A common misconception about nutrition counseling is that it is only necessary when you are trying to lose weight. While it is true that a registered dietitian is an expert in helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, they are qualified to do much more than just monitor your diet.

Proper nutrition is vital to a lot more than just your waistline. There are numerous ways in which a dietitian can help make your life a lot easier and more rewarding. So, how do you know when you need nutrition counseling?

It’s time to see a registered dietitian if:

You are prone to binge and emotional eating.

Often, the reason why a person overeats or binges is because they are eating the wrong balance of macronutrients. For example, if you have a meal that consists mainly of carbohydrates and very little fat or protein, you might feel hungrier than normal. A more balanced meal under the guidance of a registered dietitian can leave you feeling satiated for a longer period of time and, thus, eat less. Nutrition counseling can also be the gateway to therapy, if necessary, to learn the underlying cause of your emotional eating and lead to better eating habits, as well as better management of your emotions and stress.

You are considering adopting a new supplement regimen.

You should consult a doctor before making any major lifestyle changes and that goes for starting a new supplement routine, as well. A registered dietitian can help save you money and effort on supplements you should and should not take. First, you need to balance your diet and maximize your health with nutritious foods, then take quality supplements only when they are needed.

You maintain unusual working hours.

If you work at night, it can be difficult to adjust your eating habits. Research suggests that night shift workers are at a greater risk of becoming overweight and developing diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. A dietitian can help you plan your meals and advise you on food choices that can help reduce your risk of diet-related diseases.

You have been diagnosed with high cholesterol.

Although there are statin drugs to help control cholesterol levels, diet plays a critical role in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels that increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. A more natural way to reduce your cholesterol is by maintaining a high-fiber and healthier diet. A dietitian can help you understand which foods contribute to high cholesterol and which are heart-healthy.

You are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS symptoms are often triggered by the digestion of specific sugars. A registered dietitian can guide you in the elimination and reintroduction of certain sugars in your diet, thereby enabling you to gain control over your cravings and symptoms.

You are finding it difficult to sleep at night.

Whereas diet deficiencies in key nutrients such as magnesium can lead to insomnia, certain nutrients (e.g., tryptophan) can aid in your body’s production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. A dietitian can help you adjust your diet to improve your sleep quality.

You are planning to become pregnant soon, are pregnant, or are coping with infertility.

Pregnant women often deal with either weighing too much or too little. While an obstetrician can provide guidelines on how much to eat before, during, and after pregnancy, a dietitian is qualified to provide expert advice on calorie recommendations and how to achieve weight goals for optimal prenatal health. Also, a dietitian can help you transition and lose pregnancy weight postpartum in the healthiest way possible. For those with fertility issues, a dietitian can provide advice on how to balance hormones to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

You are approaching middle age.

Your metabolism, hormones, and nutritional needs change with each new decade of your life. This is particularly the case with women who are experiencing menopause, which is why it is a good idea to consult a professional dietitian as you reach your 40s and 50s to develop better eating and exercise habits.

Nutrition Counseling Near You in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Learning the basics of healthy eating can be beneficial to your overall health, and it’s simple and effective with the help of Alpha Care Wellness professionals. In addition to being board-certified and fellowship-trained in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Catherine Oseniis a highly qualified weight management expert who can help you gain control of your eating habits, as well as your weight, health, and energy levels.

To learn more about our nutrition counseling services, including our 30-Day healthy eating program, contact Alpha Care Wellness Center today at (817) 550-6332 or schedule a wellness consultation with Dr. Oseni with our convenient online form.