3 Ways Nutrition Counseling Can Improve Weight Loss

Nutrition counseling is an important tool for anyone on a weight loss journey, including people who have reached their goal and are trying to maintain their weight. There are several reasons you should regularly visit a nutrition counselor.

Make Slow Dietary Changes

Any modification in your current diet can be overwhelming, which is the major reason people fall off track. Consistently working with a nutrition counselor can help you make slow, consistent changes that can lead you to eat an overall healthier diet, without feeling like you are missing out on anything. To start, your counselor will likely want an idea of what you typically eat each day. You might want to keep a food journal for a week leading up to your first appointment. Some people may not eat horribly every day, but binge on food or alcohol toward the weekend, which can undo healthier choices during the week. Your nutritionist might start by having you focus on making better choices on weekends or limiting alcohol to once per week.

Address Other Issues

There could be numerous issues beyond your weight, or weight-related diseases, that make it harder to lose weight or sabotage your health. Many nutrition counselors also recommend supplements to their clients that help them improve their health, but supplements might also improve their energy, mental health, or food cravings. For example, a deficiency in some vitamins and minerals might contribute to feeling sluggish throughout the day, making it harder to stay motivated and exercise. Your counselor might want your primary care doctor to order certain blood tests so they can evaluate them at your next appointment. In many cases, having adequate intake of nutrients can make it easier to address mood fluctuations or stick with a healthier diet.

Exercise Recommendations

Although you might assume your nutrition counselor will only want to talk about your food intake, counselors are also helpful for making exercise recommendations. Your counselor might encourage you to place more emphasis on lifting weights, especially if you hate cardio or have certain fitness goals. They can also serve as part of your support team to help encourage you to participate in different activities. Additionally, as your exercise level changes, they can recommend certain modifications to your nutrition so you have enough energy to be physically active, while fighting off the increase in hunger that often occurs with higher activity levels. Your nutrition needs will also change if you experience any injuries or face other changes throughout your life.

Regardless of your weight and fitness goals, having a nutrition counselor in your corner will make it easier to meet your goals. Nutrition counseling offers a well-rounded approach to losing weight.