Nutrition at the virtual clinic

Contrary to popular belief, registered dietitians are not solely responsible for helping people lose weight. Indeed, although they can help you with such a goal, the field of practice of registered dietitians is much broader. From the busy parent who needs help organizing meals for the whole family, to the patient who has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, to the elite athlete preparing for a big competition, the dietitian can help a variety of people achieve their nutritional goals.

Here is a list of reasons for consultation supported by registered dietitians.

• Improved eating habits
• Help with meal planning
• Improving sports performance and preparing for sporting events
• Management of chronic health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and kidney diseases)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Celiac disease
  • Liver diseases
• Support during the perinatal period (pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant feeding)
• Pediatrics (growth, food introduction, allergies, picky eating)
• Women’s health (PCOS, menopause)
• Body composition (weight loss or gain)
• Eating disorders and other mental health disorders
• And many others!

The first step in nutrition care is the nutritional assessment. During this appointment, your registered dietitian will review your health history, your lifestyle, your diet, your goals and your expectations regarding nutrition appointments. At ABC Clinique Santé, the nutritional assessment is done in two parts, so that your registered dietitian can analyze all the information gathered during your first meeting to develop your personalized action plan. In the second part of the assessment, the registered dietitian will present you a report of your diet, as well as the proposed action plan. At the end of the assessment, you will have a solid plan to start making long-term changes in your eating habits, one bite at a time!

The second step in the nutrition care process is the follow-up. In each of these appointments, you and your registered dietitian will evaluate the progress made since the last meeting and will establish new objectives. Although these meetings are not mandatory, they are highly recommended to help you make long-term dietary changes. Indeed, it is during the follow-ups that the registered dietitian will guide you through the challenges of daily life and equip you so that you can be able to face them.

Changing eating habits is a gradual and personal process. The role of the registered dietitian is to support and equip you throughout the process, and until you reach your goals. Indeed, registered dietitians are not bossy practitionners, who give you a strict menu to follow, and even less “Food polices” who scold you when you do not follow that same menu to a tee. At ABC Clinique Santé, we encourage you to become the master of your diet and your health.