We have all heard that much used phrase - ‘everyone is different’ - applied in all kinds of circumstances.
But when it comes to diet and dietary advice, it is very important to acknowledge that each individual is indeed different and has his/her own indiviual concerns and needs.
That is according to Caroline Brosnihan, a dietitian at the Connacht Nutrition and Dietetic Clinic at Moneen, Castlebar.
There are many reasons why someone might want to see a dietitian. These could include weight loss advice, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, menopause, osteoporosis/osteopaenia, skin health, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, gallstones, high blood pressure, weight gain or poor appetite, healthy eating plans and sports nutrition.
For each individual issue, there needs to be an individual assessment and plan, says Brosnihan.
“One thing you won't get is a ‘one-size fits all’ approach,” she explained. “Everyone is different; therefore, their dietary advice needs to be suited to them.
“During each individual’s consultation, weight, height, body mass index [BMI], and blood pressure will be recorded. If you have brought a copy of recent blood results, they will also be reviewed.
“My role is to look at your current eating and lifestyle pattern and suggest suitable alternatives or substitutes as appropriate, suited to you.”
Ms Brosnihan also works with individuals with specific health issues.
“If you have been diagnosed with an illness such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, cancer or irritable bowel syndrome, it can be difficult to know what you should and should not be eating,” she outlined. “As a dietitian, I can give you individually tailored evidence based advice.”
Ms Brosnihan sees many people in relation to weight loss and her approach to weight loss avoids the often quite tempting, but usually unsuccessful, quick fix approach.
“I provide a safe, effective, weight loss plan suited to you and your goals and targets. It is all based on real food. I will help with shopping tips, breaking habits, avoiding cravings, understanding food labels, and all the important issues that need to be looked at to achieve real, long term, success when it comes to weight loss.”
Caroline Brosnihan is a registered dietitian, specialising in sports nutrition and trained in the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome, including the low-FODMAP diet.
She is a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute so consultation fees may be claimed back on clients’ health insurance.
Connacht Nutrition & Dietetic Clinic is currently taking self-referrals (direct from clients ) and GP and consultant referrals (including referrals for the low-FODMAP diet ).
To book an appointment or presentation, contact the Connacht Nutrition and Dietetic Clinic on (086 ) 4006654; email: [email protected]; visit www.cndc.ie Find Caroline on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @DietitianCNDC.
