How you could benefit from seeing a nutritionist and what to expect
Nutrition is such a loaded subject nowadays and there is so much information - and unfortunately misinformation - out there, it is hard to keep track. Thankfully, there are nutritionists that can help with all kinds of health goals that you would like to achieve. When we think about nutrition, most of us think of weight loss but that is only one small area that nutritionists can help with.
So what can a nutritionist do for me?
A nutritionist provides education, support and accountability whether you want to manage a health condition, stop feeling tired, getting bloated all the time, support exercise, navigate food allergies or simply feel better!
Qualified nutritionists complete at 3 years of studies covering chemistry, biology, biochemistry, public health, food science, food safety and obviously, nutrition. This creates a science-based, well rounded understanding of food, body systems, social determinants and health conditions, to help you cut through the copious amounts of information out there and create a clear plan for you to feel good.
What does an appointment involve?
Firstly, we need to figure out your ‘WHY?’. Do you want to be able to run around with your kids? Go a day without pain? Enjoy a meal with friends without worrying about the calories?
A strong “why” holds you accountable and drives you to want to make positive changes.
The initial consultation involves a judgement-free discussion about your main health concerns, goals and a range of background questions covering all body systems and lifestyle habits.
Expect questions about sleep, hydration, lifestyle, exercise, food preferences, budget, food intake and more to gain a deep understanding of your health. This allows us to develop the most beneficial plan to suit you and your goals.
A follow-up consultation is highly important for support and accountability. We will also analyse the treatment plan to see if any areas can be modified to be more beneficial.
The way in which each consultation is run depends on the individual. Whether you would like a face-to-face consult at the clinic, a video call, a phone call, sit outside... the limits are endless really! Consultations can also be more hands-on; for example, a grocery shop walk -through (label reading/food choices) or a cooking lesson.
You can be 100% transparent about what you want to get out of the appointment and how you would like it to go!
Will I have to stop eating foods I love or start counting calories?
Absolutely not!!!
The healthiest and most beneficial diet is one you get excited about and want to sustain! Cutting out your favourite foods and turning your whole diet into numbers pushes you into a cycle of restriction, over consumption & starting all over again. Shifting the focus to adding nutrients and finding balance, removes the fear around foods, creates sustainability and produces positive momentum towards a healthy lifestyle.
No short-term fixes or fad diets, instead providing you with the knowledge and understanding to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Why is it necessary for me to see a nutritionist? I already know what I should be eating.
Time and time again I hear “I know it’s ‘naughty’ but I couldn’t control myself” or “I just think about and crave foods all the time”. While most people have some idea of what a ‘healthy diet’ looks like, sticking with it is the hard part. A nutritionist can give you the tools and knowledge to eat a well-rounded diet that makes you feel good, without cravings or feelings of restriction.
We are inundated with information and generalised ideas as to what optimum health/nutrition is, which becomes confusing. Social media, family, ‘influencers’, personal trainers and friends who have little or no qualifications in nutrition often share their individual experiences which may not work for you. A nutritionist acknowledges your personal medical history, lifestyle, food preferences, budget, hobbies, genetics and goals to construct personalised advice and a specific treatment plan.
Lastly, a nutritionist provides consistent support, and will hold you accountable helping to achieve your health goals.
As always, if you have any questions please email (sarelle@backtofunction.com.au) or call us (0468 749 223) and we are happy to help.
With kindness,
Sarelle