Methods for developing and conducting a nutritional treatment program
The present invention relates to methods for developing and conducting a nutritional treatment program. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for developing and conducting a nutritional treatment program to promote weight loss, or to treat or prevent other disease states, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, etc. For example, such methods are employed to develop a diet program, and more particularly to methods for developing a program for both dieting and maintaining good nutrition both before and after losing weight. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to personalized nutritional treatment programs that are computer implemented and dynamic based on a subject's changing health condition.
1. A computer implemented method of administering a daily nutritional program to a subject for addressing a health condition of the subject, wherein the computer has memory, the method comprising the steps of:
a. establishing an aggregate nutrient density index (ANDI) score for foods to be ingested on the program, wherein the ANDI score is calculated from a ratio of nutrients per calorie and is proportional to an ideal reference food that contains nutrients at a greater than a predetermined threshold value nutrient per calorie ratio, wherein the nutrients are selected from the group consisting of vitamins, minerals, fiber, carotenoids, glucosinolate and anti-oxidants;
b. storing the ANDI score in the computer memory;
c. using the computer to calculate a menu aggregate nutrient density index (MANDI) value for the foods by multiplying the ANDI score by a number equal to or directly proportional to the calories per serving of the food to be consumed by the subject on the program;
d. storing the MANDI value in the computer memory;
e. generating a daily menu plan on the computer based on a minimum daily MANDI score for each day of the program; and
f. directing the subject to eat the foods according to the menu plan.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
a. identifying an undesirable nutrient that is associated with the health condition;
b. determining an undesirable nutrient value for each food having an ANDI score; and
c. weighting the ANDI scores by dividing by the nutrient value.