Have you ever thought about seeing a dietitian, but ultimately decided against it? Food and weight can be sensitive topics, and the fear of being judged for what we eat can often stop people from seeking out the help that they really need. A common misconception about dietitians is that they are the ‘food police’ – that they’ll judge you for what you eat or how much you weigh. In reality, dietitians are trained to work with people who are affected by a myriad of chronic illnesses, as well as people who are unhappy with the way they feel in their bodies. Your dietitian will work with you to determine a sustainable and enjoyable way of eating that fits your lifestyle.
Why might you want to seek the advice of a dietitian?
You have a diagnosed digestive disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome or coeliac disease
You have allergies or food intolerances that you want help managing
You have a recently diagnosed chronic health condition like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer
You are feeling tired, sick and sluggish
You are pregnant or trying to conceive
You are unhappy with the way you feel in your body
You would like to improve your relationship with food and eating
You would like to change your diet in some way, for example include more plants, local sustainable produce, or reduce animal proteins
Dietitians use an evidence-based approach, meaning that their recommendations and suggestions are based on scientific studies and research. You can be confident that you’re getting the best treatment available for your specific condition and concerns. Gastrointestinal Issues Improving the health of your gut is one of the most effective ways to enhance your overall health and quality of life. Unfortunately, many people in Australia suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal issues including bloating, reflux, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Coeliac Disease and Crohn’s Disease. Thankfully, dietitians can support those struggling with gut health issues and digestive conditions by providing expert guidance and a tailored approach to make safe and effective changes to diet and lifestyle. Food Allergies and Intolerances For people with a food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity, avoiding problem foods is essential. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet in the process is just as important. Sometimes, this can be a challenge. Dietitians will educate you on which foods you need to avoid and provide you with suitable food and meal substitutes. They will also assist you in preventing any nutritional deficiencies that may arise because of your allergy or intolerance. Chronic Health Conditions Seeing a health professional that specialises in nutrition is one of the first line defences in the treatment of chronic health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. While these health concerns aren’t necessarily cured by dietary changes, they can be better managed through what we eat. If your doctor tells you that you have or are at risk of developing a chronic disease, this is a good time to see a dietitian. We can help you manage your chronic condition, as well as prevent the onset of illnesses through dietary changes. Tiredness If you’re feeling tired or sick for an extended period, a check-up from your doctor may be in order. Sluggishness or repeated illness is a common side effect of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies can be caught by a simple blood test. Your dietitian will provide you with the knowledge and practical strategies you need to correct these nutritional deficiencies. Pregnancy Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life, but it can also be one filled with uncertainty and anxiety. However, maternity care from a registered dietitian can make all the difference. It can be difficult to know how much you need to eat to ensure you and your baby get adequate nutrition. Further to this, there are several foods that aren’t recommended to be consumed during your pregnancy. Your dietitian can walk through everything you need to know so you feel confident in the food choices you make throughout your pregnancy journey. Feeling Better in your Body If you're feeling frustration towards your body right now, take a breath. Perhaps it’s time to look at the foods and drinks you consume to see if they are impacting the way you feel. Our food choices are usually driven by habit, so taking the opportunity to have your diet assessed and planned by an expert can make all the difference in setting a new direction. A dietitian can give you the tools you need to eat better and feel better in your body. Get Off the Dieting Merry-Go-Round This is a big one. Ask anyone, and more often than not they will tell you they have dieted for weight loss at some point in their life. Women especially are known to be on some form of ‘diet’ for most of their adult life. It’s exhausting. And futile. The evidence is clear that diets don’t actually work in the long term, and rather than improving health, are having the opposite effect and causing harm physically and emotionally. Dieting and weight loss culture is ingrained in our society’s collective psyche, and it can feel impossible to let go of those weight loss goals. A dietitian can help you make peace with your body, with food and assist you in refocusing your attention on other measures of health improvement. A little known secret; Dietitians are far from the “food police” they are known as. In fact, we adore food and love nothing more than talking about it, sharing ideas, recipes and trying new foods. We are university trained to assist in managing a wide range of health concerns, not exclusively those mentioned here. If you’re concerned about your health and thinking about seeing a dietitian, don’t wait any longer. Remember, your health is your most important asset, and dietitians are here to help keep your body working at its best. Ps Check out our new lovely website :-) www.adelaidenutrition.com.au Regards, Mattea Palombo Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Accredited Nutritionist (AN) Adelaide Nutrition