What to Expect During the Appointment: Preparation and Process
At the first visit, the doctor will ask many questions about your lifestyle, sleep, stress levels, diet, and physical activity, and may ask you to keep a food diary for 3–5 days. Based on this information and the results of tests, an individual approach is developed.
Additionally, the doctor may recommend:
- blood tests for vitamins, iron, and hormones;
- an ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract or thyroid gland;
- a bioimpedance body composition analysis.
This allows for more accurate identification of deficiencies and helps tailor the diet based on specific data rather than guesswork.
What the Meal Plan Includes: More Than Just a List of Foods
A dietitian doesn’t just say “eat buckwheat”—they create a personalized strategy that includes:
- distribution of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (macronutrients);
- calorie calculation based on goals and activity level;
- recommendations on meal timing;
- advice on correcting vitamin deficiencies;
- a supporting list of acceptable snacks.
The main goal is to establish a diet that gives you energy, improves your well-being, and suits your individual needs.