What is a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists are uniquely qualified to translate scientific information about nutrition and food into practical dietary advice. As well as providing impartial advice about nutrition and health, nutritionist also advise about food related problems and treat disease and ill health.
Nutritionists have the only legally recognised graduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics that is registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). This is a national regulatory body, which was created following the Health Professions Order, 2001. Nutritionists are one of 13 healthcare professions regulated by the HPC, which ensures rigorously maintained standards of training, professional skills, behaviour and client safety. The title Dietitian/Dietician can only be used if the individual is appropriately qualified and registered with the HCPC. Verification can be achieved by checking the Nutritionists Register on the HCPC website www.hpc-uk.org.
Benefits of working with a Nutritionist.
The benefits of working with registered nutritionists can extend beyond their traditional role of providing nutrition information and education. Below are some examples of how one would benefit from working with a dietitian when looking after their health.
Gone are the days of a one size fits all, nutritionists recognise we are all unique individuals who needs vary from person to person. Therefore a dietitian will provide a tailored approach to diet based on your health needs, food preferences, and lifestyle goals. During the time you work on your goal with the dietitian you will receive support to help you set priorities, monitor your progress, and maintain your success.
Some nutritional conditions can be overwhelming and a challenge to manage, our dietitian will help you create a realistic eating plan that includes all of the important nutrients you need while identifying necessary substitutions for both a balanced and delicious diet.
There is sufficient scientific evidence to support that working with a dietitian can increase the chances of losing weight and maintaining weight loss. A registered dietitian will partner with you to develop a safe and effective plan that works for you and is realistic to maintain over the long-term. With strategies at their disposal a dietitian will help and provided you with the support to make permanent changes for permanent weight loss.
Apart for all the nutritional advice that you will receive from a dietitians they are also trained to provide you with the necessary support and motivation you will require through your journey to a healthier life.
What happens during a session?
The information you receive in the consultation will vary according to the stage of the treatment you are in. However, since each person is unique, you will receive advice tailored to your needs at the time of the consultation. Generally, during a consultation the Nutritionist will perform diet evaluations and provide advice to help patients undergo diet changes consistent with surgery. Anticipating the type of treatment you choose (balloon insertion or bariatric surgery), the Nutritionist will advise the patient on the best way to prepare (for example, the necessary equipment / the appropriate food to have at home / the best feeding practices, etc.) for a good final result.
Finally, our nutritionists are trained to deal with the health problems that in most cases are due to a complex and harmful lifestyle.
Nutritionists recognize that what we eat and how we do it, and other environmental factors that significantly influence our overall well-being and quality of life.
