We’re constantly exposed to diet trends, inconsistent health advice, and countless nutrition myths. Finding the right nutritional guidance can feel overwhelming. Wouldn’t it be useful to talk to a professional, dedicated to helping you understand the connection between what you eat and how you feel? Well, that’s exactly what a nutritionist is!
The Importance of Nutrition
You’ve probably heard of those intense exercise programs that promise drastic body transformations in just a few weeks. Sure, they can be great for keeping you active when done responsibly. But if your main goal is weight loss, exercise alone won’t cut it. The food you eat is an equally important, if not bigger, part of the equation. Nutrition is the foundation for maintaining a healthy weight because it directly impacts your calorie deficit, which is the main factor in losing weight. If you consume more calories than you burn you won’t lose weight, regardless of exercise intensity.
Calorie Deficits
Caloric deficits are the most important factor in weight loss. Everyone has a BMR (basal metabolic rate), which is the minimum amount of calories their body needs to perform basic functions. You can calculate your own BMR at home using the Harris-Benedict formula. It’s important to remember that this number doesn’t reflect any additional exercise or physical activity. However, it can provide a good starting point for understanding your personal needs. A nutritionist takes BMR, along with other tests and factors, to help determine the proper plan for you.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
So, what does a nutritionist do? They help patients manage their nutrition by:
- Determining their overall health.
- Setting attainable long-term and short-term goals.
- Creating custom meal plans for specific needs.
- Educating clients on how nutrition impacts their health.
Personal nutritional needs vary based on your age, lifestyle, and other factors such as family history. A person who is training for a marathon will have different needs than someone who is recovering from surgery. Because of this, following nutritional advice from someone who doesn’t know your specific health factors can lead to major issues.
Local Answers from Lubbock
If you’re looking for a nutritionist in Lubbock, West Texas Bariatrics has you covered. Our certified nutritionist, Kelsea Blackstock, can help you find the right game plan for your weight loss journey. She is a certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) and Certified Nutritional Coach (CNC) who graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.S. in Biology and later earned an M.S. in Kinesiology. She is an expert in helping her clients reach their goals and educating them on healthy choices.
Summary
- Exercise alone won’t help weight loss.
- Calorie deficits are crucial when trying to lose weight.
- Knowing your BMR can be a good starting point for weight management.
- Nutritionists help clients manage their nutrition.
- Nutritionists can help make nutrition plans based on your specific needs.
- Kelsea Blackstock at West Texas Bariatrics can help you manage your nutrition.
