You go to the gym, you go to your annual physical, and you even make time for monthly chiropractor appointments. But chances are there’s one crucial appointment you’re not slotting into your schedule: seeing a nutritionist.
We all (well, most of us) like to eat. We also know that proper nutrition is essential for everyone. But how do you know when you need to seek professional help to improve your life?
Here are the first few signs indicating that you need to see a nutritionist.
You’re a Yo-Yo Dieter
You work hard to lose weight, only to find it creeping back on with a few extra pounds, then buckle down to lose it again. You probably also uttered one of these sentences more than twice in your life, “I want to weigh this number by bikini season,” or “I want to fit into my size four dress for this special occasion in two weeks.”
Losing and gaining weight like a yo-yo not only messes with your head, but it does a number on your body too. Dropping too many calories too fast messes with your hormones, which messes with your health. When you over-restrict your calories, it can cause muscle loss, and your body responds by slowing down your metabolic rate (your ability to burn calories).
The safer way to lose weight is to eat a balanced diet and choose healthy whole foods consistently. A nutritionist and wellness coach can teach you how to gauge your appetite and help you understand your hunger quotient.
You Experience Ongoing Gastrointestinal Issues
Do you get heartburn or acid reflux after you’ve eaten? Gas and bloating after eating dairy (or anything, for that matter)? What about regular constipation, diarrhea or stomachaches? Perhaps you’ve been living with some of these symptoms, thinking that this is just the way your body digests food, but often these symptoms are signs of more significant underlying issues.
Most gastrointestinal issues can be prevented or treated, but you’ll likely need professional help. A nutritionist can help you better understand your digestive process and improve your wellbeing by helping you identify the root cause of the discomfort. If you have an intolerance for specific ingredients, they’ll ensure you can get all the nutrients from those products another way. A nutritionist will help you develop a well-balanced meal plan that includes the foods that your body can tolerate.
You’re an Emotional Eater
Emotional eating isn’t just about eating when you’re sad or shoving chips in your mouth when you’re stressed. It can be as subtle as eating a whole chocolate slab without realizing you’re doing it.
A nutritionist can help you identify your triggers and help come up with behavior changes and tools so you can build (or rebuild) a healthy relationship with food. You don’t have to figure it out or navigate the world of food and nutrition by yourself.
[RECIPE] MAPLE-BALSAMIC BONELESS PORK CHOPS
This one is a real keeper! One bite and you won’t believe all that incredible flavor is courtesy of just a few basic ingredients. Plus, this tasty dish takes under 20 minutes to get on the table, so it’s a perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients (use organic when possible):
- 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 4 4-oz. boneless pork chops
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 balsamic vinegar
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season pork chops on each side with salt and pepper, to taste, and add to the pre-heated skillet. Brown pork chops on each side, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove pork chops from pan and set aside on a rimmed dish.
- Add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup to a hot skillet and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and cook mixture until it is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume. When ready, the glaze will become thick and syrupy. Do not overcook or the mixture will become hard and sticky.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet along with the juices that collected on the plate. Stir liquid to blend juices into the syrup and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer chops to a serving platter or individual serving plate and drizzle with pan sauce. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
To Your Health,
Patti
