5 Ways a Nutritionist Can Help You

 With access to so much information these days, almost anyone can find out the best diet for themselves. In reality, dietary advice is more nuanced, especially when you have underlying health issues or specific preferences. 

In addition, the internet is now filled with contradictory advice, with some advising people to adopt meat-and-egg-only diets, such as those who follow the carnivore diet, while others advise focusing on plant-based meals only. It’s hard to find a consensus, and some diet advice can be quite detrimental as well.

If you are feeling lost and unsure how a nutritionist can help you, especially if you’re already on weight loss medications or plan to start them soon, read on. Our expert at North Tex MedCare Clinic & Urgent Care, Dr. Frank Lee, explains all the ways a nutritionist can support your health and wellness goals.

1. Learn how to increase energy while staying in a caloric deficit

It’s tough to stay on a diet when you’re consistently feeling depleted. In truth, you can have enough energy, and even more energy, if your diet is balanced and tailored to your needs. However, these needs depend on your activity levels, age, gender, and any underlying health conditions. 

A nutritionist can help you find meal plans that both make your taste buds happy and keep you well-nourished so you feel better on a diet, not worse.

2. Preserve muscle during weight loss

One of the biggest hurdles to weight loss is maintaining muscle mass. Muscle is what gives your body beautiful contours and is what keeps you strong and functional. When you lose muscle, you also lose bone density, as muscle is what puts mechanical pressure on bones.

A nutritionist can help you calculate how much protein you need based on your individual needs, while also maintaining a healthy balance with fats and carbohydrates. Too much protein puts strain on the kidneys, while too little makes it hard to maintain muscle mass.

3. Receive personalized support for weight loss with a chronic disease

The ideal diet of someone with a thyroid condition may look very different from the diet of someone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. For people who have sensitive thyroids, certain cruciferous vegetables can be damaging because they contain goitrogens — substances that interfere with the thyroid’s ability to use iodine. 

As a consequence, your thyroid stops functioning properly, making weight loss more challenging. It’s the small things that matter, and a nutritionist can help you navigate the intricacies of weight loss while managing an underlying condition.

4. Learn strategies for making the switch to a healthier lifestyle

Nutritionists have worked with numerous clients before you and have observed a wide range of strategies succeed or fail when it comes to behavior change. 

Having access to someone who has observed many people’s journeys over time can help you learn what truly works and also give you a more realistic view of what the path toward a healthier lifestyle looks like.

5. Regular support and encouragement

One of the key attributes of a nutritionist is not only knowledge of nutrition but also empathy. Change is hard, and changes around food are particularly challenging. 

Unlike something we can simply quit—like smoking cigarettes—we can’t stop eating. Instead, we must learn how to eat in different quantities and sometimes replace certain foods. That’s why a nutritionist is also someone you can lean on for encouragement and understanding during this journey.

Learn more about how we can help you get healthier

Looking to lose or gain weight? Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our offices located in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, or San Antonio, Texas, to receive expert advice on how to achieve your goals.

For weight loss, Dr. Lee also offers weight loss medications to help curb your cravings and lose weight at a steady pace.