Nutritional counseling is one of the best things you can do to prevent and manage chronic disease, better sleep cycle, better focus, fewer mood swings, combats depression, while improving your overall well-being.
Why do I need nutritional counseling?
Your body relies on food for nourishment, so it’s important that you learn which foods can help you, and which foods can cause harm. While anyone can benefit from nutritional counseling, even if you’re generally healthy, it’s particularly important if you have:
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- High cholesterol
- Weight fluctuations
- Infertility problems
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Hypertension
- Allergies
It’s even beneficial to see a nutritional counselor if you’re pregnant since they can help you choose the right foods for proper nutrition to support your growing baby. You should also consider seeing a nutrition counselor if you’re an athlete or you exercise regularly, so you can learn which foods you need for pre- and post-workout periods.
What happens during nutritional counseling?
When you attend your first nutritional counseling session, you can expect personalized care. Your provider sits and talks with you about your goals, medications, health history and any concerns you may have. They also need to learn about your daily routine, including exercise and work habits.
Once your nutritionist better understands your health, they calculate optimal macronutrient intakes — carbohydrates, protein, and fat — for your unique needs. They may also:
- Design menu plans
- Create grocery lists
- Teach you about portion sizes
- Teach you how to read food labels
- Counsel you about healthy cooking methods
This is, of course, also your time to ask questions. If there are any foods you don’t like that you know are good for you, ask your nutritionist about healthy alternatives.
