Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, an astounding 34.9% of American adults are obese? Thanks to our sugar laden diets and sedentary lifestyle, we are on a crash course to life-threatening health problems, like diabetes and cancer.

For many, it’s finally time to say enough is enough. People are starting to get off the couch, switch off Netflix, and start to work their bodies more. Running, lifting, walking: it’s all becoming more popular in the United States. However, as you may know, exercise isn’t always enough for weight loss. Your nutrition is also an integral part of your personal fitness plan.

Of course, especially if you’ve been living a life of Twinkies and Xbox, knowing where to start with your nutrition can be tough. That’s why hiring sports nutritionists is becoming increasingly popular. They can give you the knowledge and the tools you need to cut the junk from your diet, stay healthy, and slim down. That being said, you also need to know the right questions to ask a nutritionist to ensure whatever nutritionist diet they give you suits your particular lifestyle.

Three Questions to Ask a Nutritionist

1. Should I Change My Diet to Fit My Age?

As WebMD points out, our dietary needs change as we age. For example, teenagers need to take in a lot of calories to help their bodies grow. Older adults, on the other hand, need fewer calories, but they require a diet higher in certain nutrients and vitamins, like calcium and Vitamin D. Ask a nutritionist how they can help you craft a healthy, fulfilling diet that suits your age-based needs.


2. How Can I Eat Better without Sacrificing the Things I Love?

If you’ve tried to eat healthy before but failed due to cravings, you know just how difficult it can be to cut all the guilty, chocolate-filled pleasures from your life. The thing you need to know, as Golden Rule Insurance writes, is that you don’t need to cut everything out, nor should you. Ask your nutritionist how you can work in a cheat day or a little snack now and then; you’ll be surprised just how open they are to helping you stay sane in your new life.


3. What Can I Do to Get Enough of “X” on My Special Diet?

Whether you keep a kosher diet for religious reasons or a vegetarian diet for moral ones, you need to make sure you’re getting enough of certain nutrients and not too much of others. Being a vegan, for example, can make it difficult to get enough quality protein, as eggs, cheese, and chicken are off-limits. Your nutritionist can steer you toward healthy alternatives, like black beans and lentils, but they have to know you need these options.

Any nutritionists out there? What other questions are important to ask when getting started on a new plan? This is a great source for more. More on this topic.