Question

  Chablis is a 14 year-old female who has been referred to you by her mother and family physician. Chablis’ mom is concerned that she is not eating right and her doctor wants you to give Chablis some nutrition advice because she wants to be a vegetarian. Chablis has heard that red meat contains a lot of fat and she “does not want to get fat.” A physical test by her physician shows that Chablis is in the early stage of sexual maturation, she weighs 89 pounds, and she is 5 feet tall. Chablis is extremely active, spending every afternoon after school playing some kind of sport – basketball, swimming, track, or soccer.

a.           List at least four questions you would include in your assessment session with Chablis. Why would you include these questions?

b.           How would you address Chablis’ concern about meat and her desire to be a vegetarian? What are some sources of valid nutrition information you might recommend?

c.           How would you counsel Chablis regarding her desire not to get fat?

d.           As a healthcare professional, what advice would you give Chablis’ parents regarding their interactions related to food?

Answer 1

Answers:

(a) The first question to include in your assesment is "What are the alternative foods to avoid meat for maintaining healthy body" ?. The importance of this question is, Chablis has heard that red meat contains a lot of fat and she does not want to get fat. Also Chablis wants to be a vegetarian.

The second question, "What is the importance of fat in body. What are the main sources of foods that provide fat to body"?. The importance of this question, is to educate Chablis and her family about the funtion of fat in the body. Also as a vegetarian she should learn the source of fat foods apart from red meat.  

The third question is "What are the foods that support the early stage of sexual maturation"?. The importance of this question is, because Chablis is in the early stage of sexual maturation.

The fourth quesion is "Is there any space for the Chablis' parents to worry about the health status of Chablis"?. The importance of this question is to reduce the anxiety and worries of the Chablis' parents and also give them education about the nutrition that her daughter needs.

(b). Regarding Chablis' concern about meat and her desire to want to be a vegetarian, planning a healthy balanced vegetarian diet. There is no problem to avoid meat, because the alternate vegetarian foods also provide the body fat and energy. The only thing is to plan a well vegetarian diet to get proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to body. To get the most benifit of a vegetarial diet, choose a vareity of healthy plant based foods. such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Also reduce the sugar sweetened beverages, high sugar fruit juices and refined grains. Beans and lentils are good sources of protein and fiber. Protein is important for the growth of all body organs, gives energy and good in early stage of sexual maturation. Quinoa is also a good source of protein, which is a whole grain like brown rice. Eggs are good sources of protiens and vitamins for the body growth and energy and health for heart. It contains monosaturated and polysaturated fatty acids. Eggs also contain vitamin B12 which is responsibe for the brain development and fatigue. Green yogurt is also good source of protein and vitamins. Nuts are also good protein source for body. Banana is a good source of potassium and vitamins. Vegetables like carrot, beetroot, etc are high vitamin based foods and must be included in her daily diet.

The above noted protein foods are good for Chablis as she is in the early stage of sexual maturation. In Early stage sexual maturation protein intake is necessary. Intake of cow milk and diary products is good in this time. Protein rich foods includes fish, chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, etc are important for child's growth and muscle development in the early stage of maturation.

(c). Regarding Chablis desire not to get fat, plan a healthy balanced vegetarian diet. A fat is an essential part of a healthy diet. Fat is a source of essential fatty acids, which the body cannot made itself. Fats are responsibe substance, which helps the body to absorb vitamins. Without fats the absorption of vitamins in body is very difficult. Fat source are seen in vegetarian and nonvegetarian foods. The most fat contain vegetarian foods are Avocados, nuts, cheese, soyabean, eggs, peanut butter, etc. So advice Chablis about the importance and function of fat in the body and instruct her to take the above listed fat foods regularly.

(d). Advice Chablis parents regarding their interaction related to food by nutrition education.They should understand and learn the nutritional needs of the body for various functioning. Basic nutrition should be provided to Chablis. Advice the parents, not to worry of her vegetarianism. Only to take care and provide her a balanced healthy diet. Make sure to include fatty foods like nuts, legumes, peanut butter, eggs, soyabeans, etc in her food. Avoid junk foods and high sugar content food. As Chablis is energetic and spending all the school activities like swimming, basket ball, etc, there is no need to worry about her health status of body. Only give her a healthy balanced diet including the carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, etc regular in her diet.