Let’s understand what nutrition is.
A human body needs energy to function. Where do we get this energy to work? We get it by consuming foods and other substances for energy, repair and maintenance of bodily functions. The whole process is called nutrition that we get from various food sources. Nutrition involves studying various foods.
Nutrition helps the body to function properly by letting it consume essential substances also categorized as macronutrients and micronutrients
A balanced diet, which includes a variety of foods in appropriate proportions, is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing various diseases.
Proper understanding and knowledge of nutrition will help a person improve their overall health. A health professional who specializes in the study of nutrition is called a nutritionist. A nutritionist advises people on how to improve their health by incorporating balanced nutrition in their diet.
How Nutritionists Work?
Before working with a nutritionist, first learn how they work:
1. Assessment:
A nutritionist can assign a healthy diet by assessing your current lifestyle, eating patterns, health status and your specific health goals. For this a nutritionist might ask you one-on-one questions, have an interview in person or on call, give you a questionnaire or might ask you to have some lab tests.
2. Education:
Educating the client is another step that a nutritionist follows for better results. This step involves educating the client about the basics of nutrition and how it will help to improve the overall health of the client. The client is also informed about all the changes that the client needs to make in their current lifestyle to achieve their specific goals.
3. Personalized Recommendations:
Nutritionists give personal recommendations to clients based on the assessment. They consider the client’s needs, preferences and goals. The personalized nutrition plans include specific food recommendations, meals plans, recipes and some techniques and strategies to change your lifestyle.
4. Monitoring and Support:
The process of attaining a fit body needs monitoring. A nutritionist will ensure that you follow a healthy diet aligned to your health goals by monitoring and supporting you throughout the process. This helps the client to stay on track and make sustainable changes to their diet and lifestyle. The monitoring of your diet will include regular check-ins, progress assessments, and adjustments to the nutrition plan as required.
Nutritious foods
The foods that provide essential nutrients to the body are called nutritious foods. These foods exclude fried food, preserved and packed food, refined foods and sugar items. The essential nutrients are vital for proper functioning of the body and for that, here are some of the nutritious foods that nutritionists will add to your diet:
1. Fruits and Vegetables:
Fruits and vitamins are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Nutritionists suggest adding a variety of colorful options in your diet to ensure a wide range of nutrients.
2. Whole Grains:
Whole grains are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. Adding whole grains like brown rice, oats, barley and whole wheat are important for sustained energy levels and digestive health.
3. Lean Proteins:
Nutritionists will help you to incorporate the right amount of protein in your diet. Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients along with fats and carbohydrates. Also, protein is an essential for the body no matter what your health goals are. Adding both animal and plant-based protein sources like chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, tofu, tempeh, legumes like beans and lentils in your diet will help you get the required amount of protein for your body. Protein is essential for your body because it helps with muscle repair and growth, immune function and hormone production.
4. Dairy or Dairy Alternatives:
Dairy products are an essential source of calcium, protein and other essential nutrients. Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are incorporated in your diet so you can get the vital nutrients. Your nutritionist will consider your health first and if you are lactose intolerant they will help you choose from dairy alternatives like soy, almond or oat milk.
5. Healthy Fats:
To ensure you achieve your health goals, you need to incorporate healthy fats in your diet like avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines. Healthy fats are essential for brain health, hormone production and absorption or fat-soluble vitamins.
6. Legumes and Pulses:
Legumes and pulses are a rich source of plant-based protein, fibr, vitamin and minerals. Theta are low in fat and nutritionists suggest them to add in your diet as they can be incorporated in various dishes. Add beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas in your diet.
7. Berries:
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are a rich source of vitamins and fiber and are packed with antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. Berries are below in calories and help to support heart health and cognitive function.
8. Leafy Greens:
Vegetables and fruits make the most of a healthy and clean diet. They are natural sources of food packed with essential nutrients. Include spinach, kale, swiss chard and collard greens that are rich sources of vitamin A, C, K and folate. These vegetables are also rich in minerals like iron and calcium.
9. Seeds:
Nutritionists advise to include seeds in your diet because they are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein and various other vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are some of the seeds that will be beneficial to your health if you add them in your diet.
10. Herbs and Spices:
Herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and oregano are used not just to add flavor but because of their medicinal properties as well. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to neutralize free radicals in the body and curb inflammation respectively.
A nutritionist makes sure that your personalized diet contains all the foods with essential nutrients in them so you can achieve your personal goals.
Best Nutritionists in Toronto:
Here is a list of some of the best nutritionists in Toronto that can help you achieve your health goals:
Alia Virjee:
Alia Virjee is the owner of Tangible Health. She is a registered dietician and a trained nutritionist who offers nutrition counseling packages. She offers competitive prices and provides quick services to those with busy schedules.
Stefanie Senior:
She is a registered dietitian for over 16 years and works with clients from all over Toronto. She provides customized meal plans for clients. She only works with women.
Kyle Byron:
Kyle Byron provides completely personalized nutrition coaching. She even offers cooking classes and online courses.
Sarah Goldstein:
Sarah Goldstein gives hands-on coaching on nutrition and diet. She even offers custom and pre-made meal plans. Online sessions are also available for clients.
Maha Nasr:
Maha Nasr is a registered holistic nutritionist who founded Healthy U Turn. Healthy U Turn has a diverse list of services. They provide coaching beyond nutrition. They even provide support for cancer patients.
Gurmohan Ahuja:
Gurmohan Ahuja is a certified nutritionist who works with Desi Nutrition. They not only provide health consultation but also prepare meals for people who are busy with their schedules but want a fit body. You can order meals from their website, Desi Nutrition. They offer diverse diets for various health goals. You can get meals for weight loss, weight gain, muscle gain etc.
Tzabia Siegel:
Tzabia Siegal runs The Food Coach. She is a life coach and weight loss specialist who offers free health audits. They have limited selection of services and might want to have blood and DNA testing for certain programs.
JM Nutrition:
JM nutrition is a franchise owned by Julie Mancuso. They have multiple services for people with different health goals.
Melissa Cosentino:
Melissa Cosentino heads Mellyfit Nutrition. She offers free discovery calls. You can attend their health and nutrition workshops as well. They make personalized nutrition plans.
Glenda Britton:
Glenda Britton offers limited packages with flexible schedules for her clients. She even provides a comprehensive combination of nutrition approaches.
Conclusion:
A nutritionist is a health professional that helps you achieve your health goals with their expertise in food. Their knowledge helps you get guidance to eat healthy according to your personal needs and health goals.
