Nutrition

Why is nutrition important?

The food you eat provides your body with the calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals it needs to function correctly. Following a balanced and nutritious diet also helps you maintain healthy body weight.

Unfortunately, the standard American diet includes too many processed convenience foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar, which contributes to the rising obesity crisis. Over 70% of American adults are overweight or obese. Obesity is a contributing factor to many chronic adult health conditions like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

What are current nutritional guidelines?

The current nutritional guidelines promoted by government agencies revolve around the MyPlate plan. This plan uses a plate visual to demonstrate that half any given meal should consist of vegetables and fruit; a third of your plate should include whole grains, and the remainder ought to incorporate a lean protein. You should also have small servings of low-fat dairy products.

However, these guidelines aren’t the whole story. You also need to consider your calorie needs. The 2,000 calories-a-day instructions are merely an estimate, and everyone has their own unique needs.

You also need to consider whether you have any allergies, sensitivities, or if you have a health condition that would benefit from a diet that includes specific foods.

How can nutritional counseling help me?

Dr. Thomas begins nutritional counseling with a comprehensive consultation and exam, including blood work to determine if you have any food sensitivities or medical conditions that require a more specialized diet. Working with Dr. Thomas to improve your nutrition can help you manage conditions such as:

• Diabetes
  
• High blood pressure and heart disease
  
• Celiac disease
  
• Inflammatory conditions
  
• Low energy
  

She works with you in one-on-one counseling sessions to create meal plans that address your needs and take your tastes into account while staying within a calorie budget to help you lose or maintain your weight.

When necessary, Dr. Thomas can refer you to licensed dieticians and physiotherapists for additional support to change your dietary habits. She can also suggest nutritional supplements to ensure your body gets everything it needs to function correctly.

If you want to improve your diet, call or schedule a consultation online today.