How to Lose Weight With a Nutritionist

The field of nutrition is constantly changing. As researchers discover new insight into what is healthy and what is unhealthy, the changing world of nutrition is often difficult for the public to understand. The Weight Control Information Network states that as of 2004, two-thirds of all adults in the United States were either overweight or obese. Obesity is still a major problem and on top of that, different company's advertisements give off mixed messages so you may not know the best way to lose weight. If you want to lose weight and you've been trying to do it on your own, a nutritionist can help you to understand what type of diet would be best for you.

A woman is measuring her waist. (Image: FotoCuisinette/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Decide what type of nutritionist you want to meet with. You can get nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian, a degreed nutritionist or a certified clinical nutritionist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered dietitians and degreed nutritionists require at least a Bachelor's degree in nutrition. Certified nutritionists may or may not have a degree in nutrition, but become certified by taking classes and passing a test.

Step 2

Record everything you eat for three days in a food journal. It is essential that you be honest in writing down all the food you ate and in the full amounts that you ate. If you are not honest, it will be harder for the nutritionist to help you. For two weekdays and one day on the weekend, record the exact time that you ate along with everything that you ate and drank.

Step 3

Take your food journal to the nutritionist and ask for her input on what you could have changed to make those days even healthier. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that nutritionists can help you by analyzing your meals. The nutritionist can also help by educating you about some of the foods you are eating but shouldn't be, and about some of the foods that you are not eating but should try.

Step 4

Ask for a sample meal plan, grocery list and recipes from your nutritionist. He has plenty of resources to give to you to help you lose weight, but since everyone is motivated differently, you may need to ask him for exactly what you want. Don't assume that he will plan out all of your meals for you, but if you'd like a meal plan, he may be willing to create one. Follow the recommendations from your nutritionist diligently and be patient, as healthy weight loss comes slow but steadily.

Step 5

Exercise at least four days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time. Diet is a vital factor in the weight loss equation; if you don't exercise, it will be a lot harder for you to lose weight. Exercise burns calories and increases your metabolism. Find an activity that you love, like dancing, swimming, jogging outside, rollerblading, or even surfing, and be active as often as possible.