Nutrition is a unique science about how food and other nutrients taken into the body are utilized for growth, maintenance, and repair of the body. Nutrition is also the study of how nutrients can aid the body to prevent diseases. Dietitians are educated in the sciences of biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and the disease processes in order to guide and educate their clients and the public in healthy dietary habits, and have extensive clinical training experience.
Advantages of Nutrition Counseling
Eating a healthy, nutritious diet can help to prevent disease and aid the individual in reaching optimum health. A dietitian can offer information and advice on diets for optimum athletic performance, transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle, or help with providing the best foods for children, adolescents, or elderly parents. When working with clients, the dietitian selects a diet that is best for them, considers lifestyle, activity level, health goals, motivation level, and food preferences. A dietitian can help clients understand the often confusing and conflicting information in the media and design an eating plan to fit an individual’s unique needs.
Services Offered by Dietitians
Dietitians may use several methods to assist clients in reaching a desired health goal, whether it is weight loss, disease prevention, changing to a vegetarian diet, or increasing the healthfulness of food choices. These include body composition analysis, computerized diet analysis, individual counseling sessions, or group classes. Some dietitians may offer support classes during and after the process of making dietary changes.
To assure that the desired services are received, ask the dietitian about the services he or she offers before the appointment is made. Inquire about the length of each visit and what to expect during the visit. Be sure to tell the dietitian about any past or present injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, medications, or dietary supplements.
One of the cornerstones of good health is diet. A dietitian can provide a wealth of information and guidance for a person’s dietary needs.
Dietitians are registered nationally by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association or licensed in their state to practice nutrition counseling. Additional information about nutrition counseling and registered dietitians in your area can be found via the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org or by calling (800) 877-1600.
