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Tools That a Dietitian Uses

Dietitians use many tools to assist with controlling and maintaining a desired body weight. These tools can be used to keep track of food intake, log daily exercise and control portion size. These tools, along with the basic knowledge of diet, exercise, health and lifestyle habits, contribute to healthier living and assist in maintaining that lifestyle.

  1. Body Mass Index Calculator

    • The Body Mass Index, also know as BMI, is a way to compare height to weight. This tool calculates the weight range a person should be around depending on there height. The BMI shows if a person is obese and can predict potential health risks at a certain weight. Someone with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 would be considered in the normal range; however, someone with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 would be considered obese and at risk for heart disease. These classifications are predictions and should not be considered diagnoses.

    Pocket Personal Trainer Planners

    • This Pocket Personal Trainer is not a diet book. It is a planner and a guide for a healthy lifestyle by teaching skills, habits and diet choices that will encourage and motivate a person to make better choices in the future. The planner covers tips for personal lifestyle which allows you to compare your present habits to those habits you wish to achieve. Exercise is outlined in the planner with a place to record calories burned after a certain exercise and different type of exercised based on your lifestyle. Menu planning and shopping guides provide information on planning healthy meals and what you need to shop for. It will cover all the food groups and teach you how to include something from each group into your daily meals. The planner also provides tips and healthy choices when dining out in restaurants, going to movie theaters or stopping at convenient stores. There is a section for goals and motivational tips and strategies to keep you on track.

    Meal Planner

    • There are many type of meal plans based on the diet you choose. These plans outline meal ideas and suggestions based on the daily amount of calories and carbohydrates allowed. Meal examples are provided and alternative options are presented. The Atkins diet plan provides you with a useful meal planner tool which guides you in choosing nutritional meals based on the suggested intake from each food group. There are alternatives provided and carbohydrate counts are provided next to each meal or side so a person can add up the total net carbohydrates for the day.

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