It is no secret that obesity and being overweight is a growing concern among all age groups and despite the old adage 'You are what you eat', few truly understand the notion that to be fit and healthy we must eat good food. But before binge eating on carrots and lettuce or following the latest fad diet which may do more harm than good, it is best to get in touch with a nutritionist who can offer you a helping hand to improve your diet and overall lifestyle.

Locate a nutritionist near you

Nutritionists consult people who would like to adopt a healthier lifestyle through nutrition. This is done by considering the patient's goals against his or her needs and lifestyle and then advises and educates the person on how to eat better.

Therefore, a nutritionist serves as an educator or coach who can help you better understand what to eat, can provide you with practical strategies on how to fit healthy eating habits in your life and can bring further awareness on how your diet choices can affect both your body and mood.

This type of health professional generally consults healthy individuals who don't have any medical conditions, yet, people who may suffer from chronic stomach conditions like Crohn's disease, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Celiac disease may also benefit from a nutritionist's advice. However, do note that specific diets for particular medical conditions cannot be prescribed.

It is advisable that you opt for a nutritionist who is qualified and experienced. But before setting up an appointment, you need to consider two things - why you need to see one and the theories and methods the nutritionist of your choice employs. Answering these two basic questions is crucial since certain nutritionists specialise in particular areas, while experience and training varies from professional to professional. For example, some nutritionists specialise in particular diet-related areas like nutrient-dense diets that tend to avoid processed food, others focus on vegetarian or vegan diets, whereas certain dietitians use approaches that help towards managing issues like stress or disease prevention. The later, for instance, involves eating consciously to avoid conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Other professionals may be trained to work with specific individuals, such as those experienced in geriatric, paediatric, sports, maternal and family health or clinical nutrition, to name a few.

Nutritionists work both in public and private medical centres and hospitals, whilst many operate their own private clinics. With the aim to promote healthier lifestyles, the government's Primary HealthCare system provides nutrition services to those who would like to learn more about eating healthy food. The service is available to young and old alike, however, patients do not receive one-on-one consultation or meal plans, but rather, sessions are held in a group setting and they are mainly focused on providing educational talks and discussions. The service also includes the Weight Management Programme, held in various health centres across the island, which focuses on the prevention and management of obesity. Alternatively, explore the long list of nutritionists found on Yellow and select the professional that will best serve your needs. Filter your results based on location, while view nutritionists' contact details, websites and operating hours.

The upside of visiting a nutritionist

Wondering what a first appointment at a nutritionist may involve? Typically, you will be asked to keep a log or diary where you will have to record the type and quantity of food you have consumed in a given period. The nutritionist will then analyse and assess your log and advise as to the changes you will need to adopt, such as your plate size and consuming meals that mainly consist of veggies as opposed to protein and carbs.

The benefits of using a nutritionist's services are many. For starters, by giving your diet a makeover, you will be able to prevent numerous health conditions from getting worse, while you'll reduce the risk of developing chronic problems that are usually associated with elevated cholesterol and glucose levels. This also means that you lower your chances of needing medications in the future. If your weight is having an impact on your health and daily life, a nutritionist can help you make the right food choices. In addition, a nutritionist can offer you some guidance if you think that certain foods are making you sick which may indicate a food sensitivity or an allergy. Lastly, if you're feeling sluggish due to age, eating better will improve your memory and reduce conditions like arthritis, while helping you revitalise your body and mind.

Nutritionist versus a dietitian

Nutritionists and dietitians are often considered the same profession, however, the two are not synonymous. Dieticians see patients who suffer from medical conditions and aim to improve or overcome completely their health problems. Individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure are best seen by this type of professional, since the dietitian reviews the patient's latest blood work and depending on the result, a specific meal plan is drawn up. Dietitians also work with individuals who would either like to lose or gain weight in a safe and healthy manner, while they are the go-to health practitioners for athletes who would like solid, evidence-based guidance in improving their fitness level and performance.

Transform your lifestyle and eating habits with the help of a nutritionist and set yourself in the right path to healthy living.

Have a look at these healthier versions of traditional Maltese recipes.