NUTRITION
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4 TIPS TO HELP YOUR CLIENTS AVOID NUTRIENT SHORTFALLS By Carol Harrison, RD Good nutrition is vital for a healthy, active lifestyle, yet many Canadians are not consuming enough essential nutrients. Research shows that almost half (46 per cent) of the calories in Canadian diets comes from nutrient-poor ultra-processed foods, so it is not surprising that many of us are not meeting our daily nutrient needs. As a fitness professional, you can help clients avoid nutrient shortfalls by discussing healthy food choices and the benefits of nutrient-dense diets. Who is missing out on what? Recently, researchers from the University of Toronto reviewed data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey, which offers the most recent and robust data on Canadian food and beverage intake. The researchers found that most Canadian adults consume enough macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat); however, the nutritional quality of their food choices is often poor. As a result, many people are
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not getting adequate amounts of essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and several vitamins. Dietitian’s tip on supplements: Whole foods are greater than the sum of their parts. That is why getting our nutrition from food first is ideal. Plus, food tastes terrific, and supplements can be costly and have unwanted side effects (for example, iron pills can cause gastrointestinal discomfort). Before taking a supplement, ask a pharmacist or your health care provider how much to take, and whether it could interact with medications. Here are four tips to encourage your clients to make changes to their eating habits – and stick with them. 1. Keep your advice simple. There are many barriers to healthy eating, and the plethora of advice on what to eat adds to the confusion. Perhaps it is time to simplify nutrition advice down to one message: swap ultra-processed foods
for wholesome, naturally nutrient-rich choices by building a healthy plate that is half veggies and fruit, one-quarter quality protein, and one-quarter whole grains. This food-first approach would address nutrient shortfalls, provide adequate nutrition for an active lifestyle, and reduce the risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. TIP: Getting too much nutrition advice at once can leave people feeling overwhelmed, and that may prevent or distract them from making healthy changes. Share just one or two tips at a time. 2. Suggest healthier swaps. People tend to think about food choices in relation to meals and snacks, so it is especially helpful if you suggest concrete ideas for healthy swaps to try. TIP: Help people put your advice into practice with easy ideas. For example, you might suggest making overnight oats with frozen berries and nuts as a great swap for sugary breakfast cereal, or preparing
