It is well known that exercise alone is insufficient to reach or maintain a healthy weight. Your diet has just as much, if not an even bigger, impact on your ability to lose weight. While many know this already, it is much easier said than done. The alluring smell of fast food and neon signs keeps customers returning, and who can blame them?
However, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for preventing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and gallbladder disease. If you’re struggling to lose weight, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) may provide the necessary support to reach your goals.
What Is MNT and How Does It Work?
MNT begins with a nutrition assessment, which allows a registered dietician (RD) to design a unique treatment plan to aid you in better eating habits and becoming healthier.
The RD and other healthcare professionals start with performing the nutrition assessment and discussing potential goals. Once they have established the treatment goals, they develop the nutrition prescription. They will then utilize individual counseling to train you in self-management so you can continue these healthy habits on your own.
Why Does MNT Work?
If you are someone who has tried other diets and tips to reach your goals, you may be wondering how this treatment could be different.
MNT is effective for many reasons. For one, it keeps you accountable. When setting out on a new nutrition plan, you may be working on it alone. By working with a physician and RD, you are being held accountable and ensuring you stick to your nutrition prescription.
It also helps because it’s personalized to you and your nutritional needs. Many diets set unrealistic goals that don’t work for each individual. For example, if your body is used to getting 2,500 calories a day, dropping to 1,600 calories because of a new diet can cause your body to go into starvation mode. Before you know it, you have given up because your body is hungry and dissatisfied.
Further, MNT seeks to inform you. It can be difficult to get started if you have never counted calories or macros, did not read food labels, and never tracked your meals. An RD can inform you on what to look for on nutrition labels, what macros are, what the right amount is for your body, and what foods are better than others.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re ready to start losing weight in a healthy way, consider medical nutrition therapy in Show Low, AZ. Contact Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center at (928) 537-6829 to schedule an appointment.
