How to Make the Right Nutrition Plan for You

If you’re struggling with your diet, you’re not alone. Most Americans have an eating pattern that is low in fruits and vegetables and high in salt, sugar and saturated fat. This type of diet contributes to numerous diseases, including hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Are you ready to turn your health around? Here’s how to develop a healthy nutrition plan that works for you.

The first step in your health journey is a visit with your regular doctor. They can identify any health issues that you need to address, such as high cholesterol or high blood sugar, and diagnose any conditions that require a special diet. If you plan on following a restrictive diet or severely cutting calories, remember to ask your doctor if it’s safe for you.

Although your doctor is a great resource for health advice, most medical doctors have little training in nutrition. If you want in-depth counseling about what you should and shouldn’t eat, you need to see a registered dietitian or nutritionist. These professionals have years of education and experience in developing nutrition plans for a variety of needs. You can ask your doctor for a referral or find a practice on your own.

After speaking with a nutritionist, it’s time to do your own research. If you’re starting from scratch, learn the basics first. The USDA’s MyPlate nutrition guide is a great place to start. Then you can use a free online calculator to determine your individual calorie and protein needs. You can also look into top-rated diets like the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet.

Your activity level is just as important for your health as what’s on your plate, but less than five percent of adults fit in the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Walking is a great way for beginners to get off the couch, and you can graduate to jogging and running. You can also burn a lot of calories by engaging in fun activities like bicycling, sports or just playing with your kids. Consider using a pedometer or fitness tracker to keep track of your progress.

Keep in mind that starting a new healthy lifestyle requires an adjustment period, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you fall off the wagon a few times in the beginning. There are many great nutrition plans and you are sure to find the right one for you. Keep working to improve your diet and remember to give yourself a treat every now and then.