1. Seek Professional Help
You see them everywhere, books promising quick weight loss, younger skin and limitless energy. While some of the ideas contained in these books worked for the author, it may not be the right therapeutic diet for you. Many weight loss books and products sold are at the expense of the consumer's health. If you want a truly therapeutic diet, you need one-on-one diet counseling from a professional dietician or a doctor specializing in nutrition and, ideally, in your condition. Therapeutic diets are not a one size fits all proposition. Get some help putting together your diet and you'll reap greater benefits.
2. Therapeutic Diets Are Conditional
Certain conditions, such as diabetes, require the patient to be on a therapeutic diet. Some other conditions that you might not be familiar with also require certain diet restrictions. You have much better control with conditions such as acid reflux disease (ARD) when you cut the caffeine, acidic foods and chocolate. Celiac disease requires the patient to adhere to a gluten free diet; gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats. Since gluten also hides in things as unassuming as vinegar, it's best to get some guidance from a registered dietician to guide you into life without gluten.
3. Try One of These on for Size
Here is a selection of the types of therapeutic diets available. Be sure to talk to your doctor or dietician to find the one that is right for you. The diabetic diet, as the name implies, is for those dealing with problems with regulating blood sugar. You wont find any frosted doughnuts on this diet with a per-day calorie selection usually between 1200 and 2000. The bland diet is for those dealing with ulcers and gastritis, while the cholesterol-lowering diet is for those looking to lower their LDL cholesterol. The pregnancy diet and breastfeeding diet are both high in nutrients and free from additives to keep baby and mom as healthy as possible.
4. Don't Worry About What You're Missing
If your condition requires you to cut certain things out of your diet, you might feel down about missing out on those foods. Don't despair; not only are there some great alternatives found in most natural and health food stores, but you'll soon find new favorites among the food you can eat. For example, going gluten-free is one of the more difficult adjustments, but with rice pasta, and the myriad of cereals available at health food stores, you're sure to find some new favorites. You'll also start to appreciate the tastes and textures of fruits and vegetables. They might even become some of your favorite foods when you eliminate all the packaged pseudo-food.
5. Ch-Ch-Changes
People change, that is a given, and you may need to make adjustments to your diet when those changes happen. Pregnancy, menopause and other life altering events can increase or decrease your need for certain nutrients. Be sure to discuss any changes in your mood, blood sugar levels and symptoms with your doctor so that she can adjust your diet accordingly.
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