Hi everyone,

I hope this is the right place to post this since its about fat loss. If not, I apologize in advance.

I went to a dietician today because I want to try to lose fat the 'proper way'. My questions to everyone in this field or with the experience from dealing with a dietician is why:

• She didn't take my measurements
• She didn't check my fat percentage
• She didn't check my weight on a scale

What she did (aside from asking me questions about what I eat and do for exercise) was have me write down a food log for 3 days to see my eating habits and only asked my weight.

She said that she would have a plan for me next Monday when I see her.

The reason I ask these questions are because I want to know if I should continue and spend the money. I can bow out now and just pay for the first consultation/assessment if I let her know by tomorrow.

From my personal experience by reading a lot of fat loss books (mainly Tom V's ebook) and everyones knowledge here, it is better (more accurate) to make a plan using ones weight, fat %, activity ect. This doesn't seem right. I think that I could have done what she's doing. I went to her mainly for the work that she could do as far as calculations, food choices etc.

I know people will tell me to just ask her but I want your opinions before i tell jher to forget about it.

Does anyone know a good dietition in the Toronto area?

Thanks!:)

I would say it really depends on whether or not YOU see the value in it. Almost everyone on this forum has lost weight in a healthy manner and done so without the aid of a dietician. Additionally, there arent any real hard and fast rules about nutrition. Most things are debatable, and personally I dont think the nutritionists point of view is not any more or less valid than people that self teach and correct their own habits. If you are motivated enough, then get a scale, calipers, and research. Research alot. Find out what others have done, what exercise plans to follow, what to eat, when to eat it. And try it for at least 4 weeks. If it doesnt work, change it up. That simple.

If you really are willing to spend the money on a nutritionist, I'd say your best bet is a hybrid type of plan, where personal responisiblity is still a large part of it, but you have someone guide. While I havent done it, I'd go with SwoleCat. Alot of people here have had very positive experiences with him and from what I've seen his program works. Whenever I'm done cutting (and save some money) I plan on going to him for a bulking program.

Anyway, if it were me, Id drop my current nutritionist and if I really didnt want to go it alone Id get with SwoleCat. The man knows his stuff.

I guess it depends on how much you're paying. Personally for my money if I'm going to lay down some big bucks on a diet I'd go talk to Swole Cat about getting on SGX and save the cash from the nutritionalist.

As a qualifier I have had absolutely no experience with them though. It seems like she may come back in a few days and say "Eat healthy in a complex way" or she could come back and say "eat at these times with this stuff and do this here for X grams."

Eating healthy isn't exactly rocket science. The guides at the top of the forums will tell you generally how to go about it if you put in the smallest amount of time. Sure you may have to do a little adjusting to get something that REALLY works for you but as far as just going out and getting a plan that will get you healthy it's not that hard. If you're looking for an ultra personalized weight melting regimine I would look into something like SGX. I'd imagine he's cheaper than this nutritionalist and has a lot of results posted for everyone to see.

I'm not sure the dietician needed to have any stat from you but weight, and a knowledge of your eating. A good one should know looking at you where to go from there.

Why not give it a shot for a while. Stick to the plan, and see what happens?

I went to a dietician about a month ago (somewhere in the nutrition forum there's a super long post about everything she told me). It was Dr. prescribed, so I didn't have to pay.

I don't think a dietician is supposed to be doing body analyses, necessarily. The goal is to get you eating the right foods in the proper amounts irrespective of your body fat percentage or measurements. She can tell you how much to eat (approximately) in order to lose weight. I wouldn't expect a full BMR analysis from a dietician - but from a trainer, maybe.

The majority of what the dietician told me (as I had taken her a month or more worth of food logs) was basically to increase my fibre and helped guide me towards specific foods that would be beneficial to my health.

I'm not sure of what you're paying to see her, but enough research should help you figure most of it out on your own. A dietician should only really be necessary to help most people with specific issues, in my case it was a cholesterol issue so she tried to help steer me away from those foods as well.

If it is free, see what she says. I have never been impressed with any dietican I have ever heard. I hope there are good ones out there. This one may return with a good plan.

If the dietitian is free, just stick with her to see what she comes up with, it's just another look at the matter. If you've read BFFM by Tom V. you aleady know enough to lose weight. I'd wait with going to SwoleCat until you're going for some extreme goal you'll have difficulty reaching yourself.
You've already taken the most important steps: deciding you want to change for the better, obtaining the information to reach that goal. Now to put it in practice. Good luck! :tu:

Thanks for the advice everyone. This dietician might be 90% paid for by my work health insurance. I just don't want to take a chance of having my health insurance reviewing it and deciding not to cover it.

I purchased a plan from SC in 94 but unfortunately had a personal tragedy occur and didn't take have the advantage of his knowlege (or the workout/plan) in the month of email consulting he gave to tweek the diet and plan to me.

I think I know enough that I wont need her.

Thanks again!:)

I'm not completely familiar with Swolecat's program, but from what I've heard, he is not a good substitute for a dietician. Swolecat might be able to tell you how to transform your body to look better, but his advice falls short in regards to living a longer disease-free life.

Read the whole site World's Healthiest Foods (http://www.whfoods.com). The Food Advisor (http://www.whfoods.com/foodadvisor.php) is especially helpful. It asks you to input your personal diet habits, and it tells you what vitamins and nutrients you are likely missing, then suggests foods to help you reach those targets.

Swolecat might be able to tell you how to transform your body to look better, but his advice falls short in regards to living a longer disease-free life.


why do you say that? :confused:

why do you say that? :confused:
Because I've heard him tell people to avoid milk and fruit.

I'm not a diet expert either. Swolecat's program might be perfectly healthy, but it doesn't sound healthy to me. I should have clarified that.

Sam, to me it seems your still looking for some breakthrough or something. Losing weight isn't rocket science - its consistency and a soild plan.

One of the biggest problems i had to get over with eating healthy was learning how to cook healthy and tasty meals.

Since buying Precision Nutrition which includes a cookbook that problem is solved.

Now it comes down to lasting habits.

Because I've heard him tell people to avoid milk and fruit.

I'm not a diet expert either. Swolecat's program might be perfectly healthy, but it doesn't sound healthy to me. I should have clarified that.

They are avoided at TIMES for a REASON, but not cut out entirely, no.

As well, merely including milk doesn't make one all of a sudden "DISEASE FREE" and healthy!

Fruit is eaten all the time actually, and green veggies daily in MANY meals.

Please get your information correct before you pass judgement.

I do not appreciate my approaches being mis-represented.

~SC~

but his advice falls short in regards to living a longer disease-free life.



Your offerings fall short of being CORRECT and containing INFORMATION THAT IS TRUE.

I encourage you to view the thread at my board regarding those who have IMPROVED THEIR HEALTH with my services. Blood pressure, diabetes, resting heart rate, the need for glucophage, etc., all of these ailments have seem GREAT improvement in MANY PEOPLE on my protocols.

Quite the OPPOSITE of what you are offering here.

~SC~

They are avoided at TIMES for a REASON, but not cut out entirely, no.

I do not appreciate hearing what you "THINK" when you are TOTALLY WRONG. You have no right to pass judgement when you have no idea WTF you are talking about.

How stupid. :nono: How professional. :rolleyes:

Your offerings fall short of being CORRECT and containing INFORMATION THAT IS TRUE.

Again, try to know WTF you are talking about before you down someone's career and services. You make yourself look like a total retard when you post things such as this.

I fall short at nothing when it comes to healthy nutrition. Perhaps you should view the thread at my board regarding those who have IMPROVED THEIR HEALTH with my services. Blood pressure, diabetes, resting heart rate, the need for glucophage, etc., all of these ailments have seem GREAT improvement in MANY PEOPLE on my protocols.

Quite the OPPOSITE of what you are babbling here, which is IRONIC AS HELL ISN'T IT??

I'd familiarize myself w/ones works and know wtf I am talking about before I pass judgement like a bafoon in a public setting such as this.

~SC~ Just a little friendly criticism, but the above post is the reason why I'd never hire you. You just did more damage to your career and services than Guava did when she posted a comment that she didn't think cutting out milk and fruit sounded healthy.

-Mike

Geez, will everyone please settle down? SC, as a sponsor of these forums, I expect far better from you.

Guava, we've actually had this discussion before and I made it very clear to you that I eat a very well-balanced diet while on SUP2 and SGX. I eat tons of veggies, I eat fruit and I am unbelievably healthy.

My level of health--everything from my blood pressure to my resting heart rate, from my cholesterol levels to my overall blood profiles are outstanding according to my doctors. If you'd take the time to check out SC's forums, you'd see that I'm far from alone.

I don't know why you continue to imply that SC's programs are not good for overall health, especially because you have no firsthand experience and have been told otherwise by those who do.

I hate to say it but I would have to agree with Mike...Guava was merely voicing her opinion, then even clarifed that it was her OPINION...your comments were uncalled for hopefully John just closes this thread...

I hate to say it but I would have to agree with Mike...Guava was merely voicing her opinion, then even clarified that it was her OPINION...your comments were uncalled for hopefully John just closes this thread...I'm not closing the thread, but I expect it to get back on topic and for people to conduct themselves with class. I'll be addressing individual issues not related to the topic at hand via PM.

Sam, If you've been around this website and forums for a while, I'm sure that by now you know just as much, if not more, than your dietician. It's not really rocket science, you know which foods are healthy and which foods aren't. Eliminate the unhealthy ones and exercise daily & intensely to improve health.

best of luck buddy :tu:

How professional. :rolleyes:

Give me a break. I'm sitting here defending myself from people falsifying my programs. I feel what I said was justified although the manner in which I responded was rushed as I was in a rush out the door to get my son to school.

If you had something of your own that was successful and was being totally mis-represented, then you may understand how I felt when I read that.

Please see below. :)

~SC~

Just a little friendly criticism, but the above post is the reason why I'd never hire you. You just did more damage to your career and services than Guava did when she posted a comment that she didn't think cutting out milk and fruit sounded healthy.

-Mike

I assure you I am really not worried. There are more than enough people who know me and know the kind of person I am.

I may have been a bit angry and upset when posting what I did, but I don't like people announcing things that are false when it comes to what I do and my protocols.

I did no damage to my career, I assure you that I am more than fine, although I agree that the way I responded was a bit "harsh" and I apologize for that.

I have spoken w/John, apologized to him, and I feel bad that people may look at me as a "jerk" from this because I am not a jerk.

I apologize for being too forward and not being the calm person that I usually am, it was a bad morning for me, sickness and all.

Those of you who do not wish to work w/me as a result of this, well, I am indeed sorry you have to view this one negative event instead of the 100's of positive ones that I have been a part of at this location.

Guava, I meant nothing harsh to you honestly, I just felt you totally mis-understand what I do and my programs and I was in a rush this a.m. to get my post out. I am sure some will never "forgive me", but I know that we have all blown off steam at times and that's the nature of the game because we have all overstepped our decency at times.

Again, my bad!

Peace,
~SC~

When I was fist diagnosed with diabetes several years ago, one of the steps that took place was that I was referred to a registered dietician. This is part of the standard process that takes place here; it's free of charge, as are our medications, etc.

At that time, my consultation with the dietician was de-spiriting, discouraging, unconstructive, and frankly a waste of my time and of the country's healthcare resources. I knew nothing about nutrition or fitness yet, and during those consultations it just seemed that this skinny young dietician was there to remind me that my diet and lifestyle was shit. That much I actually didn't need to be told, and it seemed that the each consultation was a recital of my lifestyle inadequacies.

I went away with no insights about how to go about improving my predicament. As far as concrete information went, I "learnt" that I ate too much fat and needed to sometimes eat vegetables. Every mael was supposed to be composed of someting called complex carbs (which apparently meant pasta). That was pretty much it. There was not a hint that there are different kinds of fat. No inkling that one should eat a balance of macronutrients. As far as I could understand, the aim was to eat as little fat as possible and as much pasta and potatoes as possible, with vegetables thrown in as and when they can be tolerated. After three consultations I gave up.

In the end, it was through finding message boards such as JSF, and reading Tom Venuto's book, and generally doing my own research that taught me what I needed to know and, most importantly, a strategy. I hardly need tell anyone about the contrast - I'm sure it's a familiar kind of story.

Finally, regarding SC - and I add this SOLELY in the context of my experiences with professional people giving me dietary advice - I have been a paying client of his, and I would give him the thumbs up any day compared with the registered dietician I experienced. He did NOT "tell" me I can't eat this or must eat that. His custom-made program included a balanced and healthy diet intended to meet certain goals. And I have to say that a couple of weeks ago, I visited my diabetes doctor and discussed this diet and my current state of health frankly with her. She commented that I was the first person she had known of whose diabetes seemed to have so completely disappeared - to the extent where she said she needs to discuss my case with her senior colleagues to find out whether there is an established procedure for "Unregistering" a person as a diabetic. She added that she was "completely happy" (her words, verbatim) with my diet and that she wished more patients under her care followed a similar strategy because then there'd maybe not be a diabetes epidemic.

My point for saying all this? What counts is that the person - whether a conventional dietician, or someone else dispending dietary guidance perhaps as part of a wider program - should give you a real strategy that has tangible goals that they can explain to you. If so - it's got a fighting chance of being worth the money :)

My point for saying all this? What counts is that the person - whether a conventional dietician, or someone else dispending dietary guidance perhaps as part of a wider program - should give you a real strategy that has tangible goals that they can explain to you. If so - it's got a fighting chance of being worth the money :)

:claplow:

M@

Thanks for your kind words Phil.


Again, to make it clear to everyone, please see above for my apology to the board about this morning and my response that I wrote in a scurry to get out the door. That's not how I usually am, and next time I will wait until I take my son to school to come back and construct a more level-headed response.

That's what I get for trying to rush! :bang: :bang:

~SC~

Thanks again for the advice everyone. :)

I just realized that I was holding the 3 secrets to getting lean all along, without the help of a dietition:
1. Diet
2. Workout
3. Consistancy

Thanks again for the advice everyone. :)

I just realized that I was holding the 3 secrets to getting lean all along, without the help of a dietition:
1. Diet
2. Workout
3. Consistancy


Make sure you send yourself an invoice for that.

Sam,

I think you nailed it right on the head. Like it was stated before there is no "magic" bullet, but there is a bullet and you stated it above.

1. Desire to change and do the work it takes
2. Following the right program
3. Follow through consistently
4. Modify the plan as you see necessary to obtain your goals.


On the SC note, I have been on SGX for a while now and although I often struggle with the consistency I have made remarkable gains. When I follow the program I continue to improve. My cholesterol levels dropped from a bit over 200 to about 120 in the first 4 months I was on the program, I have more energy, my psychological view of myself and life in general has improved, and many, many other benefits. To make a long story short, I'm healthier at 41 than I was in my 20's...actually, in my last physical the nurse commented, "He wrote excellent profile in your notes, I've never seen the doctor write that about anyone." Like any other program, you have to do the work.

Good luck Sam.

k

I'm not sure if I'm expected to reply here or if I was to keep my responses to private messages, but I've heard nothing from SwoleCat, so I will publicly explain my thoughts.

I do not apologize for offering my opinion on the program. My opinion was shared based on the information about the program of which I am aware. I have indeed heard SwoleCat say numerous times "scrap the fruit (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?p=60249&)" and that "milk is for babies (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?p=60249&)". I am glad to be enlightened, as I always am. I was unaware that there was any more detailed health information on his site. I will go and check it out.

I did not mean to imply that SwoleCat's programs are not good for overall health. My opinion was that health-wise they are not better than a dietician's advice. Rereading what I wrote, I did not express that very well at all. For now, I stick by my opinion that my own diet plan will lead to a healthier existence than the SGX plan as I know it.

Sam, here's my thread on the same topic:

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=26666

Personally I don't think a dietician can tell you anything you can't read online. There are only so many ways to improve your health (some would even say one way).

All of which involve healthy, sensible eating and progressive exercise.

Simple as that. Maybe a few fancy programs here and there which may or may not give you more bang for your buck (Ergo SC's program, of which I WILL NOT COMMENT ON IT'S VALIDITY FOR I HAVE NO PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE TO BASE A QUALIFIED OPINION OFF OF).

I say drop the Dietician, and spend your money and time on equipment and informed internet resources such as this site.

I say spend $30 and buy the book "Nourishing Traditions." Link is in my sig.

For certain results that people hire me and others for, some restrictions apply. That's the nature of the game and that's reality. So yes, things like milk/dairy/fructose/etc., they are restricted at times for good rhyme/reason. Those who work w/me know why, and they understand and accept the reasoning for these practices if they apply.

In all actuality, my programs are nothing close to being un-healthy, lending themselves to poor health, so the bummer is that when you say "the SGX plan as I know it", you don't really know it. :)

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, yes, just trying to let you know that your opinion arises though from not having all of the CORRECT information. Yet another example of health improvement was shared above, and there are a myriad of others.

If my programs weren't healthy, you wouldn't see those testimonials.

That's probably what I should have said earlier, as it would have clearly and congenially relayed that there are a lot of things one does not understand about my protocols.

~SC~

I'm not sure if I'm expected to reply here or if I was to keep my responses to private messages, but I've heard nothing from SwoleCat, so I will publicly explain my thoughts.

I do not apologize for offering my opinion on the program. My opinion was shared based on the information about the program of which I am aware. I have indeed heard SwoleCat say numerous times "scrap the fruit (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?p=60249&)" and that "milk is for babies (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?p=60249&)". I am glad to be enlightened, as I always am. I was unaware that there was any more detailed health information on his site. I will go and check it out.

I did not mean to imply that SwoleCat's programs are not good for overall health. My opinion was that health-wise they are not better than a dietician's advice. Rereading what I wrote, I did not express that very well at all. For now, I stick by my opinion that my own diet plan will lead to a healthier existence than the SGX plan as I know it.

Id just like to apologize for initially bringing up SC. I never intended for this much ruckus to be created over it. He seems like a cool guy to me, and from what Ive read, he gets results.

this is exactly what i love about the JSF boards that makes them different from all those other forums like on bodybuilding.com. Sure people get in squabbles and start small forum-wars. But on other forums, these wars end up with threads being closed, people getting banned, and grudges being held. Here at JSF, even when we fight, we always apologize and come to a mutual understanding. It is, by far, one of the most civilized communities on the internet. And this kind of stuff shows a great deal of character.

That is very true, and John's site is great in that regard.

I employ the same standards/values at my board as well, and there
is a lot of value in being able to work through bumps and learn from them.
Closing a thread or deleting something we can't learn from, but we can all learn from explanation and each other.

Ironic that I would be one to post something that doesn't exactly fit into those values, but like I said before, we've all had times where we really jumped the gun, or came across in a manner not intended because of being pressed for time as well. Also what most probably do not realize is that I find myself kind of "on guard" to a degree at times simply because of juveniles/boards like bb.com and others where there are flames galore and such as beforementioned. In years past, I've had to deal w/imposters, flame wars, haters, false stories/accussations, even death threats on vacation, etc. You name it I've had to deal w/it. No excuses, but it's real. Over the years that adds up and you develop a certain callous of sorts, and when something not accurate is stated about you, it feels much the same. However, this is an adult board, so there are better ways in which to explain yourself and remedy the situation.

Atkinson, thanks man, it's not a big deal. I like when my name is brought up, I like to think it's always in a positive conversation. :)

~SC~

Finally, regarding SC - and I add this SOLELY in the context of my experiences with professional people giving me dietary advice - I have been a paying client of his, and I would give him the thumbs up any day compared with the registered dietician I experienced. He did NOT "tell" me I can't eat this or must eat that. His custom-made program included a balanced and healthy diet intended to meet certain goals. And I have to say that a couple of weeks ago, I visited my diabetes doctor and discussed this diet and my current state of health frankly with her. She commented that I was the first person she had known of whose diabetes seemed to have so completely disappeared - to the extent where she said she needs to discuss my case with her senior colleagues to find out whether there is an established procedure for "Unregistering" a person as a diabetic. She added that she was "completely happy" (her words, verbatim) with my diet and that she wished more patients under her care followed a similar strategy because then there'd maybe not be a diabetes epidemic.

My point for saying all this? What counts is that the person - whether a conventional dietician, or someone else dispending dietary guidance perhaps as part of a wider program - should give you a real strategy that has tangible goals that they can explain to you. If so - it's got a fighting chance of being worth the money :)[/QUOTE]


I think giving dietary/exercise/fitness advice to an individual who is RELATIVELY young and few medical problems (diet or oral-med controlled diabetes, high cholestrol) is probably ok. However, I find many dieticians to be extremely bright and helpful. I think a well-trained and experienced dietician is vital to anyone with multiple medical problems (s/p MI, stroke, short-gut syndrome, gastrectomy, s/p gastric bypass, brittle diabetics, etc). Any advice taken from forums like this has to be placed in context of that individual.

Another 2 big thumbs up for the swole cat!

I have made remarkable changes to my health and appearance after 10months of consultation. There is alot of room in his protocols for choosing your own 'healthy food" choices.

If you travel the world you realise that not everyones eats kashi go lean for breakfeast, bread for lunch and mashed potato for dinner and still thier diets remains healthier than the average western diet by a long way.

I think like any change, it takes the ability to accept that doing things different from the norm is not necessarily a bad thing, and in the case of SGX its downright healthy.

peace

Thanks Champien! :)

Barber, that is absolutely amazing to hear that your doctor was at a loss for words, and had to consult w/her other colleagues about your remarkable changes.

Congrats to you! :tucool:

~SC~