Posted On: March 14, 2023
By Mary Hunt, MS, RDN
As we spring forward and the signs of nature’s beauty are all around us, what a wonderful time to pause and reflect on our self care! Along with good sleep, keeping physically active, managing our stress and connecting with others, good nutrition is one of the main pillars of health!
Following a healthy dietary pattern may not only delay the progression of chronic disease such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, it can improve your mental clarity, help regulate your appetite and blood sugar, decrease anxiety levels and boost your energy level and mood! Some studies suggest a “good dietary pattern” may be as effective as an antidepressant! Other benefits include strengthening your immune system, decreasing inflammation and delaying cognitive decline. With obesity on the rise and affecting 42% of our population, making healthy food choices and understanding how healthier choices and behaviors can work for you, may be the key to long term weight management success.
The problem is we are bombarded with information from the internet, social media, friends, family, coworkers, the daily news, it’s hard to know what to believe! Keto, intermittent fasting, good carbs, no carbs, omega 3’s, what supplements to take?…. It can be so confusing.
Nutrition is a complex science, not an opinion! Nutrition recommendations are constantly changing as research continues to evolve. Along with Dr. West, I like to base my practice on evidence based information. Yet, also taking into account the 35 years of experience I have had empowering and educating my clients, and most importantly, consideration of your individual lifestyle, food preferences, challenges and specific needs.
A nutrition consultation is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of your concierge membership benefits at Eileen West, MD and Associates. It typically lasts 45 minutes, and an appointment can be made on my website. Prior to your consultation, you will complete a registration form which asks questions about your usual intake, activity level and nutrition concerns. Once gathering more information during our session about your family and medical history, I would like to help you come up with 1 or 2 easy, enjoyable, and sustainable goals.
I can provide quick and easy meal and snack suggestions, help you interpret food labels, navigate the grocery aisles, modify recipes, or discuss healthier options when eating out and traveling. I like to focus on the joy of gaining health and strength, and not on the number on your scale!
Self care and taking time for your health care needs is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Let me help you find new foods you can get excited about!
_________________________
Mary Hunt is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who has been serving the Fairfax and Washington metropolitan area since 1987. Her approach focuses on empowering her patients with optimism and providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve healthier eating habits as well as overall improved health and wellness. We’re proud to have her as part of our team!
Members of Eileen West, MD and Associates are eligible to receive a complimentary nutrition consultation with Mary at your convenience. Simply call our office to schedule your appointment.
Holiday schedule packed? When you’re a patient with us, you get same or next-day appointments for urgent issues, direct messaging, and unrushed visits—no need to squeeze health into the margins. Take advantage of your membership and get year-end peace of mind! Interested in learning more about our membership model? Give us a call today! #conciergemedicalcare #conciergepractice #EileenWestMD
December is joyful and busy, but don’t forget to check in with your body! Hydrate, rest when you can, and keep nourishing meals in the rotation. Small choices now make January feel a whole lot lighter! #selfcare #5minutereset #bodycheckin #EileenWestMD
This Thanksgiving, between the pumpkin pie and football games, take a moment to talk with your family about your health histories. Understanding your family’s medical history can be lifesaving. It helps us identify patterns, assess risk, and make proactive decisions—especially for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and genetic disorders. Here are a few simple questions to guide the conversation: 👉 Has anyone been diagnosed with a chronic condition? 👉 Are there any hereditary diseases we should be aware of? 👉 What age were relatives diagnosed with major illnesses? These discussions don’t have to be heavy—they can be empowering. Knowing your family’s health story gives you the power to write a healthier future. For additional tips on how to manage these conversations, see our blog: https://www.eileenwestmd.com/blog/ask-the-expert-family-health-history-and-why-it-matters/ Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and informed Thanksgiving. 🧡 #eileenwestmd #happythanksgiving
Join our Email Newsletter to get the latest and greatest tips on ways to maximize your health, invitations to educational events, and other practice news!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from Eileen West, MD and Associates.