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Key Points Key Points
Principles of Healthful Nutrition
Limit:
➤ Unhealthful ultra-processed foods of minimum nutritional value
such as "sweets," "junk foods," cakes, cookies, candy, pies, chips,
and ultra-processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs,
pastrami.
➤ Energy-dense foods high in calories.
➤ Energy-dense beverages: sugar-sweetened beverages, juice,
cream.
➤ Avoid trans fats and excessive sodium.
Encourage:
➤ Consumption of healthful proteins and fats, vegetables, leafy
greens, fruits, berries, nuts, legumes, whole grains.
➤ Complex carbohydrates over simple sugars: Low glycemic index
over high glycemic index foods.
➤ High-fiber foods over low-fiber foods.
➤ Many dairy products (while being mindful of caloric content).
➤ Reading labels rather than marketing claims.
Choosing Nutrition Therapy
The most appropriate nutritional therapy for weight loss is one that
is safe, effective, and one to which the patient will adhere.
➤ Encourage foods that result in a negative caloric balance to
achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
➤ Consider the following:
• Eating behaviors, and meal patterns
• Cultural background, traditions, and food availability
• Time constraints and f inancial issues
• Nutritional knowledge and cooking skills
• Medical conditions potentially affected by the nutrition plan