Nutritional Counseling - Patient Handout

What is Healthy Eating and Diet?

Healthy eating and diet is eating the right amount of the right foods.  

Why should you eat healthy?  Eating the right amount of the right foods

will help you to lose weight, feel better, and to improve your physical health.  

You should always talk to your doctor about starting a healthy diet and to

develop short and long-term goals.  

What do I need to do? 

You play a very important role in developing healthy eating habits.  Your doctor will give you advice and resources, but you must play an active role.  Following these points will help you in this role:

Work with Your Doctor - You doctor will consider your overall health condition and provide recommendations on healthy eating and diet.  In most cases, you will be encouraged to start monitoring your eating habits, such as the amount of foods you normally eat. Always follow your doctor's recommendations.

Eat Healthy Meals - You should always eat more vegetables, fruits, and lean meats, while avoiding sugary foods or foods high in fat or salt.  Your doctor may ask that you follow a specific diet, such as the DASH diet or a diet that limits your total number of calories for each day.  For more information on healthy meals, talk to your doctor or go to the National Institutes of Health at http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/healthyeating/

Monitoring Eating Habits – Create a meal log to record the amount and types of foods you normally eat. The log helps you realize which foods and how much you are eating.  Also start looking at food container labels. Pay close attention to "Serving Size, Calories, Carbs, and Fat". These amounts should be entered on your meal log.

Routine Visits - You must keep regular appointments and always bring your meal log to the visits.  This will enable your doctor to monitor your progress and to provide you with informed recommendations.

Exercise or Fitness Programs - You are encouraged to sign-up for exercise classes or to join a fitness program, such as Silver Sneakers. For more information on Silver Sneakers please call 888-583-3346 or visit their website at www.silversneakers.com <http://www.silversneakers.com> for fitness classes with qualified fitness instructors.

What if I have questions? 

Your doctor and your care team are always available to help you!

Please call our office if you have any questions.

Referral for Nutritional Counseling Information: Nutritional Counseling at Summit Diabetes Center: for appointments call: 615-316-3800

Referral for Nutritional Counseling Information: Nutritional Counseling at Summit Diabetes Center: for appointments call: 615-316-3800