According to TIME Magazine, Americans are eating fewer calories, but unfortunately, that’s not translating into lower obesity rates.
Alexandra Sifferlin, a writer for TIME, wrote, “Two federal studies on the amount of calories Americans eat show that we are eating less than we did about a decade ago, and that we’re also limiting the amount of fast food we consume … But if Americans are eating less fast food overall, why are obesity rates still so high? As encouraging as the calorie data are, the decreases aren’t significant enough to make a dent in upward trend of obesity.”
According to Taylor Larson, The Houstonian Club’s dietitian, the most important thing clubs can do to make an impact on America’s current obesity situation, is hire a certified dietitian. “Dietitian’s play an integral role in members’ success,” she said.
As the club’s dietitian, Larson does multiple things for The Houstonian Club, including personal consultations, weight-loss programs, metabolic testing, kitchen makeovers and more. One of Larson’s more popular services is a grocery store tour. During a tour, Larson takes members through a grocery store and shows them how to shop in a healthy manner. “We talk about good options, better options and the best options,” explained Larson.
Could dietitians be the missing link when it comes to your members’ weight-loss success? According to Larson, clubs don’t necessarily have the tools needed to provide members with accurate nutrition advice. That’s where a dietitian can provide clubs with great value.
“The sky is the limit — if clubs could take the glass ceiling off their dietitian services, members would really appreciate and benefit from it,” said Larson.
If a full-time dietitian isn’t in your club’s cards, Larson suggested clubs search for consultants. In order to find great dietitians, for either full-time positions or as consultants, post jobs listing on local dietetics websites. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics may be a great place to start: http://www.eatright.org/.
Is your club doing anything interesting to help fight obesity? How do you educate members on nutrition, and you have a dietician of your own?
Rachel Zabonick is the Assistant Editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
