Think Nutrition Coaches will just tell you what to do and send you on your way? Not the case at all. Truth is, we bring many different aspects into our practice that help you think about your metabolism, whole body health, and habits in different ways.
So what does that mean for you? Although every Nutrition Coach has a different approach and beliefs, I ultimately strive to facilitate long term change and empower you to take responsibility for your own good health.
My work with clients includes demystifying nutrition myths and fallacies; discussing healthy cooking options; providing guidance regarding appropriate calorie consumption for sustained weight loss; teaching how to read food labels; clarifying healthy portion sizes; and providing nutrition strategies to promote health (to name a few).
What is a Nutrition Coach?
Nutrition coaches study both nutritional science and behaviour change strategies to guide you toward a healthier lifestyle. We look at what’s preventing you from thriving physically, mentally, and emotionally, then give you the tools and support to make sustainable changes that address all aspects of your well-being.
It’s important to note that nutrition coaching isn’t the same as the services offered by dieticians. While Nutrition Coaches have broad nutrition knowledge to inform their work, coaches aren’t legally qualified to give their clients prescribed diets to help with medical conditions without further certification.
What this means in practice is that a Dietician can prescribe a diet to treat a patient with Heart Disease (often in a clinical setting) and a Nutrition Coach uses concepts drawn from psychology, behaviour change, and life coaching, to help this client overcome obstacles to maintain this prescribed diet and introduce other complimentary healthy habits.
What is it like to Work with Me?
Prior to your First Appointment
Before I even see you, I'll send you a detailed questionnaire to fill in. This is so I can begin getting to know you and prepare for your first consultation. The form includes questions about your current health status, food history and lifestyle habits, along with what you are hoping to achieve from working with me.
At your First Consultation
During our first appointment, we'll spend some time going over your initial questionnaire to ensure I have clarified all information, gain more insight on lifestyle habits that may be impacting you, and then discuss your goals and what challenges may stand in your way.
Once we’ve defined your goals, then we will put together initial strategies to help you work towards achieving them! This may be some specific changes to your current food intake, or education around a certain aspect of nutrition that will be the most effective first step towards your best health.
What will your Follow Up Sessions be Like?
During these sessions we will review your progress, tackle any obstacles we hadn't anticipated and discuss the relevant information and practical advice which will lead you toward your goals!
I’ll ask lots of questions
I'm very curious about your thoughts, habits, and metabolism and would like you to be too! Exploring all of these areas in a non-judgemental way can really help with education, empowerment, and mind body awareness. This can help us explore why we feel the way we do, connect symptoms to habits, and sometimes get us out of the trenches.
I’ll help you set small, weekly goals
Not as sexy as blasting you with information and going 0- 60, but, it works. I tell all my clients, we may go over a lot in our sessions, but our 2-3 weekly goals are really what I am going to hold you accountable for. This is the important behaviour change piece to really ingrain habits and support that lasting change.
I’ll dive into the why behind your actions
I fully support actually learning about your body and how it works. While some clients may want more in depth information and others just a rough overview, I believe explaining some of the physiology is important with all clients. To make this more individualized, we might talk through symptoms and what they mean. This can help you understand your current state and make more educated and empowered decisions in the future.
I’ll help you create a workable “plan”
Your lifestyle, goals, metabolism, and mind are unique to you, so it is important to create a plan to find your unique balance. This involves creating a toolbox for meal prepping, stress relief, the right workouts, reflection, and more. This can help you feel more in control of your decisions while also leaving room for flexibility.
How many times, and how often will I see you?
This really depends on your personal needs, and the reason you have to come to see me. Most people work with me for several months with regular weekly or biweekly check in appointments. Regular check ins improve compliance and achieve better health outcomes compared with going it alone.
Who Should Consider Working with a Nutrition Coach?
Now that you know more about nutrition coaching, is it the right fit for you? A Nutrition and Wellness Coach works with individuals who want to improve their health and well-being. Clients might engage a nutrition coach for any number of reasons, including:
- Losing weight
- Reducing stress
- Eating a healthier diet
- Achieving better work-life balance
- Increasing life satisfaction
- Prioritizing self-care
- Practicing a positive mindset
If any of these points resonate with you, a nutrition coach might be a perfect fit...
If you would like to work with me, you can learn more here. You can also contact me below...
