What To Expect When Seeing A Holistic Nutritionist
Are you dealing with health problems that you believe could be related to your diet? This is true of most health problems to some degree. Even if you have a disease that is not caused by diet, there tend to be some dietary changes that can help manage or reduce your symptoms. If you find yourself in this situation, it's helpful to see a holistic nutritionist. These professionals give dietary advice with the goal of improving your whole body health. Here's a look at what you can expect when you work with one of these practitioners.
Dietary Analysis
Before a nutritionist can instruct you on dietary changes to make, they need to know what you are currently eating. The most common way nutritionists do this, is by having their clients keep a food diary. You'll be asked to write down everything you eat for at least three days, and sometimes up to one week. Make sure you are honest about your intake, and try to eat as you normally would during this time.
Dietary Recommendations
After they know and evaluate what you are currently eating, a holistic nutritionist will discuss changes that you can make to your diet in order to help achieve your health goals. These recommendations may include the following:
- Food swaps: healthier foods that you can exchange for foods that you are currently eating.
- Food additions: foods that you can incorporate into your diet in order to boost your intake of certain nutrients and gain certain benefits.
- Food eliminations: unhealthy foods that you are currently eating and should cut from your diet entirely.
- Supplements: herbs, vitamins, and minerals you may want to supplement with in order to boost your intake of certain nutrients or help achieve your health goals.
Lifestyle Change
Holistic nutritionists tend to take a comprehensive approach. In addition to recommending dietary changes, they will work with you to make those dietary changes. Your nutritionist may go through your cabinets with you and discuss which foods are healthy, and which ones are not. They may even accompany you to the grocery store and help teach you how to shop for healthier choices. They may also work with you on behaviors like stress eating.
Working with a holistic nutritionist is a smart way to improve your diet and your overall health. With the comprehensive approach these professionals take, you can expect to be treated with understanding and kindness.
For more information, contact a holistic nutritionist like Dr. Robert J Lichtenstein, Board Certified Nurtrition Specialist.