Dietitian's Corner: Dieting? Facts vs Fads

Have you ever tried to lose weight and just aren't able to do so?  OR maybe you lost weight following a "fad diet", only to simply regain the weight because you weren't able to sustain a restrictive diet?  Guess what?   You're not alone.  In the last decade, I have interviewed thousands of people with weight loss goals - not one of my patients reported sustained weight loss following a fad diet.  Not sure what I mean by "Fad Diet?"  Here are just a few .... 

Keto, Paleo, Whole 30, Gluten Free, Jenny Craig, Carb Masters, Carb Free, Fasting, Intermittent fasting, South Beach, Raw Food Diet, Atkins - Is your head spinning?  Mine sure is ... 

Gone are the days where you had two choices, Weight Watcher or Jenny Craig - Grab a spandex leotard and neon sweatband to add in a little Jazzercise while you're at it?  (Can you tell I am a child of the 80's?) 

Here is the "secret" to weight loss.  It's simple.  Its science. 

Energy In must equal energy out.  Know how many calories your body needs a day - yes, you will need a dietitian for that!  Begin paying attention to the calorie content of the foods you are eating.  If you're gaining weight or have gained weight, it will be evident the number of calories you are consuming is often greater than the number of calories your body needs to sustain itself.  And what happens when we consume excess calories - yep, you got it - they are stored as fat!  

Weight loss happens when you meet with a dietitian and get a personalized weight loss plan.  A plan that fits your lifestyle, budget, and food preferences is the plan that will lead to sustained weight loss.  It will take work on your part - but with willingness, small behavioral changes, and sound health coaching - you CAN lose the weight!

If you're ready to gain awareness of the calories you're consuming on a daily basis, I recommend downloading the Calorie King App or My Fitness Pal - And get started, friend!  

_____________________________________________________________

Lauren Henrich, RDN, LD, CDE is a Registered Dietitian with the ARcare Positive Connections program.  She is available for nutrition consultations to clients enrolled in the Ryan White program.  She may be contacted 

Positive Connections is a program at ARcare connecting the community to HIV prevention, treatement and empowerment.  We believe in a future vision with zero new HIV transmissions and where every person living with or affected by HIV can thrive.  You can learn more about the Positive Connections Program 

Dietitian's Corner: Simple Gardening Tips for Healthy Living

Gardening can be a great way to relieve stress
and help you save money at the grocery store.

Do you love fruits and vegetables?  Are you thinking of starting your own garden, but just aren’t quite sure where to start?  Well guess what!?  Help to get your garden off to the right start is at your fingertips. 

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service employs an agricultural agent (aka plant expert) for every county in our state.  The Cooperative Extension agents share their wealth of knowledge not only with farmers producing large crops, but also with individuals interested in producing smaller crops to feed their family!   Not only is gardening a great way to relax, it also can save you a bundle at the grocery store.  

To contact your local agent, click here.

A little low on cash to get your garden started?  Here are a few tips!  Rather than purchasing pots, call your local nursery and ask for their left-over plastic containers.  If you receive SNAP benefits find your local farmers market ASAP!  You can double your SNAP bucks at any farmer’s market that takes debit cards, purchase seeds and any edible plant.  

For more information on using SNAP benefits to grow your own food, click here.  

_____________________________________________________________

Lauren Henrich is a Registered Dietitian with the ARcare Positive Connections program.  She is available for nutrition consultations to clients enrolled in the Ryan White program.  She may be contacted here.

Positive Connections is a program at ARcare connecting the community to HIV prevention, treatement and empowerment.  We believe in a future vision with zero new HIV transmissions and where every person living with or affected by HIV can thrive.  You can learn more about the Positive Connections Program here.