ABSTRACT

Try assessing your patient’s understanding of

how to apply ‘The Balance of Good Health’

practically using the test illustrated in Figure

7.4 and described in Tables 7.9 and 7.10.

Although changing the type and balance of

foods eaten may be sufficient for many to lose

weight, some patients may wish for further

guidance on quantities and portion sizes. ‘The

Balance of Good Health’ does not usually

specify portion sizes as every individual has

different needs and unless health professionals

are confident in determining patient

requirements and translating these into

specific portion sizes, ranges of portion sizes

can be misleading and inappropriate.