Do credentials matter?
Hi friends <3 How’s it going? Hope you’re having a great night <3
I loved reading about your morning rituals! For those of you who asked, here’s what today’s to-do list looked like:
[I just bought a new notebook and left it in the car, so today was on a scrap piece of paper]
It’s funny because as much as I use technology in everyday life, I can’t get on board with electronic to-do lists. Paper works for me! I can see it all the time and it’s a great constant reminder of what I need to do. I use my iPhone calendar for appointments and that’s as fancy as it gets over here 😉
Some eats!
Lunch was a beastly salad with:
-mixed greens
-organic raspberries
-goat gouda
-balsamic dressing
-sea salt and pepper
egg puff on brown rice bread + nutritional yeast
During my lunch break was a little cray cray, since I had to shower after Zumba, eat lunch, and prep dinner so I could have a little more down time tonight.
It was totally worth it and now the Pilot’s enchiladas went from fridge to oven, all I have to do is put a couple of last-minute things together and dinner will be served 🙂
Here’s the reason for the lack of Fashion posts this week:
It’s been a little less-than-fashionable over here 😉
Afternoon snack with a goat’s milk yogurt with half a Larabar crumbled into it:
So something I thought might be interesting to talk about tonight is the importance of credentials.
When I was writing my first book proposal –I’ve written three, all different- the major point of resistance I faced was the fact that I’m not considered an “expert.” There are thousands of people out there who can get a nutrition or personal training certification, but that doesn’t make them an expert by any means. So while I did hold a few certifications, the publishers I spoke with wanted to see me as a Registered Dietician or Exercise Physiologist before allowing me to write a book on healthy living.
At the time, I was kind of let down (and also once-again doubting the reason why I earned a degree in Finance), but now I totally see the point.
And I have similar feelings when I read websites.
I read a lot of websites, many of which include fitness and nutrition information. Many of the people who write them have no certification whatsoever in the fields they’re discussing. Sometimes the information is dead-on, because it was well-researched or something that works for them in everyday life, but some of it is absolutely incorrect. This worries me because unlike a website about fashion or home decor (which really isn’t inherently affecting the internal functioning of one’s body), fitness and nutrition advice affects our health. And following poor advice can affect it adversely.
The thing is, any joker can get a personal trainer cert and use the certification irresponsibly. Remember studying for a test in High School to almost immediately forget the information you were tested on as soon as the test was over? Well, that happens in the fitness world (an possibly many other fields) all the time. To me, a certification is important, but not the end-all-be-all. It says that the person is dedicated enough to study required information, pay a hefty amount of money (financial attachment to things like this can sometimes make them feel more meaningful), and participate in continuing education.
Obviously, it’s up to the readers of these websites to use their best judgment with how they want these things to influence them, and also to do their own research.
But,
how important are credentials to you?
Is it something you consider, or do you take what you read with a grain of sea salt?
I’m excited to hear your thoughts <3
Have a great night!
xoxo
Gina
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They are not important to me when reading blogs because I know blogs are mainly about individual lifestyles and not expert advice. Even expert advice doesn’t mean the correct way all the time either.
“Even expert advice doesn’t mean the correct way all the time either”
SO true. and important to keep in mind. I would say credentials are important to me to a certain extent, but even those with credentials (impressive ones) have to prove themselves before I will consider any of their advice sound. Being in the medical profession myself, I have seen FAR too many examples of bad advice being given out by highly educated, highly qualified, and highly credentialed people. Obviously this is not always the case, and there are many credentialed professionals whose advice and recommendations are fantastic, but people/patients/consumers should never assume that credentials = good advice. Sadly it’s not always the case.
if they’re training me? really important. Giving me a recipe? not as much. I’m a nurse, so I see the good, the bad, and the ugly of the certified all the time.
Honestly, I don’t read blogs for fitness routines, I read them to learn new recipes/food ideas, learn about music, fashion, and any other new stuff and just for fun, especially if the writer is riveting or has an interesting catch to get my to come back.
Sometimes I’ll skim over the fitness “tips,” etc but I don’t use too many of them
I take everything with a grain of salt because everyone is out for themselves and you never know the whole story. Best you can do is go on your own experience and listen to others for options to consider.
It depends on the website. If it’s just someone’s personal blog, I take everything with a grain of salt. But if it’s a website that is specifically about fitness advice, then I think the person should have some sort of cert or at the very least, show some research to backup their claims. Personally, I like the blogs that talk about the persons personal fitness journey and how they got there. It’s great inspiration.
I read blogs because they are basically “reality tv” to me but because I have to read it’s not trashy 😀 No, I actually really enjoy seeing others’ views on fitness, health and food. I’ve learned about a lot of new eats from a lot of bloggers. However, if they’re not an expert in what they’re discussing most def will I take it with a grain of salt. Someone spoke about the responsibility of bloggers not to “push” their advice on their readers but at the same time I think the reader should be using their common sense.
I totally agree!
For $75 I requested a healthy, well balanced diet plan from a personal trainer AFTER having filled her in on my history with caloric restriction and binging.
What does she give me?
A 1000 calorie diet plan comprised of protein, leafy greens, and berries. Oh, but don’t worry. I’m allowed to have 1 cheat day/week where I gorge myself.
Money well spent. Not!
omg. wow
Are credentials important? Sometimes, but it isn’t everything. For example, I don’t go to an M.D. for medical appts anymore, I go to a nurse practioner. Why, because I find she is a lot more thorough, and has some great advice. When I go to my MD., it is a rush appt., and I feel he really doesn’t do much for me. I guess, it depends on what the issue is. But, I put a lot of emphasis on experience in the field, referrals and does the person reflect their beliefs (such as trainer who is in great shape & healthy).
I really enjoy your blog, and have learned so much. Love your food/recipes ideas. I just can’t get into the seaweed thing though.
yay! As an NP myself, this makes me so happy 🙂
haha you either love it or you hate it 🙂
I know when I was looking for a personal trainer, I did want someone who at least took some sort of course and also from my researching online, I was able to as a lot of questions before I chose one. When I read blog’s it isn’t as big of a deal for me, as I know its a personal experience type thing.
Reading a book about living a healthy lifestyle, I don’t really think you need as many credentials if you have the experience behind it. But this also depends on the type of information you are sharing.
P.S I’d purchase a book written by you, ever since I found your blog i have really enjoyed your writing technique.
thanks, destini 🙂
xox
Generally the blogs Ive chosen to invest my time in are ones which I have spent time reading and thinking about. I trust a lot of what is said because they aren’t making large claims and a lot of it is easily verifiable or made clear it is opinion. When a blog has a more controversial post in it I will sometimes research what is being said and then form an opinion.
These days it’s less about credentials and more about experience, personality and personal relationships with others. That wil go way further than some letters after your name, for sure!
Publish your book on your own. Not sure what your readership is on your blog, but you already have an audience there that want to hear what you have to say and that’s marketing. If its a big publishing house you could do your first book on your own as experience and take that in with you for the next book. You could always go the path of earning more credentials, but you could also just bypass the publisher and make your own book.
thanks a great tip- thank you!
I couldn’t agree more on the paper planners. I still use a paper planner and absolutely love it!
Credentials are very important. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. I could! But I am definitely not qualified but there would be no legal ramifications if I wanted to open up my own nutrition consulting business. It’s not right.
I have mixed feelings on this. On the one hand, even if someone claims their name is XYZ and they have a degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition & Dietetics, how do we know it’s true?
And then on the other hand, you have people like Tracy Anderson who have ‘credentials’ but who don’t know what they’re talking about (I’m sorry, training only your small muscle groups will just lead to strength imbalances — and besides, women lack the testosterone to “bulk up” unless they are on steroids OR have rare hormonal imbalances).
TA is a nutcase. haha
I agree, somewhat, I believe that credentials are important, but don’t we all read healthy living blogs to see what is working for others and get instant ideas about fitness and nutrition without the cost of an RD or Doc or personal trainer? But, of course, I understand the importance of talking with professionals for specific dietary or fitness needs.
When it comes to personal training or teaching for the masses in a group fitness class, I think it is extremely important to have credentials. As a group X instructor myself, I feel more capable to teach because I have had hours and hours of training. Too often, I will take a group X class and it is obvious that the instructor has little to no training, and I am uneasy since other participants don’t notice this. Other times, I take a class with someone who has many years of experience and know what they are doing.
All in all, it is important to be credible with knowledge no matter how you have gained it, whether it is from school or experience.
I think experience matters more to me than credentials. You learn so much more by doing things than by just studying. That isn’t always the case, for for the most part, experience matters more. When it comes to blogs, I generally take things with a grain of salt. I may not agree with everything someone is preaching, but I’ll still read if I genuinely enjoy that blogger’s writing style.
I love how your breakdown your meal plans by macronutrients. I try to consider this throughout the day but it makes much more sense when you look at it on paper. Thanks!
Turning it around the other way, what gives the publisher the credentials to validate your work?
Why not just self-publish somewhere like lulu.com? I have purchased books in the past from that site written by podcasters and bloggers that I trust. (If you do self publish, please pick a company that is Canadian shipping friendly 😀 )
i will! 🙂 thank you for giving me that website- i hadn’t heard of it
I once saw a personal trainer who literally laughed at me and called me ‘retarded’ for being a vegetarian and said that I could only be healthy if I started eating meat again. REALLY? I didn’t go back for another appointment w/ him. But with that, I agree– credentials are nice to see, but it depends on if they are being taken advantage of or not. On blogs, I love reading about the personal experiences, but it’s also interesting to read those that are backed professionally. I am looking into some nutrition certifications while I’m in undergrad (7 year grad plan whaaat! haha) before I embark on RD school. I know that not all people will put a value to the certs but I plan on using the schooling to bulk up my knowledge and work my way towards a job I love – and hopefully people will see that I’m not just getting certs for the paper to show for it! 🙂
I pretty much agree with what everyone’s said so far… Blogs are fun for me to read, but I don’t necessarily go to them for serious advice on nutrition and exercise. I just figure I’m learning about different techniques that may have worked for different people.
However, once someone has a television show or writes a book, I expect a certain level of expertise and education to back what that person has to say. Also, when I hired a personal trainer for myself, I went with the guy that I knew had years of training experience and was in charge of training other trainers. To me, seeing his work product (if you can call fit people that!) was more important that whatever few hundred dollar certification he might have had.
On another note, I’m totally jealous the pilot has enchiladas waiting for him! <3
For me, it definitely depends on the context. For recipe ideas, I am loving your blog lately–really fun! because of course, I can pick and choose what I like.
For fitness training, I definitely go with the certified teachers (I do yoga and Pilates), because I know that my teachers have gone through extensive training. I could be a little biased, though, because I am in my first week of a year-long Pilates teacher training program–the same one most of my teachers went through! And it is no joke, I can tell you… It’s a 950-hour program, and you have to already have a strong practice and a ton of background knowledge to get into the program.
I generally don’t really look for credentials. What I DO do though is generally research any idea/diet/workout/etc that I hear about to see what the consensus is. The internet is great in that while it can have a lot of BS on it, if you know what you are looking for and take the time to really look hard, you can usually unearth the crap from reality.
Credentials does not necessarily equal expertise. Furthermore, there are many ways/styles to get to a goal (e.g. a kick-ass Jilian Michaels style or a more frenetic Tracy Anderson style etc.), and I think it is really important to know your own style and find someone with a similar style. Also, just because someone got a nutritionist or personal trainer certification it does not mean they don’t have some problems themselves, which can transfer into their ‘advice’….. So, I go with the person, their style, their honesty and if it rings true, certification or not.
You definitely ring true to me, although I’ll never be such an exercise bunny like you!
Question about your macros on your meal list – do you have a goal in mind for the day (say 5 proteins, 4 carbs & 3 fats) or do you just track it as you go to keep a record?
i do have a goal in mind for the day
Do you kind of plan out your eats for the day on the to-do list too? Could you tell a little about how you do that?
yep! it’s a method i’ve been keeping under wraps for a *rainy day* 😉
Jillian is like the face of fitness in America and she has virtually no credentials. Not that I respect her, just an aside.
In a book or hired professional, I need credentials. Blogs, no. I don’t have a lot of respect for the fitness industry certification credentials anyway. A degree, moreso.
Yes, credentials are important. If they aren’t, why am I spending thousands of dollars and years of my life going back to school for a degree in nutrition/ to be an RD instead of just a cheap, quick online “nutrition certification course”?
I understand that some people are jaded because even someone with the credentials of being a MD can rush through a consultation with them and give them impressions of not listening/ really caring what’s going on. In that case, you need to stand up for yourself and find a better doctor to suit your needs and wants. In a similar sense, I think reader responsibility is really important with blogs. You need to know what you want out of reading blogs – are you just vegging out? Wanting to be inspired by other “normal” people? Want new dinner ideas? That’s fine. But if you are reading blogs with the intent of getting nutrition and fitness advice, you need to be careful. I still have plenty of education left in my nutrition degree, and already, information I’ve learned in basic nutrition courses is being inaccurately portrayed by bloggers who have large followings, but just honestly don’t know any better. It frustrates me and annoys me – not to be rude or blunt, but sometimes it seems like people are making a living off of blogging and they don’t even know what they’re talking about (G, I’m NOT talking about you!). More importantly, though, it scares me – how many people have received bad nutrition or fitness advice from blogs, and they don’t even know it?
A person with credentials can be full of crap, while a person without credentials can be totally legit- and vice versa. At the end of the day you can pick some textbooks and study them and become an expert without credentials (Good Will Hunting anyone?!), BUT studying with experts in the field and earning a certification offers a lot of advantages!
Great, thought-provoking post, Gina. Not so long ago I picked up a book on treating hashimoto thyroiditis through diet, exercise, and supplements. I devoured a few chapters and noticed that some of the information was inconsistent from what I had read before. Then, I looked for the author’s biography and realized that his “expertise” was derived from having hashimoto thyroiditis, doing research, and figuring out what worked best for him. With this perspective, I continued to read the book and, actually, found it to be very insightful, albeit sprinkled with outdated information and positions that lack any scientific basis.
Jump back ten years ago when I went to a nutritionist for stomach problems. She put me on a gluten-free diet which has stuck and helps so much with tummy troubles. However, she also recommended a daily buffet of supplements (10+) that was too much to fit into my busy teenage lifestyle, made me queesy, and was straight-up scary (bovine growth hormone?!?!?!).
The take-away from both the non-expert author and educated nutritionist was exactly the same: Take it all with a grain of salt and your body is the biggest expert of all, so listen to it. Giving health-related advice, imparts a very big responsibility and I greatly appreciate the blogs, especially yours, that make this message clear.
When it comes to reading my favorite fitness blogs, I guess I’d say that I take it with a grain of sea salt. 😉 So in that sense, no, I don’t need credentials.
If I were paying someone, I guess maybe…but then again, like you said, who’s to say that makes them any “better” than the next person. Now you’ve really got me thinking, Gina!
Sigh- Like many professions in this world, publishers are overworked and underpaid (note– i am NOT a publisher or associated with one). Honestly, I think that they look at submissions and try to find a reason to say “no.” I want my personal trainer to have some sort of cert, but when it comes to blogs, etc, I read at my own risk. You should self publish or maybe publish via the web (I’ve seen some cookbooks that have done this).
thanks for the tip – it’s definitely something i’ve considered
Credentials are important, to a point. I wouldn’t take medical advice from anyone without a degree, but I will listen to suggestions and run it by medical professionals I trust, with “trust” being a keyword. I’ve met a lot of doctors who don’t know one end from the other and it drives me crazy.
As far as fitness, I’m both lucky and cursed. I come from a family of bodybuilders, personal trainers, and now an exercise physiologist. I have all this advice at my disposal. Problem is, my family has an overblown opinion of my abilities and current knowledge and tend to leave out important details. Case and point: I JUST learned about macro-nutrients.
So, credentials are important, but I think taking into account the individual’s experience level is also very important.
Hmmmm this is definitely interesting! I never really thought about this before. But I think you’re right…most of the stuff people put out there really is there own opinion and thats why I always think thats it best to do what feels right for you and always consult a dr if you’re making major life changes. Because seriously people say what they believe and just because it works for them doesn’t mean its gonna work for you. SO I guess I am a “take it with a grain of salt” kind of girl!
That is the main reason why I read blog and blog myself as well. I get to know who I am reading and interacting, vs an author who has all the credentials in the world and just wrote a book. So blah.
also proven reliability is important – like for example your blog consistently gives out good information so while you obviously don’t like all your readers who comment and don’t usually respond to my queries on your posts further, I get the gist of the kernel of info and do the rest myself. SO that says a lot – that even in the face dislike personally – professionalism/information reigns
I love and appreciate all of my readers including you. I’m not sure why you’re upset with me, but I care about you and was sure to let you know that when you sent me an alarming email.
a lot is communicated in the tone of responses or lack of any response – especially when compared to your tone when not communicating directly with me. It’s not a big deal, I just don’t like when then people throw around the word love and caring when it’s really just a level of integrity and professionalism. You mostly respond to my communications when it presents a liability. I think I only am writing about it now because I still so loyally read even when I know that personally you dislike me.
Regarding my email awhile back- my feelings remain the same – just a matter of how one controls sharing them. I certainly won’t be perpetuating life on this planet!
I like healthy living blogs because they give you a sense of works…in real life. That is so crucial to me. When you read articles from nutritionists or in magazines, they sometimes feel unrealistic. When I read an article about a nutritionist who talks about working out first thing in the morning and then spending half an hour for her lunch break taking a walk, I get kind of frustrated. I’m at work at 8 am, and I cant get a full workout in I leave at 7:30. And I barely have time to eat at lunch, let alone take a walk. (Plus, when its 85* outside, if I get my heart rate up, I’d be coming back to work sweaty and gross.)
As a social work, I spend a lot of time with the families I work with talking about what works within their lives. How can we apply this to you and your situations. Magazines and articles don’t do that. Blogs describes real life. So yeah, I take everything with a grain of salt. But I find blogs very useful.
Also, I’ve never looked up anyone to see if their credentials are real or what it took to get those credentials. I don’t pay too much attention to them.
I would have to agree with most people. Of course I’ll go to the doctor before I do anything drastic. But will I used the workouts you post? Of course. Will I make some of your recipes? I plan on it. I think common sense goes a long way with things too. If you told me to eat only green food, I obviously wouldn’t do it.
Gah, credentials. Really in the blog word this doesn’t concern me much, very few bloggers I’ve come across are pretending to be something they are not. Most clearly state they are not experts and are just sharing their own personal workouts and recipes. If they are experts then great, but even those I take with a grain of salt as I hope everyone does.
What really bothers me is those with lack of credentials in the fitness industry. One of my biggest pet peeves is that Zumba doesn’t require that their instructors be certified fitness professional before obtaining a license to teach Zumba. Go to the 8 hour workshop and leave with a license to teach. That is just scary. No anatomy or physiology training, nothing.
There is a Zumba instructor in my area who has no fitness certifications of any sort, no insurance, and doesn’t even do any pre-screening of participants. She charges twice as much as I do and actively seeks to provide her clients with fitness and nutritional advise. What scares me even more is the advise she gives them is straight out of the mouth of Jillian Michaels most of the time.
Okay, I’m done…
that frustrates me too. i definitely think zumba should require at least a group fitness cert to get the license
I really think that anyone should be able to take the training, but if you don’t have the group fitness cert you get a certificate of completion, and those with the cert get the license. Of course they’ll never do that because then they wouldn’t have nearly as many instructors.
This is such a good questions! And one that sometimes feels like it rules my life…I’m getting my master’s in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, which I’m totally stoked about. BUT, (this happened earlier today) people are always really interested in the program, yet concerned about job opportunities (health promotion programs are often the first to lose funding). 🙁 Even though I knew I needed to get the degree to get the job, I ALSO had to get the loans. Ah well. Dreams, right? We just gotta follow ’em (-:
I would compliment you on the way you do dispense advise – noting that you are not an “expert” but expressing what works for YOU. I think you have done an excellent job of not getting “ahead” of yourself.
With that, what you share has been really good, bravo :-).
I concur on your frustration, I have seen highly qualified folks offer terrible advice…..there is an old adage that those that can’t do…TEACH. Forgive me for that but therein lies some truth….
You may not find a publisher, so be it, you’ll find your niche.
For what its worth, I’m older than you and have those credentials, biochemist, nutrition, dietitian & I do a great deal of endurance activities (high alt mountaineering among others).
I read you blog all the time, its upbeat, real, fun, and you come across as a generous spirit. Your information strikes me as generally sound (that’s a compliment as I don’t have some details).
Keep it up! 🙂 And for what it is worth, keep up your routine and the bonus will be how you feel as you age, I’m well into my 40’s 😉 and I feel amazing, I honestly didn’t think it would be like this at my age.
Best, Kira
P.S. If I offer anything, don’t waste your $ on the alcohol milk testers….but hey, in the end, do what gives you peace of mind.
thank you!
I’m totally with you about the paper to-do lists! I love technology but there’s nothing more satisfying than writing out what you want to get done and checking things off as you complete them!
Raspberries in salad are one of my favorite combinations…YUM!
i think it was my first time trying it- i was a fan 🙂
If I’m going to a Dr/specialist then yes. When it comes to blogs I don’t care about credentials. I do however get irritated by people that don’t have any and come across as preachy. I stop reading. Even when it comes to “expert” opinions on health and nutrition the experts often disagree with one another and their information can contradict each other, books, shows etc. I love to read what works for different people for food/nutrition, recipes, exercise, motivation and take from it what I think would agree with me. Your blog is one I read every day. I’ve learned alot about fitness, and I’ve tried many of your dishes, and they have never failed me. You may not be considered a health “expert” to some on paper, but anyone who reads knows you know your info, and that you have great info to share. I’ve learned lots from your blog! I love that you keep everything REAL 🙂
Very good question!
For recipes on blogs, etc… No, I don’t think credentials are important. But as a personal trainer myself I think PT credentials are VERY important. That doesn’t mean that someone without them can’t be knowledgeable or qualified to train people — however, when your personal trainer has a certification you are guaranteed a certain level of knowledgeably. Having said that, it’s also important to know the difference between the different certifications and how they can be obtained — Some you can get online!! While others (like the one I studied for) take over a year to get, and involve a really intensive test as well as a practical test in an actual gym.
So, I would say that while having a cert doesn’t mean you’re necessarily qualified, NOT having one would be a red flag to me…
Again, great question! I love your blog!!
credentials are important to me. i do have a bachelor’s, mph, and recently an md and i’m pretty proud of my achievements. especially with the sketchy economy, having those letters after one’s name will help out in the end compared to those who do the same thing you do and not having any letters. when i have a family, i want to make sure i can provide without difficulty. i think it’s important to know what an individual is talking about esp about medicine, nutrition and health. i read blogs bc i like to see people’s life experiences and what works for them. for instance, when i don’t feel like working out, and bloggers write about their what exercise they did that day, i’m more keen on excercising and feel inspired. like your blog 🙂
Credentials are very very important to me. And I believe they certainly do matter in the case of our health and well being! What do you think of the online programs? Like integrative nutrition?? I’m not completely sold on it…I’d rather someone go to an actual school and study for many years to be a nutritionist, but again, that is my own personal preference.
Credentials aren’t important to me at all. That just means they went to school and/or has had training. Experience is very important to me though!
Do you ever use chia seeds?? I’ve seen another blogger using them, but have never heard of them…I did a quick Google search and they sound pretty amazing.
yep i’ll have them a couple of times a week- they’re amazing 🙂
I think credentials do matter, but people have to understand what those letters behind someone’s name mean. In Canada, and I’m sure the US, you can become a personal trainer either by doing a 4 year university degree or a continuing studies certificate type program. The university degree is amazing (which I’m not doing) but most students have no clue how to put together a program for a client or how to teach exercise. This is what you learn in the certificate program, but you don’t get a lot of the indepth information.
I chose the certificate route because I really want to train people (and already have a 4 year degree in something else)…but I know a lot of people won’t trust me to train them because I don’t have the “kin” letters behind my name…it’s frustrating 🙁
I think I care more for passion that credentials. I mean, credentials are usually one of the first things you know about someone if you’re seeking help with something (i.e. they’re “certified” or a “registered dietician”, etc.), but at the end of the day, if the person clearly lacks passion for what they do and for helping you, then who cares that they have credentials?
Also, love the idea of putting raspberries in salad! Only ever done oranges, strawberries, and figs before.
Dr. Atkins had credentials. And we all know how well his advice worked out. I believe it is important to study, and to know what you are talking about, but personal experience is also important! I think you need credentials, personal success AND passion to be in the health field, and to be legitimate. You have to care about the welfare of others.