There is a lot of information and advice around us on how to have a healthy diet, we just need to turn on the TV, read a magazine or browse internet or social media. However, implementing all the advice is not always easy. Sometimes, even simple messages like eating more fruit or drinking more water can be difficult to implement, or even not meet our real needs. There are general principles for a healthy diet of course . However, each of us is unique, with our own genetic characteristics and environmental context, which affect our needs and the way we use food. • Variables such as gender, age, professional activity, level of physical activity, physiological state, disease, among others, influence the needs for energy, vitamins, minerals and all nutrients. Furthermore, for food to be adequate, nutritious and enjoyable, there are factors that may need to be adapted to each person and their circumstances: The choice of food; Its preparation or cooking; The quantities to eat. What is a dietary plan? A dietary plan is a strategy designed to achieve certain nutritional and/or health goals. The goal will determined together in a consultation, for example: Losing or gaining weight; Increase muscle mass; Control a health issue, for example diabetes, high cholesterol, among others. An individualized or personalized dietary plan, prescribed by a nutritionist, will always consider the particularities of each person, including their personal and cultural habits, their expectations and the possibility of achieving them. The nutritionist prescription is created specifically for each person , based on their clinical history, weight history, lifestyle and other factors such as profession, daily activities, whether or not they practice physical activity. The plan is calculated in macronutrients and micronutrients , and the needs are then reflected in the foods to choose and distributed over the various meals to be eaten. In this process, possible substitutions for equivalent foods are also taught; Teaching strategies to deal with day-to-day challenges that may limit adherence to the dietary plan (for example, changing shopping times to avoid going hungry) is also a fundamental part of follow-up. With the adoption of a dietary plan, it is also sought to create a well-structured eating routine, as this has several health benefits and gains in quality of life: Reduces impulse food consumption; Facilitates the organization of meals; Allows you to have better physical and mental performance as it is a more personalized diet. Treating obesity The advantages of following a personalized eating plan in the treatment and control of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, eating disorders , among others, are known. Current recommendations for the treatment of obesity indicate that overweight or obese people who need to lose weight are advised to follow an integrated lifestyle intervention, which includes: Diet; Physical activity; Behavioral therapy. A personalized dietary plan is a fundamental premise and adherence to it is crucial for the success of the treatment, as well as for maintaining long-term results. Organizing meals is an important step in weight control, as it allows timely preparation and control of portions. Review and re-educate whenever necessary Almost everyone can benefit from a clinical nutrition assessment, whether to maintain or achieve an adequate weight, to prevent or control chronic diseases or even to review or re-educate their practices and habits. Dietary re-education involves creating healthier routines and habits that fit as perfectly as possible into each person's day-to-day life. Objectives must be defined, and diet must be planed with realistic goals and respecting individuality. Author: Sónia Xavier Meet the Nutrition clinical team of the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
