Nutrition and Dietetics
Principles of Healthy Living
- Balance: Consuming the right proportions of macronutrients and micronutrients.
- Variety: Including a wide range of foods to ensure adequate intake of all necessary nutrients.
- Moderation: Eating appropriate portions and avoiding excessive intake of any food or nutrient.
Dietary Guidelines
- MyPlate: A visual tool by the USDA to guide healthy eating, emphasizing portions of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
- Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommendations for nutrient intake levels to prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Mediterranean Diet: A dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, associated with numerous health benefits.
Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition and dietetics is a field focused on the role of food and nutrition in maintaining health and preventing disease. It encompasses the study of nutrients and how they affect the body, as well as the practical application of this knowledge in various settings to improve individual and public health.
Key concepts in Nutrition and Dietetics
Macronutrients:
- Carbohydrates: Primary source of energy, including simple sugars (glucose, fructose) and complex carbohydrates (starches, fiber).
- Proteins: Essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. Sources include meat, dairy, legumes, and nuts.
- Fats: Important for energy, cell structure, and hormone production. Includes saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and trans fats.
- Vitamins: Organic compounds required in small amounts for various metabolic processes. Examples include vitamin C, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
- Minerals: Inorganic elements necessary for body functions. Examples include calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc.
Services we offer under Nutrition and Dietetics
We provide medical nutrition therapy for patients with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Community Nutritionist: We Develop and implement programs to improve public health through nutrition education and interventions.
Sports Dietitician: We specialize in nutrition for athletes to optimize performance and recovery.
Food Service Managers: We oversee the planning and preparation of meals in institutions like schools and hospitals to ensure nutritional quality.
Diet planning: We provide personalized meal plans to meet individual nutritional needs, preferences, and health goals.
Nutrition Counseling: We provide guidance and support to help individuals make informed food choices and adopt healthier eating habits.
In conclusion, Nutrition and dietetics play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing disease through informed food choices and dietary practices. We at Hello Daktari have Dietitians and nutritionists who use their expertise to provide individualized care, public health interventions, and education to support healthy lifestyles across different populations and stages of life.