Pills on a Pedestal - Will Diet & Exercise Survive the Statin Craze? by Sharon Palmer, RD, February 2006. An article on lowering cholesterol levels through diet and exercise:

Many private practice dietitians report that the patients coming into their offices are highly motivated and willing to follow dietary changes to lower cholesterol. Maye Musk, MS, RD, a consultant dietitian in New York, finds that her patients come to her in hopes of avoiding medication through diet. Musk reports that patients aren’t referred to dietitians enough, adding, “The physicians don’t know where to find us.”

Justifying your value to prospective clients by Kate Geagan, June 2004. An article about how a dietitian can get what they deserve for their work.

"A Web site is a resume in color. When I'm booked for a speaking engagement and they aren't sure about my fee, my Web site convinces." So be sure that your Web site reflects your professionalism and your latest accomplishments.

Dietitians to the Stars by Hannah Fiske, February 2003. An article about dietitians with celebrity clients:

"Many celebrities who come to see me are totally confused because they need to be thin but just don't know what to eat. Some are naturally thin and have never had a problem with weight, but may have noticed their energy levels dropping because they are trying to follow all the latest diets and end up eating things that are completely wrong for them."

Once their eating habits are normalized, she adds, her clients feel so much better that they wonder why they never considered simple common sense in the first place.

"When I go to a reception with models and actresses, all I hear is, 'Don't bring me carbs, don't bring me carbs.' They have to be so slim that they can only eat just a little, so there seems to be no point in tasting the delicious desserts."

At most social functions, Musk adds, there is surprisingly very little healthy food to be had, and celebrities cannot afford to let themselves go to town on the fried, starchy foods. "They have to stick to fruits and vegetables, and have to search hard for some protein separated from the starch that will harm their caloric intake."

"It annoys me that people are often not offered more healthy choices. Sometimes, at certain high-society receptions, they serve trays of little vegetable and fish appetizers and the portions are very small. They are delicate and beautifully done. When you see them, you know you can get through the evening without having to go vegetarian."

Because, just like the rest of us, they enjoy eating and hate feeling hungry, Musk advises her celebrity clients to eat a large amount of vegetables and fruits every day. "When you add three fruits and four vegetables, it looks like so much food. It is also important to ensure that clients take in an appropriate amount of dairy, she adds, since they tend to eat unhealthfully when they work."

"When I was shooting a commercial a few weeks ago, we could eat a wonderful bowl of cereal with fruit and skim milk, or else wek could have a three-egg omelet with bacon and sausage. There are choices to be made, and the people working behind the scenes carrying all the heavy props need those calories."

Actors and models, however, should opt for the ligther fare, Musk says, despite the fact that many 18-year-old models she works with eat whatever they want and never develop a bulge. "It never occurs to them to load up with vegetables and fruit, though, because they are just typical teenagers."

Blaming 'Big Food' by Hannah Fiske, November 2002. An article about a class action lawsuit filed against fast food companies:

Maye's opinion of the lawsuit: "I thought it was silly. In any other country, claims like this would be ignored; but, of course, America has more obese citizens than other countries."

"One has to wonder where, along the line, he misunderstood healthy eating and to what extent other people are responsible for that. Personally, I do not go into fast food restaurants. When I do, I know exactly what I am doing--I am having a wonderful binge." Even standing in line, she adds, it is not uncommon to hear other customers saying,"I really shouldn't be doing this to myself" or "I can't believe I'm eating this."

"If I gain weight, I would rather blame it on other people. But the truth is that if you are putting unhealthy food in your mouth, you are the only person you can blame."

It's written all over your face: Evidence of lacking nutrients could be surfacing in your client's appearances by Hannah Fiske, August 2002. An article about how good nutrition can affect your appearance and health:

On her clients: "Some come to me out of concerns about pregnancy, high cholesterol, or other clinical conditions. But I would have to say that most of my clients, at least 80%, come to me for weight loss because they want to look better."

"When I first see overweight clients, they are often depressed and have little hope of improving their eating habits because they have tried every diet out there. But when they start losing weight, their energy goes up and so does their confidence. It gives me joy to see them almost bouncing into my office, looking so much happier."

"People are often embarrassed about showing their bodies when they have a better shape. But if they wear clothes that fit and get a flattering haircut, it can actually make them look slimmer and younger."

About her own appearance: "I would love to dress 'frumpy' and just be comfortable, but I take a few extra minutes every day to make sure I look good for my clients."

Professional Image 101 by Jacqueline B. Marcus, June 1999. An article about maintaining a professional image for dietitians:

"First impressions count. By being well-groomed and showing confidence, you'll look as though you can handle anything. People will notice your smile, mannerisms, ease, and the way you dress."

On Europeans: "They're not better nor wealthier. It's their attitude. They aren't really so good looking, they just think they are. They walk proudly, dress with style, and act as if the own the world. " This strong sense of self-worth, suggests Musk, "should be evident in your comportment. It will improve the way you deal with people as well as how you treat yourself."

To increase their confidence, Musk suggests that RDs find their niche in dietetics and become experts. "Speak at meetings and conferences and mentor others who seek knowledge." To look and feel more sophisticated, she recommends appearance readjustment. "Although registered dieticians are science types, they trust and want to be like people who take care of themselves." They should be up-to-date with the "perceived image of success."