Diet Modification
Prepared by Stephanie Kelly, MA
In compiling these resources we have made an effort to identify readily available, low-cost, and quality resources. Although we cannot guarantee the quality of all of the following resources, especially ones that change frequently, this list can encourage you to consider various options of what could be helpful to you, and to start exploring sources of information, sources of support and ideas for coping.
a. Books
- Eating Mindfully: How to End Mindless Eating and Enjoy a Balanced Relationship with Food by Susan Albers, Psy.D. (Mar 2003)
- YOU: The Owner’s Manual, Updated and Expanded Edition: An Insider’s Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger by Mehmet C. Oz and Michael F. Roizen (Apr 29, 2008)
- Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating by Walter C. Willett, M.D. and P. J. Skerrett (Jun 28, 2005)
b. Educational Videos on YouTube
- “How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits”
- Nutrition and Healthy Eating, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association
- Finding A Balance, sponsored by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Bob Greene’s 5 Simple Eating Tips”
c. Websites
- Six Steps to Changing Bad Eating Habits on WebMD
- Eating Habits & Behaviorson Medline Plus
- Changing Bad Eating Habits on Skinny Chef.com
- Food Diary from Dairy Council of California
- Nutrition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
d. DVDs
- Personalizing My Plate: Easy Changes for Eating Habits DVD on nutrition related topics
- Hungry for Change: documentary examines healthy nutritional lifestyle changes (full video is also available for viewing on Netflix)
e. CDs
- Weight Loss from Health Journeys: A meditation to help you with weight loss, by Belleruth Naparstek
f. Types of Nutritionists
Consultation with a nutritionist may be helpful in learning more about nutrition options and meal planning. The following types of practitioners may be helpful:
- Registered dietitian: trained in all aspects of food and nutrition including medical nutrition therapy. Credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Minimum bachelor’s degree.
- Certified nutrition specialists: have a master’s or doctoral level degree and passed board exam on medical nutrition therapy. Credentialed by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists.
- Certified clinical nutritionist: requires bachelor’s degree, internship, and post graduate study, or master’s degree. They approach diet on an individual basis rather than following standard recommendations.
- Holistic nutritionist: Practitioners do not necessarily follow the government food pyramid guidelines or those promoted in health associations. They do not practice medication nutrition therapy or diagnose disease. Certified by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board.
- Certified health coach: Health coaches guide and mentor clients toward achieving personal wellness goals. Certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition includes courses on dietary theories.
- Certified Nutritionist: involves completing six-week learning program and passing exam. Offered through American Health Science University
- Certified nutrition consultant: Credentialed by the American Nutrition Consultants.
g. Local support groups
- Overeaters Anonymous Closest group in Orland Park @ Faith United Methodist Church 8:30 a.m. Saturdays
- PopSugar– online community
h. Live lecture or talk providers
- Ingalls Health System Classes – These classes are always changing, but you can look for nutrition related classes here.
- Mercy Hospital and Medical Center Calendar – See their wellness and health education classes such as Eat Right Every Bite, or the Diet and Nutrition Consultation (low-cost fees may apply)
i. Apps for smartphones (free apps listed below)
- Healthy Eating Habits by Mental Edge Academy
- Eat Healthy Live Healthy
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See other blog posts by Stephanie Kelly PsyD.
© Marlin C. Hoover, PhD, PC
Hoover & Associates‘ team of licensed psychologists, counselors and social workers is here to offer you help and guidance. We’ve been providing mental health services in the southwest suburbs of Chicago since 1985. We’re conveniently located at 16325 S. Harlem Ave., Suite 200, Tinley Park, IL 60477; near Orland Park, Orland Hills, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Matteson, Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Homewood, Hazel Crest, Markham, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Crestwood, Palos Heights, Palos Park, and Palos Hills. Call to make an appointment: 708-429-6999.