WHAT IS A NUTRITION COACH?
I am sure you have heard MANY terms for different “professionals”, especially in the health & wellness industry. It is honestly a lot to keep up with. The term “nutrition coach” is a new & evolving term in the field. So, honestly, what is a nutrition coach?
A nutrition coach has been defined as a nutrition professional who works with the public to assist with developing healthy eating behaviors & empower them to take responsibility for their health. In other words, nutrition coaches are essentially mentors & leaders that help their clients develop a healthy lifestyle.
Simple? Well, kind of. The key word in this definition of a nutrition coach is NUTRITION PROFESSIONAL. The individual needs to be a nutrition professional before they are a coach. As mentioned in the Registered Dietitian vs Nutritionist blog, a lot of people are claiming to be nutrition professionals without the proper credentialing. Its smart to trust a nutrition coach who is also a Registered Dietitian, but without any other credentials, I would not. Do note that not all nutrition professionals are nutrition coaches either. You see how tricky this can be? There is nothing wrong with interviewing a professional that you plan to spend money with. Ask questions.
Next question— why should I hire a nutrition coach? Studies show that those who work with a nutrition coach are more likely to obtain results versus someone who does not. Let’s be honest, if you could do it on your own, you wouldn’t even be in the boat of searching around for help. Not even trying to be ugly, but this is the honest truth.
A nutrition coach works with you 1:1 throughout your journey. From start to finish. It isn’t a “1 consultation, go be great type” of deal. Your journey, recommendations, etc. will all be customized based on your lifestyle, schedule, likes, & dislikes. Our body & results aren’t “fixed”, therefore, your coach can assist you with those adjustments as you progress in your journey. Did a recommendation given not go as planned? Cool, you have your coach in proximity to make aware & your plan of action can be adjusted immediately. Accountability can make or break any journey. Hiring a nutrition coach gives you that accountability partner. The coach sets goals with you & monitors your progress. With that in mind, there is little room to half step or not be honest with yourself. This directly pushes for greater results & more consistency.
Now, if you hire the proper nutrition coach, you’ve also gotten yourself a nutrition professional. I’m saying this again because this nutrition professional is an expert in the field. The advice, recommendations, etc., given will be based on experience & SCIENCE. No fad diets, myths, trends, but straight FACTS. Along the journey, your relationship with food will change which leads to better understanding, growth, knowledge, & commitment. In the midst of being “coached”, you will also be “taught”. Your nutrition coach will provide reasoning, rationale, education, etc. behind the information they share with you. This is vital because after you are no longer working with your coach, you want to be able to sustain the results you’ve acquired. Through nutrition education, you will be more knowledgeable about food & can apply what you have learned moving forward.
If you are debating whether to hire a nutrition coach or not, I’d encourage you to shop around, interview a few professionals, & go for it!
Earnestine Jackson, MS, RDN, LD