March was National Nutrition month. It’s the month every year that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has designated to promote to all Americans healthy nutrition and the services of registered dietitians, who are considered to be the experts in disseminating science-based nutrition information to encourage optimal nutritional status. Every year the Academy determines a theme to represent their basic message of healthy nutrition for everyone. This year’s theme is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day”. The theme is meant to encourage the idea that there is not just one “right” way for everyone to eat to meet healthy nutrition standards. On the contrary, eating “right” is very individualized for each person.
So, what is “right” eating? This is not a simple question. As a registered dietitian who is also a therapist, I can really appreciate the message that there is not just one right way for people to eat. I prefer to think of it as “healthy” eating, and that is different for everybody.
From my years of experience in working with all types of people, I have found first-hand that certain aspects need to be taken into consideration before collaboratively creating an eating plan with clients. Some of these considerations are: culture, lifestyle, religion, personal food preferences, ethnic traditions, and, of course, health concerns. Emotional and mental aspects are also important to consider, as well as a client’s personal experience of what works for them and what doesn’t.
My formal training and education as a registered dietitian was mostly based on the western medical model of medical nutrition therapy. Over the years, I have come to respect aspects of eastern medicine and nutrition which takes into account the body, mind, and spirit. My training as a therapist has influenced this. Thus, my way of working with clients is holistic, combining the best from the East and the West.
I resonate with “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” because it alludes to the fact that nutrition is not an exact science and there are a lot of “gray” areas in a healthy eating plan. Eating healthy is definitely not all black or white. Most foods can fit, including favorite foods, into a healthy eating plan and overall healthy lifestyle. You can meet your health goals with the assistance of a caring, supportive, and knowledgeable nutrition professional.
My approach in working with clients around the issue of nutrition and healthy eating is very non-critical, non-judgmental and non-shaming. I appreciate a client’s past experiences, fears, the emotional aspects, and the life stressors that play into making lifestyle and behavior changes. I also consider a client’s “self talk” or thought patterns which affects all aspects of one’s life, including how you take care of yourself and the decisions you make. I appreciate how difficult it can be to change long-standing habits. Being deprived is not the overall goal of improving your health, nutrition, and lifestyle. Finding what works for you is the goal.
Other Resources:
~I am facilitating a new group soon called “Intuitive Eating & Body Image”. Check out the group description under our Groups tab.
~For more information on National Nutrition month and nutrition tips, check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website: www.eatright.org
Stacey Wald, LAPC, RD
Swald @growcounseling.com