Finding the Best Nutrition Plan for You

A healthy diet is an important factor in the quality and longevity of your life. Eating properly can improve your mental health and mood, reduce stress, help you lose weight, prevent certain illnesses and conditions, give you more energy, and enhance your overall appearance. Food is the fuel our body uses to function, and the more nutrients it contains, the more efficient your body will be in generating energy, building and repairing cells, creating and balancing hormones, producing antibodies, and important functional enzymes. However, among the massive amounts of information regarding nutrition, it can be daunting to find the healthy diet that works best for you.

Nutrition basics

There are certain key components that every nutrition plan should include.

• Eating the right amount of calories, based on your specific needs, in relation to the amount of calories you expend on a daily basis.
• Educating yourself on the basic concepts of healthy eating, especially learning about the nutritional value and makeup of the food you eat.
• If you understand the roles that protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, and fiber play in your body, then you will be better equipped to choose the foods that are right for you, depending on your tastes, activity level, and way of life.
• Selecting specific foods that meet your individual nutritional needs.
• Creating a plan that works for you in the long-term, something that you are comfortable in adapting as a way of life.
• An emphasis on fresh, whole foods over processed foods.

When to seek the services of a dietitian

If following a basic, healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean protein, nuts and seeds, healthy oils, cold water fish, and legumes does not work for you, it may be that you need to find something more specific. Also, if you have researched and tried a variety of nutrition plans and they don’t seem to have the desired effects, it may be time to consult with a registered dietitian (RD). The American Dietetic Association (ADA) also suggests ten reasons someone may need the services of an RD:

• In the case of diabetes, cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure.
• If you are thinking of having or have had gastric bypass surgery.
• If you have digestive problems.
• If you are pregnant or trying for pregnancy.
• Guidance in breastfeeding.
• Support and information for people with eating disorders.
• Specific weight gain or loss.
• If you are caring for an elderly parent.
• You simply want to eat better and haven’t figured out the best way.
• You are a competitive athlete and want to boost performance.

Why a registered dietitian?

It is advised that you seek out an RD for your nutritional advice because they are trained specifically in the science of nutrition. It is a regulated degree, unlike many nutritionists or diet counselors. RDs must hold a verified degree from an accredited program in nutrition, public health, or biochemistry. Furthermore, RDs must complete an internship of at least six months under close supervision. They must also pass a comprehensive exam to receive the RD title and pledge to continually update their knowledge during the course of their career.