Integrative Dietetic Weight Loss - Overcome Roadblocks to Success

By Dr. Vince Ziccarelli PhD. MSc. RD ND (Integrative Dietitian and Certified Naturopath)

Losing weight is not easy for many. It is a challenging task that is often times cluttered with confusion from many sources that are in many cases misleading. Throw into the mix variables such as biochemical individuality, genetic influences, hormonal changes, and the psychology of eating - it may become all the more daunting.

Fortunately, a more holistic approach to dietetics is providing meaningful solutions that work in synergy to overcome these challenges to become a much less daunting experience, while in fact inspiring lifelong transformation for weight loss success.

This form of dietetics is known as integrative dietetics. Which essentially combines the best of evidence based natural supplements, fitness, psychology of eating and nutrition therapy. It is a holistic form of nutrition therapy, which is key to getting to the root cause of many nutrition associated wellness issues.

Weight management is more than just calories. As we age, things change, body composition transforms whereby we tend to attain more body fat at the expense of lean muscle mass, hormone levels shift around, external stressors tends to builds up, emotional eating revs up, we have less time for fitness - collectively impacting our body weight. It feels like a vicious cycle that may feel very difficult to change.

Integrative Dietetics considers all these lifestyle triggers and engages to address them in a holistic manner. To keep things simple, under the magnifying glass of the integrative approach, a customized nutrition plan would provide the appropriate calories in the context of a sensible mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fat, essential vitamins and minerals - to help your metabolism thrive. While also recommending a balance of resistance and cardiovascular fitness, and evidence based nutritional supplements to compliment your lifestyle steps.

Mindful eating would be emphasized to help overcome the psychological road blocks affecting your success and support compliance. Stress reduction techniques including meditation and or diaphragmatic breathing along with gentle herbal medicines known to alleviate stress and anxiety - would be recommended as a part of this holistic journey.

At the end of the day, wellness requires many pillars for successful results, life long weight loss is no exception to this mantra. So whenever looking to get to the root of any area of health, try to look at addressing all the pillars that may be contributing to the cause, and you may be surprised by the results you may achieve. If looking for professional guidance, seek the services of a registered dietitian for professional evidence based support.