Nutritional information and advice seems to be everywhere at the moment. Frustratingly, much of it appears conflicting and so can lead to confusion.

The amount of information on the subject of weight loss, particularly, can be overwhelming.

I have lost count of how many new diets and weight loss plans I've seen in books, newspapers and magazines, not to mention the revival of old favourites, like the cabbage soup diet. If any one system worked magically for everyone, the avalanche of diet books and videos would simply melt away.

There are some very good books and resources around but even if you manage to find one of these from among the vast range available, there will often be questions left unanswered about just how to apply it to your own particular circumstances.

The way one person achieves weight loss successfully will always be unique to them. The common factor to success is that they feel positive about their ability to lose weight and are realistic about what they are going to achieve.

Nutrition, health and weight can all be sensitive issues and sometimes asking for support from those closest is difficult.

Getting an outside view on your situation can be genuinely helpful. By developing a supportive relationship with a dietitian who can provide information you trust, and with whom you can discuss concerns and doubts, you can develop that all important positive approach.

A good therapist in nutritional care won't just hand out a prescriptive diet sheet, but will aim to give you the understanding and skills that enable you to continue the progress you have made with them in the long term. This gives you the ability to invest in your future health.

The aim is to lead you to the changes that you feel most comfortable with. When you find that you can decide on small changes and sustain them successfully, it leads to greater self confidence in achieving your goals and the feeling that you are looking after your own health.

This two-way process underpins all aspects of nutritional care, whether it is to improve the balance of your diet and ensure your individual nutritional requirements are met, or if you have to modify your diet for a specific reason such as increasing intake of fibre and fluid, calcium, B vitamins or iron, antioxidants, or the healthier types of fats. Ultimately, eating healthily can be a real pleasure and not a chore if approached in the right way.

New research that makes for eye-catching headlines may not always be effective when applied in real life and the magical discovery' approach, as often reported in the media, can lead to some exaggerated expectations.

Nutrition has become big business and there often isn't space to present an overall analysis of all the research on a specific area of nutrition and form a balanced view that, when applied, can be proven to be genuinely effective.

However, a registered dietitian will do this comparative research as a matter of course - indeed it is a requirement of their registration with The Health Professions Council.

A responsible practitioner in nutritional care will weigh up the likely benefits of an intervention against both the possible impact on quality of life and nutritional adequacy. They will also be able to explain this clearly so that you can make an informed choice.

Practical information that is based on an understanding of the lifestyle of the individual is essential and often will include identifying that how we feel affects how we eat in certain situations. Sometimes, changing the way we think about food is often the first step towards getting the best from what we eat.

Our lives are so busy, taking the time out to concentrate on our health when we are exhausted from tight deadlines at work, or a run of social events, gets left on the to do' list. But taking time to focus on your nutrition is important and will improve your sense of wellbeing and your ability to manage those stressful times better.

Working with a professional trained in nutrition and dietetics can help you take time out of your day-to-day pressures and focus on your own health and nutrition needs. It is as vital as a trip to the gym or yoga class.

Emma Shaw BSc (Hons) RD, graduated from King's College, London University in July 2000, after completing the four-year full-time degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Since graduating she has gained experience in general areas of nutrition and dietetics, also working at a senior specialist level during nearly four years of working full-time as a dietitian at St George's Hospital in London. She is a member of the British Dietetics Association, Freelance Dietitans Group and also registered with The Health Professions Council (No. DT08057)