Diet Plan Dilemma

The main reason for wanting to become a dietitian was to make diet plans for my future clients. I had it all figured out; I would learn everything there is to know about nutrition during school and then I would create perfect meal plans that all of my clients would follow exactly. They would then reach all of their  health goals and everyone would live happily ever after. Okay, well I had A LOT wrong. First of all, I did not learn everything about food; years after graduation I am learning new things about food everyday. More importantly, the main thing I have learned throughout this process is, diet plans (even balanced ones written by registered dietitians) are not very beneficial.

During internships, I would often ask my preceptors if they gave out specific meal plans to their clients and each one replied, "no." I never was given much of an explanation, but learned quickly the reasoning behind this. A diet plan is well...A DIET. It tells you exactly WHAT TO EAT and WHEN TO EAT IT. Sounds like a DIET huh? Well, we all know DIETS WILL NOT WORK and therefore giving specific weekly menus to clients will no work either. Okay yes, they work for the short term...then deprivation sets in...then you go out to eat and they do not serve 4 oz dry chicken with green beans and whole wheat bread, and well...you get the picture! Strict diet rules usually lead to rebellious behavior and eating the "forbidden foods." This ends up leading to a feeling of failure and having little trust in yourself with food.

So what is a dietitian to do?
Nutrition education is crucial!! It is important for you to feel empowered about your food decisions (the good and not so good ones). It is okay to choose not so healthy foods sometimes as long as YOU are in control and a better choice is made in the future...maybe at the next meal? Utilizing a dietitian to help with grocery shopping or menu developing can be very helpful as well. A meal plan can be beneficial in certain circumstances as long as it is presented as an OUTLINE rather than specific rules to follow. Also, it is only going to work if the person eating the food likes (and knows how to cook/buy) the food on the plan.

...and we have a logo!

Usually I post about health related topics, but today is sort of an exception since I am debuting the Workout for Wellness Logo. Yes, 2 years in the making we finally have one! I wanted something that would encompass both nutrition and exercise using the Workout for Wellness colors (blue and green). Special thanks to Danny Tuzzeo, graphic designer, for making my odd idea come to life! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do: