Diet & Nutrition Counseling in Greeley, CO
What is diet counseling?
Diet counseling, also referred to as nutrition counseling, consists of a series of consultations with a diet doctor, who will make recommendations for daily food intake based on your current nutrition and weight loss goals. During dietary counseling, patients and doctors track eating habits, assess individual dietary needs, and recommend changes as needed. Treatments will vary depending upon the individual, and may include using a portion control diet or meal replacement diet.
Why is diet counseling used?
Diet counseling is used for a variety of reasons and is typically part of any comprehensive weight loss plan, designed to address numerous weight-related health concerns. The most common reasons to undergo diet counseling are to:
- Make changes to your current diet
- Promote healthier eating habits
- Increase your energy level
- Lose unwanted or stubborn fat in a healthy manner
- Obtain effective eating habits for your body type and genetic predispositions
- Supplement other weight loss programs and treatments, including exercise, body contouring, and cellulite reduction
Nutrition counseling may also be used to treat patients with eating disorders or other conditions that negatively impact weight.
What are some signs that I could benefit from diet counseling?
If you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, you may benefit from diet counseling:
- Low energy levels, despite adequate sleep
- Stress eating (also known as emotional eating)
- Belief that you may have an allergy or food intolerance
- Irregular bowel movements
- Recurring upset stomach or other digestive pain
- Failure to lose weight with other diets
- Inconsistent appetite / excessive hunger
- Heartburn or acid reflux
What does nutrition counseling involve?
The first phase of diet counseling is called the weight-loss phase, during which a patient is actively losing weight. During this phase, patients will likely be on the portion control diet or the meal replacement diet, in addition to other diet and lifestyle changes. While patients are in the weight-loss phase, it is important to maintain regular visits with Dr. Nwizu (ranging from weekly to monthly, depending on the individual). When a patient has reached his or her goal weight, as determined at the start of your weight loss plan with Dr. Nwizu, this initial phase will end.
The second phase of diet counseling is called the maintenance phase. This phase is equally as important as the weight-loss phase. For patients who are dealing with obesity, it is important to note that obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition. The goal of this phase is to prevent the regaining of weight, and will consist of less frequent follow-up visits.
What are the advantages of diet counseling?
The advantages of diet counseling vary depending on the patient and diet concerns. Here are a few of the advantages many patients experience when undergoing diet counseling:
- Meet dietary goals without invasive procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery
- Improve overall health without medications or side effects
- Increase energy and nutrient intake to support immune system health and performance
- See faster weight loss results than with exercise alone
If you are suffering from weight problems and are not meeting weight loss goals on your own, the first step is scheduling an evaluation with Dr. Nwizu. Dr. Nwizu has more than 20 years of experience in his field, and is a trusted healthcare provider. Call 970.378.8000 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment now.
