No More Diet, it’s About Healthy Eating
RD: I am Nutritionist!
MR. X: Wow!!! Please help me to lose some weight. I need it very badly.
RD: Hmmm sure (What if I was a barber?)
Mr. X: I actually know what should be my diet like, but still it doesn’t work to lose weight
RD: We need to catch up for this discussion.
Mr. X: Yes definitely, tell me when can I visit you?
RD: Tomorrow at clinic
And Mr. X is never seen at the clinic, until meets in some other get together.
I do not believe when someone who has over filled their plates and ask me about diet. And on top of that they comment, “Please ignore my plate”.
What you think should I react?
I sometimes feel that I am in bad profession. People come for free consultation at parties, functions, weddings and get together and on top of that your meal plate is always under every observation. If you eat anything unhealthy, people will definitely point out and comment.
But do they really what did I eat for my past meals Or do they feel that unhealthy food is a bad food always?
I think that is the reason, people do not willingly visit dietitian unless they are forced to see for any xyz reason.
Why so?
Where is the problem?
1. Wants Free Service
2. Afraid of having a big list of NO-NO foods
Definitely free service category has to be ignored. But people who are afraid of the work diet, what with them?
They may be in need of a balanced healthy diet, but DIET word must be pulling them to visit a Registered Dietitian.
It is very important for us to look at the practical aspect of food and diet. Counseling patients about healthy eating is more important rather just giving them away a monotonous diet and list of food to be avoided.
Does that mean, the person cannot eat those NO-NO foods at all? Occasionally and cheat days are the time they can enjoy their favorite delicacies without fear. So here explaining them about portion control will help rather than putting that favorite food in NO-NO list.
Dieter will be happy to know that he is allowed to eat his favorite food considering the smaller portion, but at least he will be psychologically happy.
Do no handover a big NO-NO list food to the dieter to make him feel nervous and tensed before he starts his fitness journey.
I would really appreciate if we avoid using the word DIET and start using Healthy lifestyle Management or Lifestyle Modulation. Though we know for the fact that we will be giving him diet to follow and exercise regime, but still make it more comfortable and advise in such a way that dieter enjoy his favorites as well as meets his nutritional and health goals.
Do not stick to any protocol when you suggest diet. There is no protocol, as every dieter/ individual is different and hence his requirements do vary. It can vary as body’s and dieter’s requirements as well.
Let’s not make it so difficult for the people to approach you and seek help.
Let’s make their journey of Fitness enjoyable and comfortable.
Let’s make them understand that Dietitians just don’t keep restricting food but also allows you to eat everything and anything but at right time.
RD Neha Kava
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