This year, try a nutrition coach
It can take more than just resolve
to stick to healthier eating habits: you also need the right information and
advice about nutrition. Whether you want to tweak your diet or need a more
detailed eating plan, the new year is the perfect time for a nutrition tune-up
with the expertise of a dietitian.
Why see a dietitian?
A dietitian is your personal nutrition coach. With their training in foods and
nutrition, dietitians are experts in giving dietary advice. They can work with
you one-on-one to:
- Develop a meal plan. Your meals can be tailored to address
your personal goals or specific health concerns, such as diabetes, high blood
cholesterol, celiac disease, pregnancy, weight loss, sports nutrition or feeding
a growing family.
- Set realistic goals. With help, you'll know your targets
are achievable, and you'll have someone to monitor your progress.
- Decipher food labels. You'll learn how to make sense of
the information on food labels, and recognize what's good and what to avoid.
- Dispel myths. You can count on getting the right, most
up-to-date information about food and nutrition.
- Get practical advice that works for you. You'll get tips
about portion sizes, vitamins and minerals and eating on the run — all
designed to suit your lifestyle.
What to expect
In your first appointment, the dietitian
will get to know more about you — your eating and exercise habits, your
lifestyle, your medical history, your food likes and dislikes and your overall
nutrition and health goals.
Based on that information, you'll
get a personalized meal plan to help you achieve your goals. The dietitian will
continue to meet with you on an ongoing basis to monitor your progress and fine-tune
your meal plan if needed.
How to find
a dietitian
There are a few ways to get in touch
with a dietitian:
- By referral: Ask your family doctor for a referral.
- By phone: Call Dietitians of Canada (1-888-901-7776) for
names of dietitians in your area.
- Free call centre: In Ontario and British Columbia, you
can call a dietitian and ask general nutrition questions.
In Ontario: 1-877-510-5102
In British
Columbia: 1-800-667-3438
In Greater
Vancouver: 604-732-9191