Food and nutrition have long been associated with good health and a healthy mind. The food and nutrition we have access to can impact our health and quality of life. When it comes to weight management, several dietary patterns are associated with weight loss. Unfortunately, unsupervised diets for weight management can lead to health problems. That’s where medical nutrition therapy comes into play.
Unlike fad diets, rapid weight loss diets, and general weight-loss diets, medical nutrition therapy or MNT ensures healthy weight management through reduced energy density, portion control, and better diet quality. Here’s a look at how medical nutrition therapy or MNT can help with sustainable weight management.
What is medical nutrition therapy?
Medical nutrition therapy is a precise application of nutrition therapy in a clinical setting that focuses on managing diseases through proper diet. It involves creating a personalized nutrition meal plan approved by the patient’s doctor and implemented by a medical nutrition therapist or registered dietitian nutritionist. Counseling and lifestyle changes are a part of medical nutrition therapy.
When it comes to healthy and sustainable weight management, MNT is your best bet. MNT follows clear guidelines to normalize lipid and serum glucose levels, stabilize weight, achieve weight loss, and develop sustainable and healthy eating habits.
MNT and the guidelines for weight management
The recommended guidelines for healthy weight loss and good nutrition include:
- Reducing the intake of calories in each meal.
- Eating smaller portions.
- Tracking meal composition.
- Tracking meal potions.
- Ensuring proper nutritional content.
- Learning methods of food preparation for a healthy diet.
- Choosing low-fat foods.
- Modifying a regular diet for nutrients and food allergies/intolerances.
Most of us know diet is essential for weight management. But we are unaware of how to create a healthy weight management meal plan. Several factors affect weight management. For example, proper hydration, lifestyle changes, exercise, and the effects of behavioral and environmental factors can all affect weight management.
Medical nutrition therapy considers all these factors.
Why nutrition is essential for weight loss
If you thought that less nutrition meant more weight loss, think again. Healthy weight loss can only occur when you have a healthy diet of essential nutrition and nutrients (macro and micronutrients). That’s where a medical nutrition therapist comes into the picture. Medical nutrition therapists are trained to ensure that a person on weight management therapy receives all the necessary nutrients they need. These could include protein, fiber, fats, and carbohydrates – in the correct quantity and quality.
The functions of Medical nutrition therapy in weight management
Medical nutrition therapy is much more than a diet plan. MNT is an intensive and comprehensive nutrition therapy service recommended for obese and overweight adults. It is also recommended for people who have medical conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, and chronic kidney disease.
MNT for weight management establishes nutrition goals, a care plan, and various interventions.
A patient undergoes in-depth, personalized nutrition assessments for a nutritional diagnosis. The therapist then advises them of therapeutic services and counseling.
The medical nutrition therapist will visit the patient multiple times to ensure therapy is going according to plan and makes necessary changes to ensure accurate results.
Behavioral changes and lifestyle changes are critical to the success of medical nutrition therapy. The changes will depend on the patient’s individual nutrition problems and any medical conditions they might have.
The success of MNT depends on a regular follow-up to provide reinforcement and help with behavior change.
Medical nutritional therapy Miami
If you do an online search for medical nutritional therapy Miami, or nutrition therapy Miami, you are bound to come across several organizations that offer MNT services. Finding a reliable medical nutritional therapy service is critical for best results. If you have private insurance, you might be able to use it for MNT. Check your insurance plan for medical nutrition therapy coverage.
