Dietary Counseling
Greenwich Primary Care
Primary Care, Internal Medicine, & Immediate Care in Cos Cob and Stamford, CT
Dietary counseling is essential for managing a chronic condition like diabetes, but it’s also important for overall health and weight management. If you’re ready to enhance your wellness and undergo nutrition counseling or consider medical management, Josh Shajan, MD, and the team at Greenwich Primary Care in Cos Cob, Greenwich and Stamford, Connecticut, can help. Click on the online scheduler or book a dietary counseling appointment through the website. Dr. Shajan is one of the area's weightloss specialists, and is deeply committed to weightloss in the effort to help patients to achieve their health goals. To the end, Dr. Shajan offers extensive weight loss options including dietary management, excercise recommendations, and if necessary and indicated, weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The clinic also offers same-day walk-in appointment availability.
Dietary Counseling Q & A
Why is dietary counseling important?
Figuring out what you should eat and how much to eat for optimal health can be a challenge. There’s a lot to learn, especially if you have concerning health issues that can be improved with proper diet and nutrition. Getting started on dietary counseling is important to:
- Lower your cholesterol
- Lose or manage your weight
- Manage your blood sugar for diabetes
- Help you properly fuel your body for sports or exercise
Proper nutrition can also help you lower your risk of serious diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
What can I expect during dietary counseling?
Your dietary counseling sessions from Greenwich Primary Care are entirely tailored to you. During your visits, your practitioner may:
- Check your height and weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI)
- Learn your food preferences
- Teach you about proper portion sizes
- Give you healthy cooking ideas
- Create menus and grocery lists
Your provider also evaluates your personal and family medical history. They need to know about any chronic conditions you have or are at risk of developing, so they can better tailor your nutrition plan.
For example, if you have high blood pressure, reducing sodium (salt) in your diet is critical. But to enhance flavor in your meals, your provider teaches you about other ways to season your food, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
How do I prepare for dietary counseling?
To help you get ready for your upcoming dietary counseling session at Greenwich Primary Care, there are a few things you can do to prepare. If you’re new to the practice, for instance, try to request your medical records from your previous provider.
You should also:
- Write down all medications and supplements you take and the dosages
- Make a list of everything you eat (including condiments) for a few days
- Write down any struggles or concerns you have, like emotional eating issues
You can meet with your provider at Greenwich Primary Care as often as you need. Early on, weekly or biweekly dietary counseling sessions are helpful. Over time, you might only need monthly visits.
Greenwich Primary Care provides comprehensive dietary counseling services. Book a visit online or over the phone, or walk in for same-day care.