I’ve spent too much trying to figure out the ideal way to lose weight. Cutting the carbohydrates, skipping meals, and making random meal plans frustrated me every time. Then, I started researching evidence of weight loss and realized that fad diets don’t work, but expert guidance does. That’s when I turned to a dietician and the science backs up why this is the best decision I’ve ever made.
If you’re skeptical about whether dieticians can help you lose weight, then you’re not alone. But, a recent study proves they make a difference. A study led by Lauren. T Williams and her team 2019 looked at 1,598 people across 14 different weight-loss trials to see if working with a dietician helps. Believe me, the results were pretty convincing!
The highlights showed that:
- People who consulted a dietician lost 1.03 kg more than those following generic weight-loss advice.
- Their body mass index dropped by 0.43 meaning they enjoy good long-term health.
- Unlike crash diets that work for a while the diets planned by dieticians help people in weight management.
How do dieticians guide you?
They create a plan customized to your lifestyle. Dieticians followed a structured approach called the Nutrition Care Process to create personalized health plans. First, they assess your health by considering factors like age, medical history, diet, and lifestyle and even identify sugar and protein intake.
They design a custom meal plan that fits needs, preferences, and goals whether it is weight loss, better digestion, or managing a condition like diabetes. They also track progress over time, making changes as needed to keep you on track.
Dieticians use advanced tools like NutriAdmin, Nutritionist Pro, and That Clean Life to help them create practical meal plans, track nutrients, and suggest recipes that fit your lifestyle. Instead of drastic changes, dieticians focus on small, manageable steps like the addition of vegetables or cutting back on sugary drinks. They make you feel confident in your food choices. Their guidance and support are instrumental in healthy eating practices a fulfilling experience.
Work with your dieticians and not against them
Dieticians dedicate themselves to your healthy life but you need to fully cooperate with them. It is extremely important, to be honest about your eating habits and the challenges you face in daily life. The more they know, the better plan can be tailored for you. Hugues Vaillancourt and his colleagues noted that dieticians and patients together practice shared decision-making during consultation hours by using the 12-item OPTION scale framework on a 5-point scale that assesses patients’ behaviors and how they present choices.
Making small practical changes like elevating the hydration levels, and reducing consumption of processed foods may seem like minor steps but they add over time. Your dietician doesn’t expect you to be perfect but needs you to focus on steady progress.
Another big part of the process is attending the appointments sincerely and maintaining a food diary. It is important to record the changes you feel will help your dietician to fine-tune your eating plan. When you communicate with your dietician, stay committed and patients and you will notice the results.