Nutritional Therapy for Obesity
Because food intake is so closely related to obesity, nutritional therapy has a great deal to say about the condition. In general, the treatment involves eating differently, not eating less. More than half of the calories eaten each day should come from carbohydrates, and less than a quarter should be derived from fats. The remainder of calories should come from proteins. Carbohydrates and proteins supply four calories per gram, while fat provides nine. Some of the foods that should be emphasized include:
high-fiber and unrefined complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, because the body is less successful digesting these and feels full sooner than with refined carbohydrates, such as sugar and white flour
raw or lightly cooked vegetables
protein with low amounts of saturated fat, including dry peas and beans
To reduce the amount of fat in a diet, many practitioners of nutritional therapy recommend limiting foods from animal sources to nonfat dairy products and egg whites. Other practitioners go further and suggest avoiding all animal products. Limiting sugar intake is also important.
Nutritional therapy's treatment program for obesity also calls for drinking plenty of purified water each day, altering eating habits, and exercising daily. Certain nutritional supplements may also be prescribed. Supplements of zinc, B vitamins, and chromium may prove useful.
A typical first step in devising a treatment program for obesity is keeping a food diary for at least one week. The following information can help a nutritional therapist assess the best treatment for you:
What foods do you eat each day, including all snacks and portion sizes?
When and where do you eat?
Are you alone or with other people?
What is your mood or stress level while eating?
When are your bowel movements?
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