Why You Should Get a Nutrition Check-Up
Most of us know the value of having regular check-ups with our different health care providers (i.e. family doctor, dentist, optometrist, etc.). Your nutritional status is no different.
WHY YOU NEED A NUTRITION CHECK UP
Everyone can improve their diet to achieve better energy levels, improve body composition, improve sport performance and simply get more out of life!
Whether you’re an elite athlete or fairly new to the exercising world, a good nutrition review with a Dietitian can help you reach your performance and wellness goals.
WHO NEEDS A NUTRITION CHECK UP
Athletes
Recreational exercisers
If you have high cholesterol
If you have high blood pressure
If you have pre-diabetes or pre-diabetes
If you have anemia (low iron)
If you want to optimize your health and well-being
WHEN YOU NEED A NUTRITION CHECK UP
You have noticed a change in your weight – gain or loss.
A dietitian can ensure your eating habits fit your goals and provide an individualized eating plan specific to your exercise and weight goals.
You haven’t been achieving your goals despite putting in hours at the gym.
A dietitian can work with you to ensure your eating and lifestyle habits support your goals.
You have removed certain foods from your diet because of food intolerances or allergies.
A dietitian can determine whether you need to remove any foods from your diet and guide you through an elimination diet if necessary while ensuring you meet all nutrient requirements.
You’re not regular. A healthy gut is an important indicator of your health status.
Being constipated or having diarrhea is not normal. A dietitian can help!
You follow a specific diet or are thinking about making a significant change.
A dietitian can ensure you’re meeting all your nutrient needs on any diet or eating plan you choose to follow.
You over-eat when you’re stressed, bored, or sad.
Working with a certified Craving Change Dietitian can help you identify WHY you eat and help you develop strategies to improve your eating habits and relationship with food
You have low iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D
A dietitian will provide creative suggestions to optimize your nutrition profile while considering your unique taste preferences. A dietitian can also recommend supplements as needed.
You want to optimize your diet to improve your athletic performance
A dietitian can help you set nutrition goals to improve performance, recovery, and energy levels – whether you’re competing in your first CrossFit competition, running a marathon, or jogging with your dog.
You want to go on a cleanse.
A dietitian can work with you to get you back on the path to wellness with a personalized eating plan without the need for an expensive or restrictive diet.
You want to eat smarter.
A dietitian can help you sort through the misinformation and teach you a variety of essential food skills so you can fuel your body and brain.
You’ve missed your period.
After seeing your doctor for an initial workup, a dietitian can help assess if you’re eating enough to meet the demands of your training.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A NUTRITION CHECK UP
A visit with a Dietitian should include a thorough review of your eating habits and diet history (usually a 3-day food record), your medical history, your exercise and training habits, and most importantly, a discussion around your goals. For example, do you want to gain muscle, lose body fat, improve your fitness, or lower your cholesterol?
Leave your appointment with an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. Depending on your goals, that might mean focusing on three new habits and checking in once at a follow-up or it might mean starting more slowly and following-up as many times as needed to meet your goals.
Click here to look learn more about our Nutrition Services
The Take-Away
Your health is important! Be proactive and go to a Registered Dietitian to ensure you’re doing everything you can to excel in your chosen sport, optimize your well-being, and reduce your risk of chronic disease.
What To Do Now
Start by recording what you eat for 3 days (i.e. two workdays and one non-working day)
Send an email to hello@annemariesawula.ca to book your first appointment or you can book directly by clicking here