Healthy Eating

Diet plays a vital role in weight management, disease prevention, and optimal physical and mental well-being. At EatWellGuru in Northern Virginia or the Washington, D.C. Metro area, Maryam Dadkhah, PhD, RDN, CPT, develops personalized healthy eating plans based on your medical history, food preferences, and health goals. Schedule a nutrition evaluation with Dr. Dadkhah by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What are healthy eating plans?

Healthy eating involves choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods that offer nutritional and medicinal benefits. Dr. Dadkhah personalizes healthy meal plans and menus that help you achieve weight management and health goals. 

She customizes meal plans for individuals with the following:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Food allergies
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Eating disorders
• High blood pressure
• Other chronic conditions 
• Vegetarian/vegan diet preferences

Healthy eating can help you better manage chronic diseases or reduce the risk of developing these health concerns.

Which foods are included in healthy eating plans?

While personalized dietary needs vary based on your health history, examples of nutritious foods include:

• Fiber-rich options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains 
• Lean protein foods like chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, eggs, or tofu
• Dairy foods (or plant-based equivalents like plant milk)
• Avocados, olive oil, nut butters, and other heart-healthy fats

Dr. Dadkhah may encourage you to take multivitamins or other dietary supplements, especially if you have specific medical needs or are at risk of nutrient deficiencies. 

Which foods should I avoid?

Foods to steer clear of or limit as much as possible include:

• Alcohol
• Sweets
• Sugary drinks like soda and sweet tea
• Fried foods
• Fatty cuts of meat
• Highly processed foods

Examples of processed foods include highly processed meats (sausage, hot dogs, deli meats, ham, pepperoni, etc.), white bread, and many pre-packaged snack foods.

What are the benefits of personalized healthy eating plans?

The benefits of healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, include:

• Reduced chronic disease risks
• Healthier body weight
• Improved disease management
• More energy
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Improved athletic performance
• Longer life expectancy
• Enhanced quality of life  

It’s also highly beneficial to exercise regularly, minimize stress, get plenty of sleep, and avoid smoking. EatWellGuru tailors a plan based on your goals and food preferences, making it easy to follow and stick with long-term. 

Which healthy eating meal plan is right for me?

To determine the healthy eating meal plan that best suits you, Dr. Dadkhah discusses your medical history, weighs you, calculates your body mass index (BMI), checks your vital signs, and orders blood testing or other diagnostic tests. She creates a plan that offers lasting results.

Schedule a nutrition evaluation with Dr. Dadkhah at EatWellGuru by phone or request one online today to receive a personalized healthy eating plan.