At Baptist Health South Florida, we believe nutrition is a core part of any treatment plan. Whether you’ve recently had an operation, have been diagnosed with a condition, or simply want to learn how to eat healthy, our team will provide recommendations to help you heal and prevent future health problems.
Our nutrition counseling services include one-on-one sessions with dietitians who will develop a detailed nutrition plan based on your food preferences and nutritional needs.
We also work closely with our hospital chefs to provide healthy, seasonal and nutrient-dense meals for patients we are treating Baptist Health hospitals.
Why do I need nutrition counseling?
Whether you need help with a specific diet or simply want to learn how to eat healthy, Baptist Health dietitians are available to meet with anyone looking for nutrition counseling.
Your doctor may recommend nutrition counseling if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or a digestive disorder like celiac disease. Our registered dietitians can work with you to develop meal plans that can help you manage your conditions, reduce symptoms, prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Nutrition counseling can also help patients who have had a surgical procedure, such as weight-loss surgery. Our team will coach you through the essential lifestyle modifications needed to help you prevent complications and regain lost weight.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, Baptist Health South Florida has dietitians certified in oncology nutrition who can develop meal plans that will reduce the side effects of treatment and lower your risk for future health problems.
What does the Baptist Health nutrition counseling entail?
If you come to Baptist Health South Florida for nutrition counseling, you will meet individually with a dietitian who specializes in your condition or health needs. During the first meeting, the dietitian will do a full nutritional assessment that includes a physical exam and diet history, as well as a review of your needs and food preferences.
Following the assessment, the dietitian will work with you to develop a meal plan that is unique to your health goals and condition. This detailed plan includes ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, with suggested foods that are customized to you. You may be asked to record what you eat and your weight, so we can track your progress.
Some patients may only require one appointment, but follow-up sessions with your dietitian are recommended to assess your progress and answer any questions you may have. If recommended by your dietitian, your spouse or caregiver may attend your nutrition counseling sessions, so they can help support you and keep you on track.
Locations
We offer nutrition counseling services at each of our Baptist Health hospitals as well as at our primary care offices.
Our Approach
When you come to Baptist Health South Florida for nutrition counseling, you can expect:
- A team that believes in finding the root cause of your health problem, so we can use nutrition and dietary changes to help you feel better.
- A customized approach to your nutrition needs, including a unique meal plan based on your condition and food preferences.
- Dietitians who are certified in treating specific health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, weight management, cancer and digestive disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Baptist Health Food Pharmacy is a pilot program at West Kendall Baptist Hospital. Using food as medicine, this program provides healthy, plant-based meals for patients when they are discharged from the hospital. These meals, our better-for-you Plant Strong Meals, cost $4 each and can help patients transition from hospital care to home life. Patients and family members can purchase these meals from any of our hospital cafés.
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Our dietitians work closely with our hospital chefs to develop meals that are full of flavor and meet your medical needs. We value sourcing ingredients and food items that are minimally processed, fresh and as locally sourced as possible. Baptist Health dietitians review every recipe to ensure meals are nutrient-dense and appropriate for a variety of health conditions. At our Grow 2 Heal Gardens (located on various hospital campuses), we harvest fresh organic fruits, vegetables and herbs for our chefs to use in their meal preparations.
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You do not need to be a Baptist Health patient to take advantage of our nutrition counseling services. Talk to your doctor about a referral.