Guidelines for diet counseling

Members of the American Dietetic Association have shown an interest in having some procedural guidance in the process of dietary counseling. Such guidelines, prepared by a committee of the Diet Therapy Section, are presented. They include: a clarification of terminology; requirements for counseling in terms of knowledge, skills, and equipment; recommended procedural steps in counseling; and a supportive bibliography. While these guidelines are intended chiefly for dietitians in clinic and/or ambulatory care situations, the principles, philosophy, and general methodology should be basic to any educational situation, recognizing that circumstances can well present varying limitations.