What needs to be considered when an individual, like Ahmed, plans to make substantial dietary changes?

Different individuals have different food preferences. It is important to explore what individuals eat, what their dietary pattern is (for example, how often they eat), as well as any other lifestyle factors that influence their food choices. As with all consultations, ensuring that you are working with the person on a shared agenda is the best way to support them to make realistic and sustainable changes to their lifestyle.

Dietary intake can be influenced by the presence of disease, the individual’s appetite, their religion, or other beliefs. Financial and practical circumstances can also affect a person’s access to food, as well as their knowledge, experience, and ability to shop for, prepare and cook food. There are also social elements to eating, as well as daily routines and habits, all of which can influence dietary intake.

When offering dietary advice, consideration should be given to all of the above.