Every year on March 11, healthcare organizations across the country recognize Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, a time to celebrate the expertise and impact of dietitians who help patients improve their health through nutrition.

At Primary Care Partners, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Vanessa Carter works closely with patients to provide personalized, evidence-based nutrition guidance that supports long-term wellness. From improving energy levels to managing chronic conditions, her work helps patients make meaningful changes that support their overall health.

We spoke with Vanessa about what she enjoys most about her role, common nutrition myths she helps patients navigate, and simple habits anyone can start today.

Vanessa Carter, RDN

What do you enjoy most about working as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Primary Care Partners?

“The best part of my job is helping patients reach their goals—whatever those may be. Some people want to lose weight, improve GI symptoms, or have more energy. Others are focused on measurable health improvements like lowering their A1C or improving their cholesterol or blood pressure.

Every patient walks in with different priorities, and I love being able to support them along the way. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress they make and celebrate those wins with them, whether it’s a big milestone or a small change that helps them feel better.”

Why is working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist so valuable for overall health?

“Working with an RDN can make a difference in both overall health and quality of life. When people improve their eating habits, they often start to feel better physically, have more energy, and find it easier to stay active and prepare balanced meals.

RDNs provide personalized, patient-centered care with evidence-based guidance. Our goal is to help people build realistic, sustainable habits that support their long-term health.”

What are some common nutrition myths you encourage patients to rethink?

“One myth I hear frequently is that “fruit has too much sugar.” Many patients tell me they’ve been avoiding fruit because of it. While fruit does contain naturally occurring sugar, it also provides fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and water. The fiber helps slow digestion and prevents rapid blood sugar spikes.

Whole fruit can absolutely be part of a healthy diet, and regular fruit intake is associated with better heart health, improved digestion, and a lower risk of chronic disease. In fact, only about 1 in 10 Americans meets the recommended intake for fruit, so most people would benefit from eating more of it—not less.

Another common misconception is that people need to avoid gluten to be healthy, or that gluten-free products are automatically healthier. Unless someone has celiac disease or a medically diagnosed gluten sensitivity, there’s no evidence that avoiding gluten improves health. Whole grains that contain gluten can provide important nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, and iron.”

What are one or two simple nutrition habits people can start today?

“One simple habit is adding more fruits and vegetables to your day. Most people aren’t eating enough, so even adding one serving is a great place to start. It can be something small, like adding lettuce and tomato to a sandwich, having fruit with breakfast, or bringing raw veggies to work for a snack. I often encourage patients to focus on what they can add to their eating pattern rather than what they should eliminate.

Another helpful habit is slowing down while eating. Taking time to chew your food well and eat more mindfully gives your body time to recognize fullness. Many people find that when they slow down, they feel more satisfied and naturally improve portion control.”

Vanessa talks to students about healthy eating habits in the Primary Care Partners BREAKTHROUGHS class 

How is personalized nutrition guidance different from general advice online?

“There’s a lot of conflicting and confusing nutrition advice online, and it can feel like everyone on social media is suddenly a nutrition expert. Much of the information shared online is very one-size-fits-all.

Working with an RDN is different because the guidance is personalized. RDNs help translate nutrition science into practical strategies that fit into your real life. Personalized nutrition takes into account your lifestyle, schedule, health history, cultural preferences, and goals. A plan that works for a social media influencer may not work for someone balancing work, school, family responsibilities, or medical conditions.”

Are there any current nutrition trends you’re excited about—or cautious about?

“One exciting area getting a lot of attention right now is weight loss medications. These can be helpful tools for some individuals when used appropriately and alongside nutrition and lifestyle support. Nutrition counseling is still very important to help patients maintain muscle mass, meet their nutrient needs, and build sustainable eating habits while using these medications.

Another trend I’m more cautious about is the “protein in everything” movement—things like protein pastries, cookies, chips, and other snack foods. While protein is important, many of these products are still highly processed and can contain a lot of added sugar, sodium, or other additives.

Instead, I encourage people to focus on a variety of whole-food protein sources, such as beans, fish, eggs, yogurt, tofu, poultry, nuts, and seeds.

Nutrition trends will always come and go, but the fundamentals remain the same: eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.”

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists play a vital role in helping people make informed choices about their health. Through personalized care and evidence-based guidance, they empower patients to build sustainable habits that support lifelong wellness.

This Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, we’re proud to recognize the work of professionals like Vanessa Carter, whose dedication helps patients take meaningful steps toward healthier lives.

Interested in getting started with healthy habits or want to get back on track? Primary Care Partners offers the BREAKTHROUGHS class to our valued adult patients with a BMI of 30 or greater. Call Docs on Call at (970) 255-1576 to learn more and get started today!