Ask the Doctor: Working with a Dietitian; Varying Food Choices
Q. I need to lose weight, and my doctor has suggested that I see a dietitian. How do I get started?
A. Ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian (RD). If you are obese (a body mass index of 30 or higher), Medicare Part B covers weight-loss counseling. Medicare also covers nutrition therapy services for patients who have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant within the last three years. Many other insurance companies cover similar services; call your insurer to find out what your policy covers and if you need a referral from a doctor.
Some medical practices have dietitians on staff. You may also be able to find one working in private practice in your community or who is affiliated with your local hospital.
The first session with an RD involves a lot of information gathering. You’ll share your highest weight, lowest weight, previous weight-loss efforts, and any history of eating disorders or eating behaviors of concern, as well as information about your current eating patterns. The RD will also consider your current health, medical history, and other factors when determining what type of eating plan will be safest and most effective for you.
Goal setting is an important aspect of working with an RD. You’ll set some goals and then review your progress at future sessions. The RD will provide you with strategies, tools, and information that will help you achieve your goals. For example, you may keep a food journal, learn how to read nutrition labels, and discover which foods are highest in nutrients and lowest in calories.
If your insurance doesn’t cover the services of an RD, call some RDs in your area and ask about the costs; fees range from $50 to $200, depending on the services provided. If you have to pay out of pocket, consider it a wise investment; an RD can provide you with tools that will benefit your health for many years.
Q. I’ve always been a picky eater, but I have often heard the more variety in your diet, the better. Why is it so important to eat a wide array of foods?
A. One of the main reasons health experts recommend a varied diet is that eating a wide range of foods helps ensure that you get all the nutrients you need. Your body requires more than 25 vitamins and minerals, along with other nutrients, to perform hundreds of functions. Many healthful foods are high in some essential nutrients, but they lack other important vitamins or minerals.
To help expand your dietary options, consider trying foods prepared in new ways. If you’re not a fan of raw or steamed vegetables, try roasting them with a drizzle of olive oil and some garlic or other seasonings. Many vegetables can be pureed with a little water and added to soups and stews, and finely shredded or chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots can be added to muffins, quick breads, casseroles, and meat loaf. If you don’t eat a particular food because you tried it once many years ago, give it another shot; our tastes change throughout our lives, and the second time may be the charm.
–Orli R. Etingin, M.D., Editor-in-Chief
The post Ask the Doctor: Working with a Dietitian; Varying Food Choices appeared first on University Health News.
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