When you are ready to make the lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight, the first step is changing your nutrition. Consulting a nutrition counselor is one of the best investments in your health and long-term goals.
1. Learn The Fundamentals Of Nutrition
Although many people who need to lose weight thoroughly understand nutrition, but find it difficult to implement, there are some who need help understanding the fundamentals. Not only do you need to learn about macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and protein), but you need to also understand portion sizes. Many people find they misjudge portion sizes and may eat two or three servings of a single item in one sitting.
More than likely your nutritionist will want you to invest in a food scale and read labels before you purchase items. They might even go with you on a shopping trip to see what you normally buy versus what you should buy. Nutritionists generally suggest shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store since there are fewer processed items and it can help you avoid temptation.
2. Understand Your Unique Needs
One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to nutrition. Your nutritionist will give you guidelines about the calories you should eat to lose weight and the macronutrient ratios that might be helpful on your journey. Every nutritionist has their own preference for their clients. Some have no problem suggesting dietary changes that emphasize more protein, whereas others might only recommend a diet that aligns with FDA recommendations.
Your nutritionist will also want to incorporate dietary needs related to your health. If you have diabetes or hypertension, they should make suggestions that minimize carbohydrates and/or salt intake to help improve chronic diseases. As you lose weight, your nutritionist should help you make changes that are conducive to losing more weight or gaining muscle.
3. Overcome Obstacles
Your nutritionist should help you find ways to overcome different obstacles throughout your weight loss journey. For example, many people will face challenges sticking to their new way of eating or may find emotional triggers contribute to cravings. These are issues you should be able to discuss with your nutritionist, and they should give you tools to help. If you have a hard time giving up snacking, your nutritionist might suggest you eat air-popped popcorn, since it is filling and has fewer calories.
When emotional eating is a problem, they might suggest you go for a walk or refer you to a therapist for counseling or medication to help with emotional issues. A nutritionist should be more than someone who simply tells you what to eat; they should be willing to advise you about various issues that can make it harder to lose weight.
Nutrition counseling is an important tool for anyone trying to lose weight and develop healthier lifestyle changes. Regardless of where you are in your journey, there are likely changes you can make to lose weight or maintain your weight loss.
Is your knee stiff and painful every morning when you get out of bed? Perhaps, you sometimes feel a grinding sensation in your knee. If you can relate to this frustrating situation, you might be suffering from osteoarthritis. Thankfully, several treatments are available for this joint condition. Sometimes, physicians recommend patients battling osteoarthritis of the knee take a prescription painkiller. Doctors also often encourage patients to lose weight and start a low-impact exercise program. Swimming and walking are both great forms of low-impact exercise. On this blog, I hope you will discover how to effectively and quickly relieve the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Enjoy!