Most of us were taught by our parents how, when, and what to eat. But, for the most part, they didn’t have a large basis of nutritional knowledge. They also likely learned eating habits from their parents. When it comes to a healthy diet you cannot beat the professional advice of a nutritionist or licensed dietician. What works for one person nutrition-wise may not be in the best interest of another person. We all have specialized needs. Working with someone who has the knowledge base to make that happen can be a huge benefit to your health and wellbeing.

Why Work with a Nutritionist at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates?

1. You are having digestive issues 
If you are having digestive problems you may have food allergies or sensitivities you are unaware of. If you continually eat something that your body is trying to reject your digestion will be off. You may have bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. When you eliminate foods that bother you your digestion can reset and heal itself. Through testing, a nutritionist can determine what is specifically causing your discomfort, and help you develop a plan for avoiding those foods and working them safely out of your diet. Eventually, once your digestion heals, you may try and reintroduce foods slowly. Not all food allergies or sensitivities are permanent.

2. You want to lose weight and keep it off
Getting in shape and losing weight is tough for many. You may have tried fad diets, lost some weight, but gained it back. Yo-yo dieting can cause more harm than good. They can make weight loss more difficult as well. Losing weight too fast can place you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Working with a nutritionist and losing it slowly and steadily is the best way. Change of habit and lifestyle that are sustainable and you can live with are far better for your health mentally and physically.

3. You have a medical condition that requires a special diet.
Food is medicine. It can also be poison. It can heal you or it can harm you. That is why it is vital to know which side of the coin foods are on. Everything you eat has an effect on your heart, arteries, veins, blood sugar levels, and so much more. A nutritionist can help you manage your condition or conditions by researching and suggesting the appropriate foods to help strengthen your heart and veins while simultaneously lowering your risk for stroke or heart attack, often recommending healthier alternatives to the foods that you know you like to eat.

4. You lack motivation on your own
Maybe you know what to do and just can’t seem to make yourself stick to it. Having accountability can help. Set realistic goals for yourself (your nutritionist will help with this). Everyone needs extra help and encouragement once in a while.  Your nutritionist isn’t there to judge you, only help you. They are there for questions as well as to celebrate your victories with you. (Reaching your goals is a victory for them as well!)

5. You want to improve your health and boost your immunity to disease
You may simply want to eat better because you know that eating healthy can not only improve your appearance but can make you feel better as well mentally and physically. Many people also feel the urge to visit a nutritionist simply as they get older and their nutritional needs change. This may also be the case during pregnancy in considering the future health of their unborn child. Seeing a nutritionist proactively is ideal. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” has it exactly right.

Ready to make that appointment? Give us a call to go over your nutritional goals! 813-975-2800 or visit us online to learn more about our staff and office by going to www.tampacardio.com. We look forward to working with you!