Eat For You Dietitian

I regularly find that clients I speak to will measure their outcomes solely based on their weight, despite the previously agreed goals and action plan pretty much all being achieved since the last time I’ve spoken to them. This can be several weeks or even months but if they don’t see a change in the number on the scale they will answer to me, when I asked them how have they been getting on? ‘oh not much is changed.’

As an NHS dietician practising in the UK we still need to collect and diplomatic data as part of our assessment which includes weight height and body mass index. However this may not be appropriate for everyone during our assessment and I strongly believe that if someone declines or if their medical history suggest that it isn’t appropriate for them to be aware of their weight then I will exclude this from my assessment and justify the reason. However for still the majority this is the information that we collect and I can see why my clients may then feel their total outcome maybe for intentional weight loss despite the majority of the dietetic consultation to be based on specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely, but otherwise known as smart goals based on overall dietary and lifestyle changes that can be sustainable in the long term not just short.

I had one lady say to me that she hasn’t really focused on her overall health since our last consultation which I found an interesting statement to make. This is what made me think that society makes us feel that we need to be on the latest health trend or exercising every day in order for us to show that we are looking after our health. 

Let’s get back to the baseline of simple ways that can be done as part of a habit however it’s not always someone’s habit so sometimes we try and include these that they can be a regular habit but that doesn’t have to cost anything extra and can be achieved regularly, that doesn’t mean it has to be every day, but the majority of the time. 

1. Drink enough water. I’m pretty sure I write about this regularly because I think we are very lucky to be able to turn on the tap and have clean water. It’s usually the last thing I do and the first thing I do every day, mainly because I can feel that I am thirsty. At least 2 litres every day.
2. Move outside every day. Whether it’s a short walk or even a step outside your door. Stop and observe with no distraction.
3. Do an activity that you enjoy. This can be to support yourself physically or mentally such as your favourite workout/exercise or something completely different.
4. Choose an extra portion of fruit and vegetables to include as your snack or with your meal. This can be fresh, frozen, tinned or dried. All count towards one of your 5 a day. This can be your only portion of the day or your 6th.