Nutrition Therapy
Throughout this book, the heading "Nutrition Therapy" is used in place of "Diet" because, among clients, diet is a four-letter word with negative connotations, such as counting cal ories, deprivation, sacrifice, and misery. A diet is viewed as a short-term punishment to endure until a normal pattern of eating can resume. Clients respond better to terminology that is less emotionally charged. Terms such as eating patte rn,food intake, eating style, or thefood you eat may be used to keep the lines of communication open.
Nutrition therapy recommendations are usually general suggestions to increase/
decrease, limit/avoid, reduce/encourage, or modify/maintain aspects of the diet because exact nutrient requirements are determined on an individual basis. Where more precise amounts of nutrients are specified, consider them as a starting point and monitor the client's response. Box 1.7 highlights formulas for calculating calorie and protein requirements.
Nutrition theory does not always apply to practice. Factors such as the client's prog nosis, outside support systems, level of intelligence and motivation, willingness to com ply, emotional health, financial status, religious or ethnic background, and other medical