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Nutrition Tips: How To Get The Most Out of Your Nutrition Visit

What a tricky relationship it can be with your dietitian, especially if you aren't 100% committed or if you don't really like him/her. Do you ever feel like you dread your appointments or that you don't think it's worth your time? If so you may just not be a great fit  OR you may just not be ready to change.  I tell my interns I can usually tell within the first 10 minutes of a meeting how successful someone will be. Sometimes I am surprised but usually I am spot on. I thought this would be a helpful guide for anyone who is thinking about going to a dietitian, has gone to a dietitian and had a "bad" experience, or is currently seeing a dietitian and not getting the results they want.

Tip #1 - Research, research, research.  Check out their website, check out their Facebook page. Do they have Instagram? Most importantly ask around. Has anyone you known worked with this dietitian and if so what was their experience like? How does the dietitian work? Will they allow you to call them and talk about their approach? Don't be afraid to research. You are hiring them. They work for you.

Tip #2 - Ensure you are really ready to make a change.  A dietitian, if a good fit, is going to assess your current lifestyle, current eating and activity habits, and basic medical history. Based off of the information you provide he or she will make recommendations to reach your goals. You must have an open mind to try what's recommended.  Remember a dietitian, not a nutritionist, has the extra training necessary to assess all of above and really structure the correct plan.

Tip #3 - Comply with recommendations. I tell all my clients that I wish I had a crystal ball that could assess how perfect my recommendations will be but it doesn't exist.  Remember you or your insurance are hiring this person to help you get to your goals. If you don't comply and come back with actual feedback it is very difficult to implement the right changes that need to occur to help you make the recommendations feasible.

Tip #4 - Follow up often.  In my 17 years of experience, I can tell you without a doubt that almost every client loses motivation about 10 days after a visit if they cannot assess the results. Think of your work as in investment. The more you follow up and adapt to the behavior and lifestyle changes the more successful you will be. This investment, although potentially expensive, will save you significant money in the future. Think of all the money you will have to spend on medications, specialists, and more if you don't reach your goals.

Tip #5 - Be honest.  I am only as good as the information I receive from my clients. Of course, I have many years of experience that help me ask the right questions, but if my clients aren't honest with me it will delay progress. It is not any dietitian's job to judge. We are working for you to help you reach your goals. We need to make plans feasible, appropriate, and help with accountability. If a recommendation doesn't fit don't be afraid to communicate that.

One of the most important things to remember with your health is that your providers action should be to get you to your goals and help you sustain them. Focusing on the above will allow a positive relationship that leads to success.

In Good Health,

Amy

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