On the occasion of National Nutrition Week – the story of Tamar Ne'eman, a dietitian at Klalit – from personal experience to professional guidance.
Some people meet with a dietitian out of a desire to lose weight, and some discover how much nutrition can be a significant and life-changing factor in a wide variety of situations. For Tamar, this encounter takes on a special depth. It often takes place in patients' homes, alongside those dealing with diabetes and complex medical conditions, where food is much more than just a menu. It is an integral part of treatment, hope, and quality of life.
According to Tamar Neeman (clinical dietitian at Clalit, Haifa and Western Galilee District), the success of the process comes from professional training and personal story. My personal past struggles with obesity have made me a therapist who understands the strengths and challenges of the process. I bring to the therapeutic encounter a combination of in-depth professional knowledge along with sensitivity, empathy, and a true connection to the patient.
Tamar believes that every process is an opportunity to feel better, grow stronger, and build a positive relationship with your body and food. She is there to guide, support, and light the way every step of the way.
Tamar Neeman, a dietitian in Klalit, has been working in the Continuing Care Unit for five years, at the Belin Diabetes Institute and the Lung Institute. Married and a mother of two, she combines several professional fields. She works in the Continuing Care Unit, visits patients' homes as part of a hospice, home hospitalization, and inpatient care, and at the same time also works at the Diabetes and Lung Institute. The direct encounter with patients, often in complex situations and in their home environment, emphasizes how nutrition is not just a question of what you eat, but how to adapt the recommendations to the person in front of you.
Tamar's connection to the world of nutrition began at home. Her late father was a professor of food engineering at the Technion, and her curiosity about food and its composition accompanied her from a young age. Along with this, her desire to help people led her to choose a profession that combines science, health, and meaning.
Her personal experience plays a significant role in her work. Tamar has dealt with obesity in the past, and this experience allows her to deeply understand the challenges that patients experience. She brings with her not only professional knowledge, but also empathy and a true familiarity with the difficulty of lifestyle change. For many patients, this is the difference between "another recommendation" and a process that can be truly sustained.
One of the common myths that Tamar encounters is the belief that a diet must be low in carbohydrates. According to her, carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet, and in most cases there is no need to avoid them. On the contrary, when you make the right choices, from sources such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits, and incorporate them into a Mediterranean diet, they contribute to health, not harm it.
For the general public, she suggests starting with small, practical steps:
• Prefer water or unsweetened soda over sugary drinks
• Choose diverse, high-quality protein sources and reduce processed foods.
• Incorporate more plant-based foods into your daily diet, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts.
At the same time, she emphasizes that food is also a source of pleasure. There is no need to give up favorite foods, but rather learn to incorporate them in moderation and without guilt. An approach of balance and a positive attitude towards food is what allows for true persistence over time.
Physical activity also plays a central role in the picture. Regular activity, especially strength training, contributes to maintaining muscle mass, bone mass, and mental health. Her recommendation is simple: choose an activity you enjoy and make it a routine, like any other important commitment.
During National Nutrition Week, Tamar's story reminds us that you don't have to make drastic changes to improve your health. It's the small, everyday choices that make a big difference.
Tamar is wonderful!!!
Indeed! Indeed🙏