Botanist Michael Pollan’s books are a great read, and present a sane, non-dogmatic approach to clean and balanced eating. He is a strong advocate of whole food: avoiding the highly processed food-like substances that make up much of the Western diet.

Pollen is the author of In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, named one of the ten best books of 2006 by the New York Times and the Washington Post. Pollan is a contributing writer to the New York Times Magazine and is a Knight Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley.

• Mark Hyman and Kathie Swift
  

Functional Physician Mark Hyman and Dietitian Kathie Swift point the way to a clean, whole foods diet that minimizes inflammation (a major culprit in many chronic diseases and in weight gain), and optimizes metabolism. A variety of books and websites offer several ways of incorporating the information into your life.  To follow their book Ultrametabolism's recommendations, you’ll need to clear your pantry, fridge and freezer of junk foods and those containing sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, refined grains, alcohol and caffeine. Yep, we’re talking clean!

You’ll replace those foods with healthy alternatives, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other unprocessed foods, lean proteins and all of if organic when possible.

There are no limits on calories or portions, and Hyman dismisses the notions of willpower, portion control, and swings in blood sugar or hormones. He feels that if you choose the right foods (and supplements) you will naturally eat the right amount for you and reach and maintain a healthy weight.

This approach to eating is exciting in that it’s an intelligent iteration of cutting edge nutritional science. There are a few drawbacks, including the ‘optional’ recommendations for physical activity (there’s a mountain of evidence supporting regular physical activity for long-term health), the inclusion of a list of supplements that appear essential to the success of the program (supplements can be expensive and difficult to ascertain long term benefits), and the lack of any guidelines on portions or calories (overeaters can use a few sensible limits to begin). The eating recommendation, however, are worth a try. Take what works and leave the rest.

• Andrew Weil 
  

Physician Andrew Weil has been a leader of a natural approach to health for decades. His books include:

• Eating Well For Optimum Health
• Eight Weeks to Optimum Health
• Health and Healing: The Philosophy of Integrative Medicine and Optimum Health
• Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being
• The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a Better Body, Life, and Spirit
• Natural Health, Natural Medicine
  

Weil offers a common-sense, science based eating style featuring fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and spices. He does recommend a variety of supplements (and sells them) which may or may not be necessary for lifelong health. You can find tons of resources, products and support on his website.

• Arthur Agatston
  

CardiologistArthurAgatston'sSouthBeach Diet makes eating lower carb both healthy and delicious. He’s written a number of diet and cookbooks, and his recommendations have evolved along with the shifts in scientific nutrition consensus. For example, he’s incorporating the science of healthier fats and healthier carbohydrates, and includes more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains than other low carb eating plans. You’ll find loads of recipes, books and support with counselors. Much of the information is free or you can purchase books, products and support on the South Beach Diet website.

• Jane Brody

Journalist Jane Brody has been the New York Times’ Personal Health columnist since 1976, and was an early voice for moderation, variety and daily physical activity. She has written ten books including the best-sellers Jane Brody's Nutrition Book and Jane Brody's Good Food Book. Her newest work, Jane Brody's Guide to the Great Beyond: A Practical Primer for Preparing for the End of Life, is scheduled for publication in early 2009.

• Roger Gould
  

Psychiatrist Roger Gould is an expert on emotional eating, and online health programs. His book Shrink Yourself is a comprehensive yet accessible journey into the issue of overeating and weight. If you know what you should be eating to sustain health, but just can’t make the right choices consistently, check out Shrink Yourself. In addition to the book, Gould has a comprehensive website with support and a subscription program.

Happy reading and happy healthy eating.