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
calories, 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 newer
terminology that is less emotionally charged. Use terms such as eating pattern, food intake,
eating style, or the food you eat 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.