ABSTRACT
Historically, diet counseling had involved a rushed 2-minute diet instruction as the patient was being discharged from the hospital. The practice of nutrition and diet counseling, or as it is now defined as medical nutrition therapy (MNT), involves four basic steps: assessment, nutrition diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring and evaluation. The food and nutrition-related history should include more than just the diet record. The food environment encompasses more than just what the individual eats. Upon completion of the full assessment, it is important to establish the patient’s nutrient needs, including estimated energy, fiber, vitamin, and mineral needs. Additionally, recommendations based on body mass index (BMI), weight, and growth pattern goals should be determined. The use of telehealth may be considered a novel approach to nutrition counseling. Video visits allow the RD to instruct and guide the patient within the comfort of their home.
