The new year is bringing new opportunities for dietitians and nutrition professionals to enhance one’s career. Here are the latest Dietetic Career Trends in 2020. This list can help you decide if you would like to specialize in a particular area or learn more about certain subjects to grow your practice and expertise. - Sarah

1. Cannabis MNT: “Nearly 55 million adults in the United States report using cannabis,” according to an April 2019 article in Today’s Dietitian. Counseling clients with Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for people who use therapeutic cannabis is on the rise. More dietitians are learning how to help clients using cannabis and CBD in order to optimize the clients’ results and prevent any negative side effects from its use.
2. FODMAPS: With one in seven people suffering from IBS, low-FODMAP foods have become just as common to find as gluten-free foods. Companies can now get their products low-FODMAP certified. Understanding the low-FODMAP diet and how to counsel clients may be beneficial to accommodate the many people who follow this diet.
3. Cultural Awareness: Technology has made us a true melting pot where cultures are being celebrated and we can consume any type of food anywhere. Worldwide cuisines can be found in most countries and people are building more awareness regarding cultural sensitivities, customs, and norms. Take a look at some of the common diverse cultures in your area. Learn about them to better counsel your clients and increase your knowledge and understanding.
4. Brand Representation: Food companies continue to hire dietitians to promote their brand and provide key messaging to the public. Working with the media, conducting food demos, developing recipes, or acting as a spokesperson at trade shows and events are some of the opportunities available.
5. Media Influencer: Brands continue to use dietitian’s’ authority and expertise to collaborate with and share their marketing messages to the dietitian’s audiences through social media. Dietitians have the power to affect purchasing decisions through their influence and brands recognize this. Grow your social media platforms in order to become an influencer within your designated niche.
6. Plant-Based Proteins: Plant-based proteins are popular within the food industry. From assisting with the development of new and innovative plant-based protein products to discussing a plant-based diet with clients, dietitians can work in many plant-based areas whether it is product development, research, counseling, or public education.
7. Sustainability & Dietetics: Sustainability was on the 2019 list and remains on the 2020 list. People are still showing interest in learning where their food comes from, how their food affects the carbon footprint, the ethics behind the food development and its cultivation, and more. Understanding sustainable practices and how you can relay messages to the public is a topic to be aware of. And many dietitians are partnering with farmers to help share the food-growing process.
8. Microbiome & Gut Health: With more and more research emerging regarding the microbiome and its effect on gut health, dietitians have the opportunity to provide their clients with the latest evidence-based education and tips to optimize one’s gut health. Learn how fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, and complex carbs can affect one’s gut and incorporate this into your existing dietetic practice.
9. Intuitive Eating: Intuitive eating remains very popular. The concept of intuitive eating is to reject the diet mentality and focus on intuitive eating by understanding one’s natural hunger cues. There are courses to take to gain a better understanding of how to incorporate intuitive eating counseling into one’s nutrition practice in clinical areas, community settings, and private practice locations.
10. Functional Foods for Disease Prevention: Consumers are interested in learning about the latest foods to improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent the effects of aging, and more. Pick an area of expertise and get the lowdown on various foods to enhance one’s health and wellness. Become the expert in that particular area.
11. Long Term Care and Nursing Facility Dietitians: As the baby boomer generation ages, more and more people are entering into long term care and nursing facilities. These jobs are good for seasoned professionals and dietitians just entering the workforce.

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Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of MIJA, a superfood supplement company, and Haumea Health, a fertility wellness clinic. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.