Give Nutrition Advice Without Making Patients Feel Punished

Have you ever asked, “Do you have any other questions?” at the end of a visit and immediately regretted it?

Same.

Because of course they have more questions. Important questions. Questions that probably should have been asked 15 minutes ago, except now you’re already behind, the next patient is waiting, and you’re trying to be compassionate without completely derailing the visit.

In this episode, I’m talking with Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian, author of Eating From Our Roots, and founder of Maya Feller Nutrition, about the art of inviting patients into treatment instead of simply telling them what to do.

We talk about cultural humility, implicit bias, why foods like rice, tortillas, noodles, plantains, and traditional starches get unfairly blamed for chronic disease, and how clinicians can help patients improve blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids without stripping away the foods that feel like home. Maya also shares a brilliant framework for setting the agenda with patients, asking permission, and keeping the visit patient-centered without losing control of the clock.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why “healthy” food is often viewed through an Anglo-American lens, and how that can unintentionally shame patients’ cultural foods
How to be curious before corrective when talking about nutrition, weight, chronic disease, and food traditions
How to use the plate method more flexibly
What to say when patients want to improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, or inflammation without giving up familiar foods
Why frozen meals, canned foods, jarred foods, dried beans, frozen vegetables, and center-aisle foods absolutely belong in realistic nutrition counseling
How to help patients reduce added sugar without making it feel like punishment
Maya’s strategy for “sugar interactions” and helping patients create a beginning, middle, and end around sweets
How to start the visit by asking what is on the patient’s mind, while still addressing your clinical priorities

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 146: When Culture is Erased from Guidelines

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

161 | The Art of Inviting Patients Into Treatment

Exam Room Nutrition: Practical Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

161 | The Art of Inviting Patients Into Treatment