Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional Assessment and Counseling

By reviewing medical documentation (blood and urine test results, medical history) and anthropometric measurements such as measuring body weight and height, waist and hip circumference, determining the proportion of muscle and fat tissue, necessary information about the client/patient is collected, allowing for an assessment of the body's nutrition. This includes calculating the body mass index (BMI), ideal body weight, and basal metabolism, as well as assessing body constitution. Depending on the measured parameters and the level of physical activity, the nutritional and energy needs of clients are defined. Dietary habits are analyzed, and necessary corrections – dietary guidelines – are introduced. Nutritional counseling includes:

• Anthropometric measurements (weighing, measuring height and waist and hip circumference)
• Body composition measurement (percentage of muscle mass as well as total and visceral fat tissue in the body)
• Assessment of nutritional status and the needs of the body (BMI, basal metabolism, nutritional – energy needs)
• Analysis of dietary habits
• Advice and guidance on how to improve nutrition and correct mistakes

Body Composition Analysis

This is done using the InBody 270 device, which quickly, accurately, and painlessly measures your body's composition. In addition to information about how much you weigh, the device will provide insight into numerous parameters used when creating your individual nutrition program, helping us monitor your progress more easily and accurately. Parameters we measure:

• weight (kg)

• body mass index – BMI

• fat tissue (%)

• fat tissue (kg)

• visceral fat score

• muscle mass (kg)

• total body water (TBW) – TBW (kg)

• percentage of water in total body weight – TBW (%)

• total mineral quantity (kg)

• basal metabolic rate – BMR (kcal, kj)

• ideal body weight (kg)

• degree of obesity (%)

• expected values of fat tissue (kg and %)

• physical condition score

Why is it important to analyze body composition? The number on the scale means little if we don’t know what your body is composed of. An analysis of body mass composition is important for insight into the actual state of your body, allowing for timely and accurate responses to certain problems that may exist. Muscle is much heavier than fat, which is why a higher proportion of muscle can result in a higher number on the scale. This in itself does not represent a problem – in fact, it is very positive. Therefore, we can have two people who weigh the same but have completely different body compositions, thus leading to different overall health conditions, energy, and nutritional needs. For this reason, it is essential to check the ratio and proportion of fat and muscle.

Creating Menus and Individual Nutrition Plans

Your diet is created considering:

• the goal you want to achieve (weight loss, muscle mass increase, body composition change, maintaining existing body weight…),
• health condition (your menu is tailored to your health condition to help alleviate discomfort and improve health),
• level and type of physical activity,
• considering the foods you enjoy consuming,
• amount of free time and time left for meal preparation.

What can you expect from our menus? Menus are easy to follow as they do not take much time to prepare meals. Meals are ready within 30 minutes. Seasonal ingredients and those characteristic of our region are used, as well as those that can be purchased at a nearby store. Menus are compiled for a duration of 7, 14, 21 days, and one month. The menu is structured as a set of meals for one day (usually 3-5). Each meal lists the ingredients you need to use, how much you need per meal (quantities are shown in portions and grams so you can choose which method is easier for you to follow), and below the ingredients is a recipe on how to prepare the meal. Menus are available via web and mobile applications, and as a PDF document, and with each menu, you receive a shopping list and explanation about how to purchase the necessary products (where to find them and how to recognize them).

Monitoring and Control

After you receive your nutrition program and menus, you start making changes to your diet to achieve your desired goals. Changing habits is not an easy task, so we are available as support throughout the process for any uncertainties, questions, and motivation for further progress. Follow-up consultations occur 1-2 times a month to establish your progress and address any potential questions through short consultations. We repeat the body analysis and measurements to identify changes in weight, body composition, centimeters… and based on all new parameters and your information, we adjust the nutrition plan for the continuation of the program. To make the process easier for you:

• a nutritionist is available via phone or applications for any questions
• we have created guides and cookbooks as added value and access to relevant information
• your efforts are closely monitored and we motivate you
• it is possible to join a support group, which will be held by agreement, aimed at sharing experiences, providing support, and empowering during the process of changing lifestyle and dietary habits