My name is Jim Goetz and as an international health, fitness and wellness expert, my goal is to provide you a judgment-free, fully engaging talk about what a nutritionist can do for you, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions and comment on subjects at the bottom of this section of show notes. Nutritionists can also be referred to as Nutrition Advisors. By definition, a nutritionist is classified as an expert in the field of food and nutrition. Nutritionists can work in many different settings, including hospitals, cafeterias, nursing homes, schools, health departments, and even grocery stores. Most often, nutritionists are thought of as having their own practice giving one on one consultations -which is what we do at Functionised. The terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are often mistakenly used to refer to the same profession. While the two professions are undoubtedly related, they maintain distinctive qualities. Only nutritionists that become registered with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) may legally declare themselves as dietitians. Nutritionists that seek the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential are required to complete a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a nutrition discipline to qualify for the certification examination. Nutritionists can work in a group setting or one on one with clients. Typical nutritionist roles include the following tasks: -Explain nutrition and what it can do for a client or group of clients -Assess clients' health needs and diet -Develop meal plans, taking both cost and clients’ preferences into account -Evaluate the effects of meal plans and change the plans as needed -Promote better nutrition by giving talks to groups about diet, nutrition, and the relationship between good eating habits and preventing or managing specific diseases -Keep up with the latest nutritional science research Scientific research continually proves that eating a balanced diet is vital for good health and well-being. Health is no longer considered the mere absence of disease, but instead a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Adequate nutrition is a significant component of all three! Physical health refers to the ability to perform aspects of daily activities. Achieving physical fitness is done through proper nutrition, moderate-vigorous physical exercise, and sufficient rest. Examples of common physical health issues include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or cancer. These conditions are often chronic and can be managed but not cured. There is increasing research linking diet to gut health and brain development. The gut is considered our second brain and is related to behavior and moods. Having a healthy gut can positively impact aspects of mental health. Also, eating when hungry and stopping when full, can help keep your blood sugar and energy levels in check, which can promote a positive mood and clear thinking. Many foods have been identified to be particularly beneficial for maintaining blood sugar levels. For example, protein-rich foods such as lean meats, quinoa, and low-fat yogurt, or foods rich in fiber, such as lentils, oatmeal, and raspberries help regulate insulin. Numerous studies have examined the link between social development and healthy eating. The findings show that our eating behavior is strongly influenced by social context. Eating is a bonding activity. Even from birth, we are dependent on mothers for nourishment, which is why the act of breastfeeding releases ‘bonding’ hormones. We are conditioned from birth to link nutrition and social engagement. Because what we eat can either harm or help our body there isn’t a single health condition that isn’t impacted by diet. Let’s take a look at a few common health concerns and how diet is linked. The Food and Drug Administration reports millions of Americans to have allergic reactions to food each year. While most reactions are mild, causing minor symptoms, some reactions can be severe and even life-threatening. There is no cure for food allergies, only management of symptoms through food avoidance. There are more than 160 known foods linked to allergic reactions. However, eight foods account for 90 percent of food allergic reactions. These eight foods are: Milk Eggs Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod) Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp) Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans) Peanuts Wheat Soybeans. By law, these eight foods must be listed on food labels, but cooking and eating out at restaurants can become challenging. In my role, I can help recommend strategies and recipes, substitutions, and food swaps, as well as make sure that those with food allergies are still getting adequate nutrition. Digestive discomfort is a common complaint. Digestive disorders can range from minor to severe; for example, common gastrointestinal disorders include: Gas, Heartburn, and Indigestion Constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diverticular Disease Celiac Disease Crohn's Disease The one thing each condition has in common is food! Different foods can cause flare-ups of various symptoms. As a nutritionist, I can help someone living with any of these conditions to improve their digestive health and help manage symptoms. Constipation, for example, is one of the most treatable conditions with just a few minor dietary changes. The overuse of over-the-counter drug store treatments may be making conditions worse. I can help clients fix the issue with food alone. When talking about nutrition, weight management is usually what comes to mind. The link between food and weight has been under examination for years. While we know there is a link, specific mechanisms still aren’t fully understood. What is understood, however, is the caloric input vs. energy output needs to be balanced. Too much of what we eat today is highly processed. Processed foods have a lot of artificially added ingredients and are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. As a nutritionist, weight loss and weight management make up a large portion of my client’s concerns. As a result, I have lots of experience helping people identify negative eating habits, learn strategies to curb overeating and alter their food intake to fuel their bodies properly. Most of us either know of someone who has diabetes, have diabetes ourselves, or are pre-diabetic. The amazing thing about diabetes is that most conditions can be managed through diet! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes. The only way to know if you’re pre-diabetic is by getting tested. Diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and eye and foot problems. The longer you live with type 2 diabetes, the higher your risk for developing serious problems. Preventing or delaying onset diabetes is in your best interest. Factors for reducing your risk of developing diabetes include: Losing weight and keeping it off Moving more Eating healthy foods. We can help reduce your risk of diabetes by helping you monitor your diet and provide appropriate meal plans for weight loss and healthy eating. According to the American Heart Association, the leading cause of death among American men and women is heart disease. The Food and Drug Administration reports making healthy food choices is one of the most important ways to reduce your risk! Heart disease accounts for numerous conditions that prevent the heart from functioning normally, including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, heart defects, infections, and cardiomyopathy. Here are the FDA’s guidelines for preparing heart-healthy meals: Balance calories to manage body weight Eat at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day, including a variety of dark-green, red, and orange vegetables, beans, and peas Eat seafood (including oily fish) in place of some meat and poultry Eat whole grains—the equivalent of at least three 1-ounce servings a day Use oils to replace solid fats like lard Use fat-free or low-fat versions of dairy products I can help clients translate this information into meaningful guides for cooking healthy meals. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is associated with diets high in salt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 of 3 adults has high blood pressure. Hypertension is a common condition known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, which is why it’s important to have blood pressure checked routinely. Choosing and preparing foods low in salt or sodium may help prevent or reduce risk of high blood pressure. Foods to avoid include: Smoked and cured meats Canned foods in brine Cheese Salty snacks Quick-cook grains Canned soups and vegetables Condiments A general rule of thumb, when reading food labels, anything with 5% or less sodium is considered to be low in salt, and anything with 20% or more is considered to be high in salt (and should be avoided). I know we’ve covered a lot of information already. I want to take a moment to go over a few simple healthy eating guidelines that everyone can benefit from. I recommend moving to a whole-food, plant-based diet. This doesn’t mean going vegetarian or vegan, but moving toward a way of eating that is less processed and more balanced and fresh. Aim for 80% of your plate to be vegetables. Limit animal products, including dairy, eggs, and meat. Avoid refined grains, replace with whole grains. Avoid foods with added sugar. Avoid frozen or premade meals (frozen fruits and veggies are okay). People who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of the illnesses we discussed today. Vegetables are great because they: -Provide vital nutrients for optimal health and maintenance of the body -Are naturally low in calories and fat -Provide vitamins and minerals lacking in processed foods (vitamin C, A, potassium, polyphenols, and antioxidants) -Provide dietary fiber which is linked to the reduction of constipation and diverticulosis Think you don’t like veggies? How many varieties have you actually tried? How many preparations have you had? When it comes to veggie options, the list is endless! Preparation can make all the difference. If you don’t like something steamed, try it roasted or raw. There’s always an opportunity to increase your intake. Smoothies are an excellent vehicle for ‘hiding’ a handful of fresh greens Turn your sandwich into a salad Snack on raw veggies with hummus, yogurt-based ranch, or nut butter Sautewhatever’s on hand and put it in an omelet Grated zucchini or carrots can be added to homemade bread and muffins Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles Eating right can be challenging! Especially when it comes to all the conflicting information, we’re constantly bombarded with. Working with a nutritionist can offer a host of benefits, such as providing you with: -the highest level of nutrition counseling -personally tailored recommendations -guidance for managing chronic disease -guidance for navigating food allergies -practical lifestyle advice -encouragement to help you reach your nutrition goals Eating healthy is all about cooking. Here are some favorite sites packed with healthy and delicious recipes for you to try: What to Eat on a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet https://www.forksoverknives.com/plant-based-primer-beginners-guide-startingplant-based-diet/#gs.5Gz9fes The ‘Yes’, ‘No’, ‘Sparingly’ Food Guide https://nutritionstudies.org/whole-food-plant-based-diet-guide/ Search by topic of audience https://www.eatright.org/search-results?keyword=recipes The following resources have been consulted in preparation for this class: https://www.sokanu.com/careers/nutritionist/ https://www.nutritioned.org/dietitian-vs-nutritionist.html https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-topics/nutrition http://www.who.int/suggestions/faq/en/ http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/eating-healthy-affect-physical-mental-social-health6972.html https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235215461500131X https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type2-diabetes https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm199058.htm https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/ https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/learn-more-about-rdns/what-an-rdn-cando-for-you Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope that you have a better understanding of what nutritionists do, why nutrition is important, and how you can benefit from a healthier diet! Food choice and eating is a personal experience, and I’m ready to meet you where you are and take you on a journey toward better nutrition in a way that makes you comfortable. I wish you all the best of luck on your journey to health! Please feel free to email me with questions at support@functionised.com |
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