Teaching diet

The people with obesity have to be treated well and also taught well regarding diet. This is an awareness technique which helps the obese persons to categorize and practice diet and the types of food that one should intake.

1.Determine level of nutritional knowledge and what patient believes is most urgent need.

2.Identify individual holistic long-term goals for health (e.g., lowering blood pressure, controlling serum lipid and glucose levels).

3.Provide information about ways to maintain satisfactory food intake in settings away from home.

4.Identify other sources of information, e.g., books, tapes, community classes, groups.

5.Emphasize necessity of continued follow-up care/counseling, especially when plateaus occur.

6.Identify alternatives to chosen activity program to accommodate weather, travel, and so on. Discuss use of mechanical devices/equipment for reducing.

7.Determine optimal exercise heart rate. Demonstrate proper technique to monitor pulse.

8.Discuss necessity of good skin care, especially during summer months/following exercise.

9.Identify alternative ways to “reward” self/family for accomplishments or to provide solace.

10. Encourage involvement in social activities that are not centered on food, e.g., bike ride/nature hike, attending musical event, group sporting activities.