Meet the Dietitian: Raeesa Seedat

We spoke to Registered Dietitian, Raeesa Seedat, creative and passionate about the field of nutrition.

 

Why did you become a Registered Dietitian?

Being a Dietitian is like being the Terminator, except that you’re analysing food instead of potential threats (even though some may be treated as such). So you get to see each food with special vision and all the constituents are flagged.

 

What do you enjoy most about the work you do? What are the most satisfying moments?

I enjoy being involved in nutrition education and promotion. I am passionate about writing and communicating science and evidence into nutrition advice with tangible benefits to an audience. I also enjoy working with paediatric patients and mums who are very appreciative for managing various conditions in infancy and childhood.

 

What has been your career highlight?

I think I still have a long way to go to achieve all my career goals. For now the highlight would be graduating with my Masters of Science degree in Dietetics.

 

What are the most challenging aspects of your career?

It is sometimes a challenge to convince patients that even though they have been eating a certain way for a number of years the effect on one’s health is cumulative. The value of one’s health cannot be taken for granted and preventing disease is easier than treating it.

 

How do you cope after a day of nutrition disaster and bad eating choices?

Dietitians are mere mortals and we all enjoy a treat every now and again. However, I try not to let it get to a point where I am wallowing in guilt over what I have eaten. I try to balance the energy I have taken in with energy expended through physical activity.

 

What are the three things that you think people should stop saying when they meet a dietitian?

• I need a diet a plan
• Will eating this make me gain weight?
• How do I get shredded?

 

What should clients look out for when deciding which dietitian to work with?

It often narrows down to who you feel comfortable opening up to. Also, some Dietitians may have a special interest in specific areas such as food allergy or sports nutrition and if you require such expertise you can contact one of these Dietitians.

 

What is your favourite dish and your favourite treat food?

My favourite dish at present is homemade nachos (you can play around with healthier variations) and my favourite treat food is chocolate ice cream (yum!)