Registered Dietitian Vs. Nutritionist: Understanding the difference - Featuring Dr. Kelsey Reeder, DCN, RD, CDN

GL: What is a common misconception people have about the nutrition industry? 
CR: The biggest misconception of the health and nutrition industry is that there is a “magic bullet” solution; when in reality, there is no one specific answer as nutrition requires an individualized approach. Other misconceptions exist amongst claims of certain foods. Somehow, we have gotten to a point where there is a belief that fruit is too high in sugar, coconut oil is superior, and would rather swallow a pill to get nutrients than eat food. The reality is, fruit is a healthy option that provides essential nutrients and sugar that our brain needs to function. Coconut oil is not the best choice of oil – it is actually high in saturated fat (the “bad fat”) and is comparable to lard. Most are shocked I am not a fan of general and frequent consumption of nutrition supplements. For some individuals, supplements are necessary and I would endorse the recommendation for a specific supplement. However, I prefer to take a “Food First” approach. Unless there is a physiological issue in absorption or a particular metabolic process, we should first try to increase a particular micronutrient by adding foods in that vitamin or mineral to our diet. For some nutrients, such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K, there are associated health consequences with taking excess amounts. This amount is difficult to reach from food alone, but without carefully considering supplement doses, along with an analysis of foods that are typically consumed, the excessive amount could be approached. For vitamins like B and C, we actually just excrete any excess through our urine – which is why sometimes people note that their urine is a different color when they take certain supplements! It is a sign that your body has enough to function. A great example of utilizing the “Food First” approach would be if someone came to me for help to improve his or her iron status, instead of starting by suggesting an iron supplement, I would provide interventions to see if increasing iron rich foods and foods with vitamin C (which assist with the absorption of iron), or maybe consuming these iron and vitamin C foods at a different time than foods rich in calcium (since calcium actually interferes with the absorption of iron). After a period of time adapting these changes, I’d look for indications of improvement in iron status and would make further adjustments accordingly.

GL: What is the difference between RD and nutritionist, what does a dietitian do?
CR: Registered dietitians (RD) are the food and nutrition experts. A RD utilizes evidenced based practices to provide individualized, medical nutrition therapy. All RDs are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The biggest differentiating factor is education. To become a dietitian, courses such as organic chemistry, pathophysiology, food science, medical nutrition therapy, and counseling must be taken; this is followed by a minimum of 1,000 supervised practice hours to permit eligibility to sit for the national board exam. Starting in 2024, a minimum of a Master’s degree will be required for exam eligibility.

GL: What is your area of interest in this field?
CR: My focus is in sports and performance nutrition. I grew up as a dancer and currently work as a group fitness instructor which helped develop my passion for this area of nutrition. I have an affinity to the philosophies of intuitive and mindful eating, as well as helping individuals improve their relationships with food, which actually ties to sports and performance nutrition. Many people might be unaware of this term “performance nutrition”, but it is similar to sports nutrition in that it looks to help individuals improve their performance. This would be appropriate for adults who participate in endurance events and are looking to help improve their times, individuals that frequently attend group fitness classes, or even those who are just starting out on a fitness routine. The populations that benefit from sports and performance nutrition guidance are, unfortunately, oftentimes the population that is being provided false nutrition information; which is all the more reason why I love working in this area.

GL: Many health professionals, such as yourself have recently discussed the “anti-diet” mentality, what does that mean? 

CR: I certainly have adapted an “anti-diet” mentality given that research continues to prove that diets are not effective in achieving weight loss and even indicate that dieting is associated with weight gain. My advice can simply be broken down to the fact that all foods fit! It’s interesting, we love to personify foods as being “good” or “bad,” but at the end of the day, it is just food. Food has no emotion, no personality, it’s just an item. Sure, some foods might have more added sugar, but if that food is a slice of cake to celebrate a birthday, it isn’t necessarily the healthiest decision for us to opt out on that piece of cake! That one small piece of
cake is not as unhealthy as depriving yourself from it. Not only are you diminishing the joy and the community aspect that is associated with this, but you are also not satisfying the craving and desire for that piece of cake – ultimately leading you to seek it out later.

GL: What are some popular healthy alternatives for common foods?
CR: Fortunately, there are some great products on the market! Rather than rattling a list of products, here are my three tips when looking to make a healthy choice:
1. Look to build a complete meal or snack – that means adding a carbohydrate, protein, with fruits and/or vegetables.
2. Look at the nutrition label rather than relying on the marketing to be your guide.
3. Ensure that you actually like the food! A food with great ingredients is only good if you enjoy it.

GL: Oftentimes, what advice do you have for people when trying to figure out the health industry and finding what works best for them?
CR: Marketing in the food industry can be misleading, with added misinformation from untrained individuals speaking on products and diets through various platforms – it is a recipe for failure. Instead of helping people create the body they want to see, I try to help people feel comfortable in their own skin and help them create a body that feels best for them! My advice would be to:

 Find joyful movement –exercise should be something that you look forward to doing! Now, this certainly may take time if it has been a while since starting with a fitness routine, or if you are seeking something new; however, this is a way for you to take time for yourself and celebrate what your body can do!
 Seek out advice from a registered dietitian! We are trained to be the food and nutrition experts and work to provide an individualized approach to help you achieve your goals.
 Don’t worry about the number on the scale. It is just a number and does not take into consideration your ratio of lean muscle mass to fat. That common adage, muscle weighs more than fat, has truth to it. Muscle is denser than fat so one pound of muscle is going to be more condensed than one pound of fat. Because of this, if you are starting a new fitness routine and are building muscle, you are actually going to start to see an increase in your weight first because you are building muscle. This number can also fluctuate day to day just based on water retention, so it isn’t always reliable.
 Reduce stress – stressing about the number on the scale or stressing about not losing weight as fast as you had hoped is just going to impede you on this journey. Give yourself time and remind yourself that going about this journey the correct way (i.e. without fad diets, medically unnecessary medications, etc.) will help provide the most long-term success. Think about it this way, the faster you lose the weight, the faster you are likely to gain it back. However, with making proper changes, the weight loss is likely to be a slower process, and you will see more sustainability.

As we enter "comfort food season," this can be a challenging time for many people; it is a high stress time with many seasonal treats that are readily available. The most general pieces of advice would be to find ways to manage stress and focus on nutrition by
addition.

1. Stress Management: During stressful periods, it is common that our relationships with food start to change. This might mean we start to seek food for comfort or our appetite is suppressed and we start to skip meals. Both of these changes disrupt our ability to listen to our hunger cues, eat intuitively, and make the choices that would support our bodies the best. To prevent disrupting our eating patterns, I recommend finding an activity that aids in stress reduction. This could incorporate joyful movement, breathing exercises, or listening to meditation clips on apps such as Calm.
2. Nutrition by Addition: Instead of feeling the need to restrict and not
allow yourself to enjoy the foods that are available during the holidays, ask yourself – what can I add to make this a more filling option? For instance, if you are craving that slice of pumpkin bread, allow yourself to have it, but consider pairing it with protein. This
addition will allow you to feel fuller for longer, help you satisfy your craving, and can potentially prevent you from “overdoing it” with the pumpkin bread!

Dr. Kelsey Reeder, DCN, RD, CDN holds a doctorate in clinical nutrition from Fairfield University and is a certified registered dietitian here in Connecticut.

Kelsey, known to many as Cece, works closely with clients to help achieve individual related goals pertaining to performance nutrition, improving relationships with food, and more!

Cece is currently the in-house dietitian at Club Sweat Westport. Scan the QR code to book your in-person or virtual appointment with her.

Registered dietitians (RD) are the food and nutrition experts. A RD utilizesevidenced based practices to provide individualized, medical nutritiontherapy. All RDs are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registereddietitians.

Your New Delectable Summer Salad - One local Doctorate Student in Clinical Nutrition shares her healthy salad recipe of the season

When building a salad, especially when looking to enjoy a salad as a meal, we want to ensure that we are providing our body with all of the necessary components of a meal. To build a salad, I like to first pick out my whole grain and protein source. In this salad, I’m combining my whole grain, buckwheat, with chickpeas to create a complete protein. I begin to think of what base and vegetables I can combine to provide an enjoyable texture and flavor to the salad. To top it off, I like to incorporate a dressing to make the salad more unique and serve as a source of healthy dietary fat.

Approximately 2-4 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 can chickpeas

- 1-2 tsp. garlic powder

- Black pepper to taste

- 1 cup buckwheat

- 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

- 2 tbsp. Garlic pesto

- 1 lemon

- 1 cucumber

- 1 tomato

- 1 carrot (shredded)

- 1 bunch of kale

- 1 bunch of Swiss chard

- 1 bunch of scallions

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 450º

2. Drain chickpeas and place on an aluminum foil-lined sheet pan

3. Lightly dress the chickpeas with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper to taste

4. Roast chickpeas in the oven for approximately 20 minutes

5. Start to cook buckwheat: boil 2 parts water to 1 part buckwheat; once water is boiling, add buckwheat to the pot. Cover the pot and let simmer for 20 minutes (or follow package directions)

6. Wash and prepare produce for salad (chop kale and Swiss chard for the base; slice cucumbers, tomatoes, and scallions; shred carrots)

*tip: massage kale with lemon juice overnight to make the kale less bitter

7. Prepare pesto lemon vinaigrette dressing: 1 part red wine vinegar to 2 parts pesto + lemon juice to taste

8. Combine ingredients in a large bowl, drizzle on the pesto lemon vinaigrette

9. Mix, serve, and enjoy!

Top Mistakes to Avoid on the Elliptical Machine

Using the elliptical machine is a fantastic way to engage in low-impact, high-intensity cardio workouts that benefit your cardiovascular health and overall fitness. However, like any exercise equipment, improper use can lead to ineffective workouts or even injuries. At Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively. Let's explore some common mistakes people make on the elliptical machine and how to correct them for a better workout experience.

Mistake #1: Slouching or Leaning on the Handles

Why it's a Problem: Leaning on the handles reduces the effectiveness of the workout by transferring weight off your legs. It also strains your back and shoulders.

Correction: Stand tall with a straight posture, engaging your core muscles. Lightly touch the handles for balance, but avoid leaning on them. Focus on using your legs to propel the machine.

Mistake #2: Using Incorrect Foot Positioning

Why it's a Problem: Placing your feet too far forward or backward on the pedals can lead to discomfort or strain on your knees and ankles.

Correction: Position your feet flat on the pedals, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed. Your knees should be slightly bent at all times during the motion.

Mistake #3: Not Using Enough Resistance

Why it's a Problem: Working out at a low resistance level limits the cardiovascular benefits and calorie burn of your workout.

Correction: Adjust the resistance level to challenge yourself without straining. Aim for a moderate level that allows you to maintain a steady pace while feeling a slight resistance.

Mistake #4: Holding Your Breath

Why it's a Problem: Holding your breath reduces oxygen flow to your muscles and can lead to dizziness or fatigue.

Correction: Breathe naturally throughout your workout. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm.

Mistake #5: Overstriding or Using Incorrect Motion

Why it's a Problem: Overstriding can strain your muscles and joints, particularly your hips and knees. Incorrect motion patterns can also lead to inefficient workouts.

Correction: Use a smooth, fluid motion with controlled strides. Avoid excessive swinging of your legs or jerky movements. Focus on a natural elliptical path that mimics walking or running.

Mistake #6: Not Paying Attention to Posture and Form

Why it's a Problem: Poor posture and form can lead to discomfort or injury over time, particularly in your lower back and joints.

Correction: Maintain a neutral spine and engage your core muscles throughout the workout. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid hunching forward.

Mistake #7: Skipping the Warm-Up or Cool-Down

Why it's a Problem: Skipping warm-up exercises can lead to muscle strain or injury. Skipping cool-down exercises can result in muscle soreness and stiffness.

Correction: Always start your workout with a 5-10 minute warm-up session to prepare your muscles and joints. End with a 5-10 minute cool-down session to gradually lower your heart rate and stretch your muscles.

Experience Safe and Effective Workouts at Club Sweat

At Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, our knowledgeable trainers are here to help you maximize your elliptical workouts. Visit our studio to learn proper techniques, receive personalized guidance, and enjoy a supportive environment that prioritizes your safety and fitness goals.

Stay Connected Anytime, Anywhere with Our Digital App

Can’t make it to our studio? Our Club Sweat digital app offers instructional videos, workout tips, and virtual classes to support your fitness journey from home or on the go. Stay connected with our community and access expert guidance wherever you are.

Join Us Today

Ready to achieve your fitness goals with effective elliptical workouts? Visit Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, and discover how to avoid common mistakes while using the elliptical machine. Download our app to start improving your workout technique and experiencing the benefits of safe and efficient exercise.

At Club Sweat, we’re committed to helping you exercise smarter and safer. Join our community and elevate your fitness journey with proper elliptical machine techniques!

Mental Health Benefits of Regular Exercise

In the bustling town of Westport, Connecticut, amidst the daily grind and hectic schedules, taking care of our mental well-being is as crucial as maintaining physical fitness. At Club Sweat, we believe in the transformative power of exercise not only for physical health but also for mental clarity and emotional balance. Let's delve into how consistent exercise routines can significantly improve mental well-being and reduce stress.

The Mind-Body Connection

1. Stress Reduction: Regular exercise is a natural stress reliever. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tension.

2. Improved Mood: Exercise has been shown to elevate mood and combat symptoms of depression. It promotes neural growth and reduces inflammation in the brain, contributing to a sense of well-being and positivity.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Physical activity boosts cognitive function and memory by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting the growth of new brain cells. This can lead to improved focus, sharper thinking, and better decision-making abilities.

4. Better Sleep Quality: Regular exercise can enhance sleep quality by regulating your sleep-wake cycle and promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. A well-rested mind is better equipped to handle daily challenges and maintain emotional balance.

The Psychological Benefits

1. Increased Self-Esteem: Achieving fitness goals and improving physical health through exercise can boost self-esteem and confidence. It provides a sense of accomplishment and empowers individuals to overcome obstacles both in and out of the gym.

2. Social Interaction: Participating in group exercise classes or joining fitness communities fosters social connections and reduces feelings of loneliness or isolation. Social support plays a vital role in maintaining mental well-being.

3. Stress Management: Engaging in physical activity offers a healthy outlet for managing stress. Whether it's through cardiovascular exercise, strength training, or mindful activities like yoga, exercise helps release pent-up energy and tension.

Making Exercise a Habit

1. Start Small: Begin with manageable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your fitness level improves.

2. Find Enjoyment: Choose activities that you enjoy and look forward to. Whether it's dancing, hiking, or cycling, finding pleasure in exercise makes it easier to maintain a consistent routine.

3. Incorporate Variety: Mix up your workouts to prevent boredom and target different muscle groups. Try incorporating aerobic exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, and mindfulness practices for a well-rounded approach.

Experience the Benefits at Club Sweat

At Club Sweat, we’re passionate about promoting holistic wellness through regular exercise. Our studio in Westport offers a variety of fitness classes and personalized training programs designed to enhance both physical fitness and mental health. Join our community and discover how exercise can transform your life, inside and out.

Stay Connected Anytime, Anywhere with Our Digital App

Can’t make it to our studio? Our Club Sweat digital app allows you to access our expertly guided workouts, mindfulness exercises, and wellness tips from the comfort of your home or on the go. Stay connected with our supportive community and prioritize your mental well-being wherever life takes you.

Join Us Today

Ready to prioritize your mental health with the power of exercise? Visit Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, and embark on a journey to a healthier mind and body. Download our app to start experiencing the mental health benefits of regular exercise today.

At Club Sweat, we’re committed to helping you achieve balance and well-being through fitness. Join our community and discover the profound impact of regular exercise on your mental health.

The Role of Music in High-Intensity Workouts

How Music Elevates Your Workout

Boosts Motivation and Energy: Upbeat music with a strong rhythm can elevate your mood and increase your motivation to exercise. It stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, making your workout more enjoyable and encouraging you to give it your all.

Improves Performance: Studies have shown that listening to music can enhance athletic performance by helping you maintain a consistent rhythm and pace during your workout. This is particularly beneficial for activities like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), where maintaining intensity is key.

Enhances Focus: Music acts as a powerful distraction from discomfort and fatigue, allowing you to stay focused on your movements and goals. It can improve concentration, making your workouts more efficient and effective.

Sets the Tone: The tempo and beat of music can influence your workout intensity. Faster tracks can push you during cardio sessions, while slower rhythms are perfect for warm-ups and cool-downs.

Reduces Perceived Effort: When you’re immersed in music, you may perceive your workout as less strenuous, enabling you to push yourself further and achieve better results.

Discover Our Playlist Experience

Curious about how music can enhance your workout? Visit the Home section of our website to get a taste of our specially curated playlists. Whether you’re at home, at the gym, or on the go, our playlists are designed to keep you motivated and energized throughout your fitness journey.

Experience Club Sweat with Music-Enhanced Workouts

At Club Sweat, we integrate the power of music into every aspect of your fitness experience. Our state-of-the-art studio in Westport features premium sound systems that deliver crisp, high-quality audio to complement your workouts. Join our vibrant community and enjoy the motivational benefits of music-enhanced training sessions.

Stay Fit Anytime, Anywhere with Our Digital App

Can’t make it to our studio? No problem! Our Club Sweat digital app brings the energy and expertise of our workouts directly to you. Access our curated playlists and expertly guided sessions from the comfort of your home or wherever your fitness journey takes you. With our app, you can experience the transformative power of music in your workouts anytime, anywhere.

Join Us Today

Ready to elevate your workout with the perfect playlist? Visit Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, and immerse yourself in a fitness environment where music fuels your performance. Don’t forget to download our app to access our playlists and enjoy the ultimate workout experience.

At Club Sweat, we’re committed to helping you achieve your fitness goals with innovative approaches and personalized guidance. Join our community and discover how music can amplify your high-intensity workouts!

Creating a Balanced Workout Routine Focused on the Elliptical Machine

At Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, we believe that a balanced workout routine is the key to achieving optimal fitness and overall well-being. By focusing on a combination of the elliptical machine, weights, and functional exercises, you can create a comprehensive fitness plan that enhances cardiovascular health, builds strength, and improves everyday movements. Here’s how you can structure your weekly fitness plan to make the most of your workouts.

The Core Components of a Balanced Workout Routine

1. Elliptical Machine Workouts

2. Strength Training with Weights

3. Functional Exercises

Structuring Your Weekly Plan

Monday: Cardiovascular Focus

• Warm-Up: 5 minutes of light cardio (e.g., brisk walking or gentle cycling)

• Elliptical Machine: 30-40 minutes of steady-state cardio at a moderate resistance level

• Cool-Down: 5 minutes of slow pedaling followed by static stretching

Tuesday: Strength Training with Weights

• Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching

• Strength Training:

• Squats with dumbbells (3 sets of 12 reps)

• Bench press or chest press (3 sets of 10 reps)

• Deadlifts (3 sets of 10 reps)

• Dumbbell rows (3 sets of 12 reps per side)

• Planks (3 sets of 1 minute)

• Cool-Down: 5 minutes of stretching focusing on the muscles worked

Wednesday: Functional Fitness

• Warm-Up: 5 minutes of light cardio

• Functional Exercises:

• Kettlebell swings (3 sets of 15 reps)

• Medicine ball slams (3 sets of 15 reps)

• Step-ups with dumbbells (3 sets of 12 reps per side)

• TRX rows (3 sets of 12 reps)

• Core exercises (Russian twists, leg raises)

• Cool-Down: 5 minutes of stretching

Thursday: Active Recovery

• Activity: Light yoga or a gentle walk

• Focus: Flexibility and mobility exercises to aid recovery

Friday: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on the Elliptical

• Warm-Up: 5 minutes of light pedaling

• HIIT Session:

• 1 minute of high resistance and high speed

• 2 minutes of low resistance and moderate speed

• Repeat for 20-30 minutes

• Cool-Down: 5 minutes of slow pedaling followed by stretching

Saturday: Total Body Strength and Functional Training

• Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching

• Circuit Training:

• Lunges with bicep curls (3 sets of 12 reps per side)

• Shoulder presses (3 sets of 12 reps)

• Kettlebell deadlifts (3 sets of 15 reps)

• TRX push-ups (3 sets of 10-12 reps)

• Core exercises (planks, mountain climbers)

• Cool-Down: 5 minutes of stretching

Sunday: Rest Day

• Focus: Allow your body to rest and recover

Experience Club Sweat in Westport

At Club Sweat, our expert coaches are here to guide you through creating and maintaining a balanced workout routine that fits your goals and lifestyle. Visit our Westport studio to experience our state-of-the-art equipment, personalized coaching, and supportive community.

Stay Fit Anytime, Anywhere with Our Digital App

Can’t make it to our Westport studio? No problem! The Club Sweat digital app brings our top-notch fitness expertise to you, wherever you are. Access a variety of classes, personalized programs, and all the benefits of our elliptical, strength, and functional training workouts remotely. Our app ensures you stay on track with your fitness journey, whether at home or on the go.

Join Us Today

Ready to create a balanced workout routine that delivers results? Visit Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, and let our team help you achieve your fitness goals. Don’t forget to download our app to continue your fitness journey with us wherever you are.

At Club Sweat, we’re committed to your success and well-being. Join us and discover the power of a balanced workout routine!

Benefits of Low-Impact, High-Intensity Workouts

At Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, we pride ourselves on offering fitness solutions that cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. One of the key approaches we emphasize is low-impact, high-intensity workouts. But what makes this method so effective, and why should you consider incorporating it into your fitness routine?

What Are Low-Impact, High-Intensity Workouts?

Low-impact workouts are exercises that minimize stress on your joints while still providing a challenging cardiovascular and strength-training experience. By focusing on movements that are gentle on the body, you can avoid common injuries associated with high-impact activities like running or jumping. However, when combined with high-intensity intervals, these workouts become powerful tools for achieving your fitness goals.

Advantages for Various Fitness Levels

1. Joint-Friendly: Whether you are new to fitness or have been working out for years, low-impact exercises like those on the elliptical machine, or using weights and functional exercises, provide a safer option. They help in maintaining the health of your joints, making it suitable for older adults, individuals recovering from injuries, or those with chronic pain.

2. Effective Calorie Burn: High-intensity intervals push your body to work harder in short bursts, increasing your heart rate and calorie burn. This combination ensures that even without high-impact movements, you can achieve significant results.

3. Improved Cardiovascular Health: By engaging in these workouts, you enhance your heart health without the excessive strain that can come from high-impact exercises. Consistent practice helps in lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular function.

4. Increased Strength and Endurance: Using weights and functional exercises within a low-impact, high-intensity framework helps build muscle and improve endurance. This balanced approach ensures comprehensive fitness development.

Experience It at Club Sweat

At Club Sweat, we have designed our studio and programs with your well-being in mind. Our experienced coaches will guide you through low-impact, high-intensity workouts that are tailored to your individual needs. Whether it's using our state-of-the-art elliptical machines or engaging in strength training and functional exercises, you’ll find a variety of options to keep your workouts fresh and effective.

Anytime, Anywhere with Club Sweat Digital App

Can’t make it to our Westport studio? No problem! Our digital app brings the expertise of Club Sweat coaches directly to you. Enjoy all the benefits of our low-impact, high-intensity workouts from the comfort of your home or on the go. With a wide range of classes and personalized programs, you can stay fit and healthy anytime, anywhere.

Join Us Today

Ready to experience the benefits of low-impact, high-intensity workouts? Visit Club Sweat in Westport, Connecticut, and let our team help you achieve your fitness goals. Don't forget to download our app to continue your journey with us wherever you are.

Embrace a healthier, stronger you with Club Sweat!