No matter how many times people try to oversimplify it, losing weight is more complex than “calories in/calories out.” The amount of conflicting information that is available makes the situation even worse, and the language used to discuss weight loss can be confusing, too.
At Uniquely Fit Medical Weight Loss & Wellness, Dr. Latissa Carson and her team work with you as an individual to develop the best weight loss plan for your life and your health. Whether you’re most likely to benefit from lifestyle coaching, medical weight loss, dietary supplements, or other services, we can help you reach your goals.
Your diet vs. being on a diet
Your diet is all of the food you eat. That’s it. Your diet might be composed mostly of vending machine donuts and fast food — though we hope that’s not the case! Or, your diet may be mostly fresh vegetables and lean protein. Most likely, it’s somewhere in between those two extremes.
When you “go on a diet” you’re restricting something. You may restrict the number of calories you eat overall, or you may be aiming for a low-fat diet and restrict fatty foods.
There are many diets, and you’ve probably tried your fair share, or more. There are services that mail you premade meals, companies that make shakes to replace meals, there’s even a “grapefruit diet.” Most of these diets tend to improve your nutrition.
Focus on good nutrition
Nutrients are contained in the food you eat. When you eat a healthful diet, you have good nutrition because the foods you consume contain the nutrients your body needs.
Good nutrition involves everything from how much water you drink each day to the vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the foods you eat. Good nutrition for one person may not be exactly the same as it is for another because bodies are different. You may eat exactly the same diet as your partner, yet one or the other of you may have a vitamin D deficiency.
However, there are some basic guidelines that can help you get closer to proper nutrition. You should aim to consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables each day. Try to eat natural foods that are a variety of colors: beets, blueberries, greens, carrots, squash, and so on.
Medically supervised weight loss is different
When you come to Uniquely Fit, we help you identify what good nutrition is for you, and we create menus that are designed to deliver the nutrition you need. Your needs are unique to you.
If you need to eat less, we can help by providing FDA-approved, safe appetite suppressants. If you need dietary supplements, we can provide them. Our weight loss mentors can help you identify what barriers you’re facing and suggest solutions for overcoming them.
Our focus is on helping you develop a habit of eating food that is healthful, nutritious, and adequate for your needs. Along with information about your particular needs, we provide education on what good nutrition is, and how you can continue to eat well after you’re finished with our program.
If you’d like to learn more about the difference between being on a diet and creating a lifestyle with proper nutrition, book an appointment at Uniquely Fit Medical Weight Loss and Wellness. We’re happy to answer your questions and provide guidance in your journey toward better health.