As the number one reason a patient presents to a Functional Medicine, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, it is important to understand that there are hundreds of different approaches to losing weight. Not all people need the same weight loss plan and this can add to the confusion and frustration in attempting to lose the weight for good.
With over 3000 diets on public record and thousands of YouTube “experts” the information overload can add to the confusion. This leaves patients frustrated and stuck to old coping mechanisms if results are not seen. 85% of the results we will achieve in weight loss will be from consuming the right food for your body, exercise is a great tool but usually only accounts for 15% or a bonus of results so the proper anti-inflammatory diet is essential to starting your weight loss journey.
What is the best diet for you to follow? This will be determined by a thorough medical history and exam followed by blood work to confirm the clinical suspicions. Once we have the answers to “Why” your metabolism is slow, or why your body is protecting you from losing weight, or what system is compromised and needs properly supported, then we can outline the most effective diet and nutrition regimen to serve your needs.
Our primary focus, as a team, is on why there was weight gain. From there, correcting the source of the problem and losing weight is more easily achieved. Counting calories or using point systems is a great simplistic model, but most people understand the relationship between calories and weight. So why don’t they adhere to calorie rules? Or when they do follow a weight loss plan, why isn’t it working for them? If you did lose the weight, why was it so easy to gain it back? In our office we rarely use calorie counting for weight loss.
As a Functional Medicine, Clinical Nutritionist, I will use dietary education and modification coupled with a corrective vitamin regimen to address the reason why there is weight gain. Everyone has a unique plan outlined for their individual needs according to their history exam and blood work findings.
One of the more powerful ways of succeeding with a nutritionist in achieving weight loss is to understand and address the psychology of weight loss. For many weight loss patients this is the true key to healing. I will ask you many questions, one of them is who do you think you will be when you reach your target weight and what do you associate with that goal? Is it health, feeling good, looking good, self esteem? And what motivates you to want to give up the pleasure of your favorite food to achieve that goal? Simple questions really, but it can open the door to a deeper understanding of where your struggle may come in.
It is important to note that when your medical history and health related goals are explored, your consultations are held directly with me, not an untrained individual, a staff member, a questionnaire or a computer program. You will not be signing up for a “program” and paying money up front for services not yet rendered. Your health care journey in our office is unique to your specific needs.
I look forward to helping you find your way to balance and health.
Dr. Conan Shaw Functional Medicine, Certified Clinical Nutritionist.