Let’s look at how your dietitian can help you reach your goals. Before making any dietary changes, your dietitian may follow a process similar to the following.
Conduct an initial consultation
The initial consultation with a dietitian can take anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and may be completed online or in person. During this appointment, your dietitian will likely ask why you contacted them. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals but also your challenges and barriers to being successful in your journey to health. It is also important to discuss your medical condition and any allergies you have. This enables the dietitian to formulate a plan specific to you.
Identify your likes, dislikes, and preferences
In clarity – almost everyone is more likely to adhere to a plan or program if it fits within their current life, lifestyle, likes, and preferences. The initial consultation will allow your dietitian to learn how she can adjust your diet based on your living standards. She will be able to create a nutritional plan that’s in line with your choices while also keeping in mind your medical conditions.
These questions will help your dietitian understand the healthy and unhealthy habits of your lifestyle, which will also be used when they develop your nutritional plan. It is important to be truthful throughout this process – as professionals, those you work with will never have any judgment but will bring a sincere desire to help as best they can with the information they’re given.
Taking A Medical And Dietary Assessment
The dietitian will perform an assessment so they can understand the myriad of dynamics that go into your food intake and its effect on your overall health. Some of those questions may include:
- Your present diet
- Type of food consumed in your family
- Your eating routine/skills
- Your culture/tradition
- Medications you take
- Medical history
- Physical attributes (age, height, weight)
- Exercise
Incorporating medical status into the nutritional plan
Your dietitian will often review any recent blood work results and other medical reports. This added step of gathering medical-based information helps the dietitian develop a dietary plan that expands beyond considering your personal likes and dislikes, but adds the medical component to ensure your journey will be a successful one in having a positive effect on your heart health.
Keep track of your health
Follow-up appointments are scheduled to adjust and support your dietary plan. They may take 30 to 60 minutes with a frequency that’s decided by you and your dietitian.
