The Nutritional Assessment

A really well balanced, highly nutritious whole food eating plan is beneficial in both healing of the body and mind as well as prevention. A qualified nutritionist is well equipped to help you find the best nutritional solutions to suit your health and future wellness.

So what exactly happens in a nutritional assessment? The four processes usually involved in nutritional assessments are:

We gather historical information including a health history directly from the client. Details such as past and present health concerns and family history are needed to help identify any risk factors for current and future health and vitality.

Finding out about the clients socioeconomic history to establish what has and will influence their food choices. Looking at what medications they are on or supplements they have taken. Looking at their diet history and a typical daily meal plan, what they eat, if they have any habits of eating or cravings, sensitivities or allergies to certain foods, excesses and deficiencies.

We usually take the anthropometric measurements that need to be taken to assess a person’s body composition. They are obtained by taking height, weight, waist circumference and skin fold measurements. A physical examination takes place (fully clothed) looking for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses in the hair, skin, fingernails, eyes, tongue, teeth, muscle tone and posture.

If necessary we can use biochemical analysis or laboratory tests to find out what is going on inside the body. Blood, urine samples, glucose, acid/ base, hormonal, parasites, digestive, liver and other organ function tests are all examples of tests a qualified Nutritionist can order.

Once we have all the information, we spend some time talking about different ways we can shift eating habits in order to improve health and overall wellness. We always take achievable steps to ensure lasting change has time to set in. At Vital Living we take dietary exclusions very seriously. We believe that the diet should predominantly involve real, whole foods (with the occasional treat of coarse) and plenty of colour so that we are getting the full spectrum of beneficial phytochemicals. Gluten free, dairy free and other elimination diets are only suggested where there is clear evidence that it is beneficial in healing or preventing a condition.

If you are looking to improve your eating habits to help with a health issue, to lose

weight or for general well-being, don't hesitate to book your appointment at Vital Living Natural Health and Nutrition today.