Often when people come to visit me, they are asking for or expecting a 7 or 14 day “meal plan”.
“Oh don’t tell me what to do. I just need a meal plan” is what I hear, quite often.
This is a sentence Dietitians dread.
In fact, Dietitians are very unlikely to give you these kinds of meal plans for 3 main reasons:
1.They are restrictive – really who wants to eat from a set plan? What if you just don’t feel like what’s on the plan one night? We are all human with very different lives and family set-ups. Things get in the way. Life gets in the way. Following a set meal plan can be really inflexible. What we are about is trying to fit solutions with your life, not about “telling you what to eat”.
2.They are short term fixes – these plans don’t teach you to incorporate healthy eating principles and to make changes to your every day diet. For people to make long term changes, they have to have knowledge , drive and changes in behaviour. In fact, small changes over time are the best. Just following a plan for 7-14 days just won’t do it. Dietitians try to teach you ways to make changes for the long term.
3.They can be impractical for your life – “off the rack” meal plans may have foods you don’t like, involve recipes that are unrealistic or expensive and can include the need for a big old shopping trip. They don’t take into account that you are an individual with complex needs.
What your Dietitian will prefer to do is to chat to you about nutrition, teaching you about how you can make your own diet better whilst giving you practical tips to try to incorporate healthy changes into your diet and lifestyle. It has to fit you, like a glove. Short term meal plans is ripping you off. So next time your Dietitian says they don’t do set meal plans, don’t be cross -they are looking out for you xx
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FAQs
Yes, a registered dietitian and nutritionist can create a personalized meal plan based on your food preferences, lifestyle, dietary conditions, religious and cultural background and that's geared towards your specific needs and goals.
Will a dietician give you a meal plan? ›
Yes, a registered dietitian and nutritionist can create a personalized meal plan based on your food preferences, lifestyle, dietary conditions, religious and cultural background and that's geared towards your specific needs and goals.
What are the disadvantages of meal planning? ›
Costly – Meal planning can be more expensive than meal prep, as it requires frequent grocery store trips and can lead to food waste. Nutritional benefits may be limited – Although meal planning can help seniors access a variety of foods, some seniors may not properly plan their meals to meet their nutritional needs.
Why is it so hard to make a meal plan? ›
It can be time consuming. You have to figure out what you're going to make, go grocery shopping, and then actually cook the food. Another reason meal planning is so hard is that it can be difficult to stick to a plan when life gets busy. It can also be expensive.
What are dietitians not allowed to do? ›
Your role is to provide guidance, advice, and support to your clients; it is not to prescribe meal plans, supplements, or to treat disease. When in doubt about your scope of practice, you can reach out to your professional governing bodies (i.e., NASM) or your state legislature for additional guidance or insights.
Can you give meal plans as a nutritionist? ›
Nationally Recognised Nutritionists (NRNs) provide nutritional advice and meal planning services to healthy clients, within the limitations of the NCA endorsed Scope of Practice. They work hand-in-hand with Allied Health and Medical Practitioners to support clients.
What is one of the factors to be considered before meal planning? ›
These include meal occasion, who will be eating, whether the food will be eaten out or at home, dietary needs, religious, cultural or ethical beliefs, the cost and availability of ingredients; current healthy eating advice and/or personal preferences.
What is the disadvantage of plan? ›
There are several disadvantages to planning including rigidity, misdirected goals that serve individuals rather than the organization, and being time-consuming and expensive. Planning can make an administration inflexible and leave no room for individual freedom.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of menu planning? ›
Initial Cost: While meal planning can save money over time, the initial cost of buying all the ingredients for several meals at once can seem high. Lack of Flexibility: Meal planning requires sticking to a plan, which can be difficult for those who prefer a more flexible, day-to-day approach to meals.
Why do people struggle with meal planning? ›
Lack of Time: In our fast-paced lives, finding time to plan, shop, and cook can be daunting. Overwhelming Choices: The abundance of recipes and diet trends can make meal planning seem complex. Inconsistent Schedules: Juggling work, family, and personal commitments can disrupt even the best-laid meal plans.
However, it's essential to understand that while meal planning yourself can be beneficial, relying solely on a pre-made meal plan may not lead to sustained weight loss success. Pre-made meal plans don't work long-term as they remove a critical component of healthy eating: autonomy.
What affects meal planning? ›
Age, the number of family members, and any particular dietary requirements are all included. Food quality is influenced by body weight, activity level, growth, and development. There are differences in the type, quantity, and frequency of food served to family members.
Who can help me make a meal plan? ›
“Dietitians will take the time to understand and accommodate your physical health history, mental health struggles, likes, dislikes, lifestyle, and goals,” she concluded. “They don't just provide meal ideas; dietitians are trained to understand and guide you as an individual.
Do dietitians prescribe diets? ›
(a)(1) Notwithstanding any other law, a registered dietitian, or other nutritional professional meeting the qualifications set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 2585 may, upon referral by a health care provider authorized to prescribe dietary treatments, provide nutritional and dietary counseling, conduct nutritional ...
Who to see for meal plans? ›
A dietitian will give you personalised nutrition and diet advice. When you see a dietitian, you might get: a nutritional needs assessment. a personalised eating plan.
