The Challenges of Addressing Nutrition Confusion
Cardinal Metabolic & Performance returns from a LONG layoff.
Hi everyone, and welcome back from a LONG layoff! If you’re new here, my name is Brian Heep, a registered dietitian (RD). I'm passionate about helping people navigate the often confusing world of nutrition. Let's face it, there's a lot of conflicting information out there, and it can be overwhelming to know what to trust.
In this blog, and others to follow, I want to shed light on some of the challenges you might face on your nutrition journey, and provide tips for making it a positive and enjoyable experience. If you’ve been missing your “Daily Greens” on a monthly basis, I’m back in action!
A little housekeeping is in order, as is a little self-indulgence. You did read that right earlier, Registered Dietitian. A lot of work over the 3–4 years ended in December last year of 2023 with my graduation from Logan University with a dual masters degree in Nutrition & Human Performance, and Nutrition & Applied Dietetics. If you’ve been a client of mine in the past, we might’ve delved into nutrition, but I would venture to say it was much more on the exercise testing front. Rest assured, this is still something I heavily promote, as exercise goes hand in hand with helping us be the best version of ourselves. Going forward, though, I come to you with knowledge gained and hands-on practice in the field of clinical nutrition.
So what is it that I actually do?
I struggle with my elevator speech…
I do quite a bit. To start, living in southern Indiana, I’m a husband to a beautiful woman and mother-to-be. After that, through my business, Cardinal Metabolic & Performance, I’m a consultant dietitian working at two different acute care rehab facilities, as well as a contracted dietitian in Louisville, Kentucky, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in the state of Kentucky’s waiver program, receiving approved benefits from their care team. I provide their medical nutrition therapy. And in addition to that, I provide commercial metabolic exercise testing and nutritional consultations to outside clients.
Cutting Through the Noise: Overcoming Misinformation
As an RD, I see a lot of clients who come to me with misconceptions about food and nutrition. They might fear entire food groups or be following restrictive diets based on unreliable sources.
Here's the thing: Everyone's body is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. When I work with clients, I focus on providing clear, evidence-based guidance that they can understand and implement.
Here are some tips for evaluating nutrition information:
Be wary of quick fixes and miracle cures. Sustainable, healthy eating is about making gradual changes you can stick with over time.
Do your research, but be critical of the sources. Look for information from reputable organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or government health websites. I don't expect everyone to understand the intricacies, context, and study design of the latest published paper from the International Journal of Sports Medicine, or the Journal of American Medicine Association. I'm here to help you translate that research into practical steps.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't fall victim to fad diets or fear-mongering about certain foods or eating styles.
Small Steps, Big Wins: Prioritizing Actionable Changes
Another common challenge I see is clients feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of nutrition information out there. It's easy to get bogged down in details and lose sight of your goals.
That's why I recommend focusing on one or two key changes at a time. This will help you avoid information overload and make sustainable progress. For example, you could start by focusing on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, or by finding healthier ways to prepare your favorite meals. If you think adding a few more fruits & veggies isn't going to do much, it actually will. Increased fruit and vegetable intake is linked to a variety of health benefits, and it's a change most people can easily incorporate.
Building Momentum: The Power of Frequent Check-Ins
Traditionally, clients might meet with their RD every four weeks. But what if I told you that more frequent visits could be even more effective?
Here's the thinking: regular check-ins can help you stay motivated, troubleshoot challenges, and hold yourself accountable. We can look back on a shorter time frame, say the previous week or two, to see what's working and what adjustments might be needed. While there might be some financial considerations to maneuver, the benefits of achieving your goals often outweigh the cost.
Finding Joy in Food and Nourishment
Nutrition isn't just about what you eat, it's also about how it makes you feel. I encourage my clients to find foods and activities that bring them joy. After all, a healthy diet should be nourishing for your mind and body.
So, the next time you're feeling confused about nutrition, remember this: you're not alone! By following these tips and working with a registered dietitian, you can cut through the noise, make sustainable changes, and develop a healthy relationship with food.
Stay tuned for more evidence-based nutrition information, delivered in a way that's easy to understand and implement. In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you have!
If this is your first time reading, I’d love to see a new subscription alert in my inbox. Thanks so much. And see you next month.