If you’ve ever tried to gain weight and felt it’s more stressful than JAMB, this one is for you. Because gaining a healthy weight is more than eating more eba and swallowing four wraps of pounded yam at once. It takes strategy, and sometimes, the help of a nutritionist might just be your biggest flex.

Unlike the random “eat beans and drink milk” advice your uncle might give you, nutritionists back their advice with science, not vibes.

A nutritionist is a qualified professional who is trained in food science and human nutrition. Their job is to help you use food to reach your health and body goals. They are trained professionals who understand how your body works and how to create personalised food plans that align with your health goals.

Now let’s talk about what they do and why their work is so important.

A Nutritionist Creates a Personalised Weight Gain Plan

Once your nutritionist has a clear picture of your current eating habits, body composition, and lifestyle, they create a customised weight gain plan that works for YOU. And trust me, they won’t be suggesting anything crazy or foreign. Instead, they’ll stick with the Nigerian foods you know and love.

Your nutritionist will make sure your plan is full of flavour-packed Nigerian dishes that help you gain healthy weight. For example, they might suggest adding more groundnut or peanut butter to your meals for that extra calorie boost. You might also find them recommending different types of smoothies.

Nutritionists also help you figure out when to eat and how much. If you’re the type who tends to skip meals because you’re always on the move. Your nutritionist will suggest simple, quick snacks like a boiled egg or peanut butter on whole wheat bread that you can eat on the go. 

Now, let’s shake some tables. Did you know that not every meal needs to be a massive plate of rice? Do you feel attacked? Well, that’s the truth. A nutritionist will teach you how to portion your food with the right amount of calories and nutrients for healthy weight gain. 

A Nutritionist Educates You on Healthy Eating Habits and Food Choices

A big part of working with a nutritionist is making better food choices in the long run. They’ll walk you through the importance of eating nutrient-dense foods. That means instead of just reaching for a quick snack like sugary biscuits, they’ll encourage you to eat nuts, seeds, or even a handful of dried fruits. They’ll help you understand the difference between foods that give you “empty calories” (like fried snacks) versus those that provide long-lasting energy. 

One of the most important things your nutritionist will help you understand is mindful eating. You may not realise it, but sometimes we eat too fast, too much, or just out of boredom. 

Practising mindful eating will help you to listen to your body’s hunger cues and avoid overeating (which can lead to uncomfortable bloating). Instead, you’ll focus on savouring your meals, eating slowly, and enjoying every bite.

They’ll also teach you how to control portion sizes in a way that supports your goals without overloading your system. For example, they’ll show you that instead of eating a mountain of rice in one sitting, it’s better to have multiple smaller meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism active. 

A key part of this process is helping you break bad eating habits. Maybe you’ve been skipping meals because you’re busy, or you’re relying too much on processed foods and snacks. Your nutritionist will help you gradually replace those habits with healthier options. 

 A Nutritionist Monitor Your Progress and Adjust the Plan as Needed

The work doesn’t stop after your nutritionist has crafted your meal plan. They’ll continue to monitor your progress, checking in with you regularly to see how you’re doing. This could mean following up on how you feel with your new eating habits, whether you’re gaining weight as expected, or if there are any challenges you’re facing.

If you’re hitting your goals, great! If not, they’ll tweak your plan. For example, if you’re not gaining weight as expected, they might suggest you increase your calorie intake with more snacks or add a protein shake to your routine. On the flip side, if you’re gaining too much fat rather than muscle, they may recommend focusing on more lean proteins and adjusting your carb intake.

Nutritionists will also help you with meal prep tips. They know it can be hard to cook between work, school, and social life, so they’ll show you how to plan your meals. They might suggest cooking in bulk, freezing meals for later, or packing healthy snacks to carry throughout the day.

Nutritionists Support Your Long-Term Health and Well-Being

Working with a nutritionist also includes keeping your blood sugar levels balanced, supporting your digestive system, and maintaining long-term wellness. They’ll ensure that your weight gain doesn’t come at the cost of your health. They’ll help you build healthier habits so you can continue to eat well even after reaching your weight goals.

And let’s be honest, Nigeria can be full of tempting, unhealthy food options, especially if you’re constantly surrounded by street food or sweet treats. Your nutritionist will arm you with the knowledge to make smarter choices in these situations. 

Now, don’t be scared, your nutritionist won’t expect you to avoid jollof rice or pepper soup for the rest of your life. Instead, they’ll teach you to enjoy these foods in moderation while still sticking to your weight gain plan.

Conclusion

So, do you need a nutritionist for healthy weight gain? The answer is clear: Yes, you do!

 A nutritionist is your best friend when it comes to gaining healthy weight. They’ll give you a structured plan and all the knowledge you need to support your health and long-term weight goals. 

So, don’t feel like you have to go through it alone. Having a professional by your side ensures that your journey to healthy weight gain is smooth, manageable, and even enjoyable. With a nutritionist, you get to “have your cake and eat it.” #winks#