Went and saw a nutritionist... uh what?

Oishii

Max 900 calories? Did the nutritionist talk to you about portion sizes?

Greek yogurt, 1 3/4 cup serving = ~100-120 cals
Muesli at 1/2 cup serving = ~150 cals
Fruit (depending on the type) = 50-100 cals

Breakfast total = 300-400 cals

Giant heap of salad greens = ~10 cals
Drizzle of olive oil/vinegar/lemon homemade dressing = ~100 cals
Protein - egg? 70 cals. Chicken breast? 150-200 cals.
Assorted chopped veggies (carrots, tomatoes, etc) = ~25 cals

Lunch total = 365-450 cals

Some protein...grilled salmon maybe? with some beans?
Salmon steak = 200 cals
1/2 cup cooked beans = ~150 cals
All the vegetables you can possibly eat = ~150 cals

Dinner = ~450 cals

Totals so far: 1350 on the high end, 1115 on the low end.
Throw in a small apple with pb as a snack and hit another 250 cals on the lower days for 1360.

Did she say anything about snacking? Unlimited veggies is pretty hard to get hungry on if you can have them whenever, even though they're low calorie. Can you have broccoli florets and carrots as a snack? Maybe with a smidge of hummus?

Pretty much what I was thinking, except I could make breakfast be 600kcal quite easily and add in sweet potato or avocado somewhere. That's only a 900kcal diet if you limit portions.

ItsCasey

As for there not being any "experts" on this site, let's be honest with each other: many people on this site have done more research on nutrition and training and weight loss this year than most doctors do in their entire careers. Having letters after your name or a diploma or certificate on the wall doesn't make you an expert. Experience makes you an expert. I've lost over 100 lbs. I eat copious amounts of delicious food. I am really strong, especially for a small woman. I consider myself an expert on the subject of healthy weight loss. I don't really care whether or not anyone else thinks so. I am responsible for me, not you.

Actually no. You can only be an expert on yourself and your own weight loss. Your opinions, for that is all they can be unless you've done the study and passed the medical exams, may be 100% correct or 100% incorrect when applied to other people. I'm sure you have a lot of knowledge, perhaps expert knowledge, that is not what I am questioning, but it counts for very little without the qualifications.

Okay, so if I had the same knowledge I have now AND a certificate, that would make me more knowledgeable? That's the dumbest thing I've heard today. All that studying and passing an exam means is that you memorized a bunch of stuff in a textbook. It doesn't give you expertise. It doesn't mean you know how to apply knowledge to real-life scenarios. I work for a medical malpractice insurance company. You have no idea how many doctors are licensed to practice medicine who shouldn't be.

My experience is not an opinion. It actually happened, which makes it a fact. Would what I did work for 100% of the people in the world who need to lose weight? Probably not, but it would absolutely work for most of them. We are not all special snowflakes with special problems that no one else in the world has ever had. Most of us are remarkably similar in terms of how the laws of thermodynamics apply to our bodies. Where we differ is mostly in our attitudes.

cccerberus

Essentially my diet would be: (similarish to what I eat now except for the dinners)

Breakfast:
Greek yoghurt
Museli
Fruit

Lunch: Salad with protein

Dinner; Protein with unlimited veg

No pasta except once or twice a week with half a cup of brown rice, some wholewheat pasta

This totals MAXIMUM 900 calories,

how do unlimited ANYTHING(dinner veggies) equal 900 calories exactly?
It doesn't.
your skewed perception/representation of the professional's advice is ill placed.
It sounds like he/she is trying to get you away from processed carbs and onto more natural / less processed sources
try what was recommended, see how it works.

tj1376

No need to be rude. I imagine a fair few people on here have sought expert advice before and wondering if it's normal because this small amount of calories goes against everything I've read about.

Was asking if someone has had a similar experience and if it's safe or healthy to eat so few calories.

Ive seen a Dietitian/nutritionist before I had surgery. She didn't reduce my calories to any specific amount, she just reduced the types of foods I can eat in order for me to more efficiently burn fat. Yes that included cutting out carbs for the most part and adding in alot more protein. By doing what she said, and yes there were alot of days I was under 1000 cal, I dropped 20 lbs in 3 months.

If you paid to see this person, then give their advice the benefit of the doubt and try it. You never know if it will work until you do.

Pattik123

there is No reason to be rude! I think this is a very good question, and i am interested in other people reply's & feed back...

Sounds like you already knew what you doing "works" for you...nothing wrong with learning from an expert, but it certainly sounds like this person is reading from a book, and not taking "you personally" into account.. maybe you should find someone with more depth.. everybody's different, and therefore what works for one may not work for another...pasta & i are longer friends! LOL! i just feel better with out it!

Good luck to you & keep posting ALL questions! thats what this place is about!

dbmata

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Losing weight does not make you an expert in the field of nutrition just like knowing how to operate a car does not make you an expert mechanic. Getting a degree in nutrition, then working under a Registered Dietitian for 6 months-2 years (CADE accredited program), THEN passing the RD exam and actually working as an RD makes you an expert in nutrition.

Even then, it doesn't mean you're a qualified or competent expert.

I saw an RD at MIT (You know, the nerd hive in Cambridge, MA?) which was one of the highest recommended RDs in all of the area supposedly. Which, if accurate is high praise being so close to Harvard, and means there aren't many good RDs in MA.

Anyway, I came to see her because I had gotten over a bout of food borne illness and found that any time I would eat wheat, oats, or rice anymore I would get migraines and horrible GI problems. So, after an extensive consultation where we talked about other allergies (I can't eat nuts or drink red wine in general.) She gave me this wonderful plan.

The keys points of this plan:
- Drink red wine 2-3 times per week
- Eat whole wheat, lots of oats and avoid corn and rice
- Reduce protein to one 4 ounce serving of chicken daily
- Eat lots of peanuts and other legumes (Not really a big problem, but I just don't like them, and we had a 20 minute discussion on culinary likes and dislikes.)
- Eat no more than 1400 kcals a day when working out or at rest

This was during a period when I was heavier than I am now, but was walking a lot, as well as weight lifting and swimming a couple times a week. I didn't follow her suggestions. Why the eff would you tell someone to eat wheat and oats when they were obviously explaining symptoms of allergy/sensitivity? This was after in depth discussion over what would happen when I ate oatmeal, bread, etc. How quickly it occured, etc.

pcastagner

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Losing weight does not make you an expert in the field of nutrition just like knowing how to operate a car does not make you an expert mechanic. Getting a degree in nutrition, then working under a Registered Dietitian for 6 months-2 years (CADE accredited program), THEN passing the RD exam and actually working as an RD makes you an expert in nutrition.

Even then, it doesn't mean you're a qualified or competent expert.

I saw an RD at MIT (You know, the nerd hive in Cambridge, MA?) which was one of the highest recommended RDs in all of the area supposedly. Which, if accurate is high praise being so close to Harvard, and means there aren't many good RDs in MA.

Anyway, I came to see her because I had gotten over a bout of food borne illness and found that any time I would eat wheat, oats, or rice anymore I would get migraines and horrible GI problems. So, after an extensive consultation where we talked about other allergies (I can't eat nuts or drink red wine in general.) She gave me this wonderful plan.

The keys points of this plan:
- Drink red wine 2-3 times per week
- Eat whole wheat, lots of oats and avoid corn and rice
- Reduce protein to one 4 ounce serving of chicken daily
- Eat lots of peanuts and other legumes (Not really a big problem, but I just don't like them, and we had a 20 minute discussion on culinary likes and dislikes.)
- Eat no more than 1400 kcals a day when working out or at rest

This was during a period when I was heavier than I am now, but was walking a lot, as well as weight lifting and swimming a couple times a week. I didn't follow her suggestions. Why the eff would you tell someone to eat wheat and oats when they were obviously explaining symptoms of allergy/sensitivity? This was after in depth discussion over what would happen when I ate oatmeal, bread, etc. How quickly it occured, etc.

Did she wear glasses and a white lab coat?

In my opinion that is what makes a true expert anyway, so chances are she was missing one or both.

dbmata

Did she wear glasses and a white lab coat?

In my opinion that is what makes a true expert anyway, so chances are she was missing one or both.

Thanks to my wife I know a lot of scientists. (Primarily biologists)

Only time those things come out is when the press is around.

LaLouve_RK

Wow!
Where the hell on this planet those nutritionist/dietician dont need certification/diploma!?!?!? I wont live there.. maybe their nero-surgeon doesn't need to go to school either! :noway:
Coz from what I saw, they need to get their diploma AND certification and ideally be in the order since they are "health specialists"!

Unless some people go to see specialist that works on the black market!

Thriceshy

You've probably been told this, but just in case--don't see nutritionists. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. It's like "lactation consultant." If they're not an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, they could be any old body hanging out a shingle. If you want nutritional advice, see a DIETITIAN. They're the ones with the education, the training, and the professional standards.

Kris

dbmata

Wow!
Where the hell on this planet those nutritionist/dietician dont need certification/diploma!?!?!? I wont live there.. maybe their nero-surgeon doesn't need to go to school either! :noway:
Coz from what I saw, they need to get their diploma AND certification and ideally be in the order since they are "health specialists"!

Unless some people go to see specialist that works on the black market!

A nutritionist is not a dietitician.

ETA - I so want to be a lactation specialist now.

MochaMixAZ

She's an idiot.

Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist - I'd try a registered dietician, a D.O., or an M.D. A person does not need ANY formal education to call themselves a nutritionist.

Blatantly plagiarized from the net: "The "RD" credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by practitioners who are authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Some RDs may call themselves "nutritionists," but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.

The definition and requirements for the term "nutritionist" vary. Some states have licensure laws that define the range of practice for someone using the designation "nutritionist," but in other states, virtually anyone can call him- or herself a "nutritionist" regardless of education or training.

Individuals with the RD credential have fulfilled specific requirements, including having earned at least a bachelor's degree (about half of RDs hold advanced degrees), completed a supervised practice program and passed a registration examination — in addition to maintaining continuing education requirements for recertification. "

lisamarie1780

Sounds wrong.

So wrong. On every level imaginable

Thriceshy

ETA - I so want to be a lactation specialist now.

Understandable, but it takes a lot of book work before you get to the hands-on part. Unless, of course, you just hang that shingle sans education. Considering there are folks who fall for the "door-to-door breast exams" gig, I'm sure some business would wander your way.

:-)

Kris

Thriceshy

She's an idiot.

Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist - I'd try a registered dietician, a D.O., or an M.D. A person does not need ANY formal education to call themselves a nutritionist.

Everything but this--please don't seek nutritional advice from MDs--the vast majority haven't received even minimal training on nutritional matters. MDs are notorious for handing out really bad advice, nutrition-wise. But otherwise, you are spot-on :-)

Kris

MochaMixAZ

I appreciate your opinion. Don't agree, but I appreciate it. :-) I do mean that. Some of the best lifestyle advice I've ever received was from an M.D. I think it just depends on their focus and training.

ldrosophila

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Losing weight does not make you an expert in the field of nutrition just like knowing how to operate a car does not make you an expert mechanic. Getting a degree in nutrition, then working under a Registered Dietitian for 6 months-2 years (CADE accredited program), THEN passing the RD exam and actually working as an RD makes you an expert in nutrition.

Even then, it doesn't mean you're a qualified or competent expert.

I saw an RD at MIT (You know, the nerd hive in Cambridge, MA?) which was one of the highest recommended RDs in all of the area supposedly. Which, if accurate is high praise being so close to Harvard, and means there aren't many good RDs in MA.

Anyway, I came to see her because I had gotten over a bout of food borne illness and found that any time I would eat wheat, oats, or rice anymore I would get migraines and horrible GI problems. So, after an extensive consultation where we talked about other allergies (I can't eat nuts or drink red wine in general.) She gave me this wonderful plan.

The keys points of this plan:
- Drink red wine 2-3 times per week
- Eat whole wheat, lots of oats and avoid corn and rice
- Reduce protein to one 4 ounce serving of chicken daily
- Eat lots of peanuts and other legumes (Not really a big problem, but I just don't like them, and we had a 20 minute discussion on culinary likes and dislikes.)
- Eat no more than 1400 kcals a day when working out or at rest

This was during a period when I was heavier than I am now, but was walking a lot, as well as weight lifting and swimming a couple times a week. I didn't follow her suggestions. Why the eff would you tell someone to eat wheat and oats when they were obviously explaining symptoms of allergy/sensitivity? This was after in depth discussion over what would happen when I ate oatmeal, bread, etc. How quickly it occured, etc.

I hoped you looked her in the eyes and said what the hell kind of plan is this? I DONT eat this stuff. I told you that werent you listening and told her you werent paying for the session.

Any RD worth his/her salt would first tailor to their clients allergies and dietary habits. IDK what an idiot maybe she was worried about her kids soccer game or something.

I didnt think MIT had an RD program or was this a staff RD hired for the school? She was probably married to some department head or something.

Most RD's listen to their clients understand the science and tailor a diet to their clients needs.

Charlottesometimes23

As for there not being any "experts" on this site, let's be honest with each other: many people on this site have done more research on nutrition and training and weight loss this year than most doctors do in their entire careers. Having letters after your name or a diploma or certificate on the wall doesn't make you an expert. Experience makes you an expert. I've lost over 100 lbs. I eat copious amounts of delicious food. I am really strong, especially for a small woman. I consider myself an expert on the subject of healthy weight loss. I don't really care whether or not anyone else thinks so. I am responsible for me, not you.

Actually no. You can only be an expert on yourself and your own weight loss. Your opinions, for that is all they can be unless you've done the study and passed the medical exams, may be 100% correct or 100% incorrect when applied to other people. I'm sure you have a lot of knowledge, perhaps expert knowledge, that is not what I am questioning, but it counts for very little without the qualifications.

Okay, so if I had the same knowledge I have now AND a certificate, that would make me more knowledgeable? That's the dumbest thing I've heard today. All that studying and passing an exam means is that you memorized a bunch of stuff in a textbook. It doesn't give you expertise. It doesn't mean you know how to apply knowledge to real-life scenarios. I work for a medical malpractice insurance company. You have no idea how many doctors are licensed to practice medicine who shouldn't be.

My experience is not an opinion. It actually happened, which makes it a fact. Would what I did work for 100% of the people in the world who need to lose weight? Probably not, but it would absolutely work for most of them. We are not all special snowflakes with special problems that no one else in the world has ever had. Most of us are remarkably similar in terms of how the laws of thermodynamics apply to our bodies. Where we differ is mostly in our attitudes.

So so wrong. You clearly have no clue about higher education, particularly education for those who go into clinical practice. The memorising as you put it is a very small part of the training process. There is a lot of hands on training and most important, clinical placement. This type of training is usually a requirement of the education quality organisation as well as the professional organisation.

A dietitian will have this type of hands on training that no 'personal experience' supplemented with 'knowledge' can match.

Silver14

Mine told me to eat min 30g of fat per day, yet on the list everything was low-fat yogurt, skimmed milk, egg whites etc.
Only 1 serve of fat a day (30g nuts, 1/4 avocado) etc

Ummmmm NO! I need atleast 2 serves of nuts, + avocado in salad + olive oil etc

Also she said for lunch: Salad + 1/2c grains + 30G meat etc... 30G!?!? Dude... So not enough, I need MORE meat in my diet, NOT less!

She also goes: "When you have Oatmeal, you only have 1/4c right?"

Umm no! 1/2c MINIMUM! I'm a active athelete, and she recomended 1300c.... Sigh.

EDIT: She is a registered Dietician

1/4-1/3 C dry? That's an average serving size

Yes, I understand that, HOWEVER, the point of me going to see her was because my carb intake was WAY too low, and not sustainable for my 3hrs+ per day training schedule. I was having 1/3-1/2c before and my carbs were too low.

Graelwyn75

Hi guys,

So I went and saw a nutritionist today, my exercise is pretty good and wanted help on the diet side of things.

I know I eat way too much pasta but did not expect the news she gave me!

Essentially my diet would be: (similarish to what I eat now except for the dinners)

Breakfast:
Greek yoghurt
Museli
Fruit

Lunch: Salad with protein

Dinner; Protein with unlimited veg

No pasta except once or twice a week with half a cup of brown rice, some wholewheat pasta

This totals MAXIMUM 900 calories, if that. At the moment in the last three months or so I've been averaging approx 1300 cals, which I thought was about right. I voiced this concern to her, and she said it was okay, that eating this amount of calories was RIGHT for me, and should be around 1000 or less.

I'm female, 5'8, approx 120kgs at the start now around 110kg. I workout approx 3 - 6 times a week, with a PT so cardio/weights, pretty intense exercise as I am pretty strong, e.g. I leg press 3 sets 10 reps 130kg... 30mins cardio each session.

I know I have a fair amount of weight to lose but I'm not 300kg, I mean really... Does this sound right?

**Edit: I have another appointment in three weeks, was just going to try it out and see how things go but at that rate I'll have lost maybe 12kg in three weeks

Nutritionist aren't licensed. A person could take a weekend online course and become one.

Go see a registered Dietician.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Yep, totally agree.
I saw a so called 'nutritionist' at my local gym, and talk about the blind leading the blind.
She was a former anorexic, who ranted about how people having cake was not 'normal' and who basically lived on chicken breasts, cottage cheese and lettuce, and was too afraid to even have anything beyond a herbal tea when out for coffee. Go figure. Her advice was pretty useless. I also notice that it is equally easy to become a personal trainer these days. There are often ads coming up on the Tvs at my gym for a personal training course that qualifies you in 6 weeks. Jeez.