What is a Nutrition Coach?

Nutrition consultants and nutrition trainers are often thought of as the same thing, but many individuals don't realize the differences between the two. While both kinds of coaches can recommend a high-quality diet, they really are very different in key ways. Most clients would typically hire a personal trainer when really what they need is nutrition training. However, if you wish to become a nutrition coach in Orange County or a nutrition consultant, it's imperative you are able to clearly separate one from the other. Here's a breakdown of the main difference between these two coaching styles and how you can use them to your advantage.

The first and most obvious difference is the approach nutrition counselors take when assisting people to change their habits. A nutrition coach works with a client to create a personalized wellness plan for them based on their specific needs and goals. These coaches generally encourage individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles and adopt new behaviors in addition to their current ones. They also keep track of clients' progress through notes and photographs. The wellness plan will then be implemented according to these new standards. By incorporating these new habits into a client's daily routine, a wellness coach helps them live a healthier life that is free of unwanted diseases and ailments.

Supportive

An OC nutrition health coach works to support their client's fitness goals through education and support. A fitness-based life means that a person needs to be physically fit. This is achieved through aerobic exercise, strength training and consuming the proper foods in order to maintain a healthy weight. In order to do this, a fitness-based coach needs to assess their clients' fitness needs and find workout methods that fit those needs. They might suggest clients start an exercise program that works well for them, conduct fitness assessments to determine their fitness goals, set up a home gym with equipment and accessories, and provide support after fitness activities. A nutritionist along with a fitness-based coach would then work together to create a personalized nutrition plan for their client that fits those fitness goals as well as their individual lifestyle.

Health coaches are also similar to nutritionists since they help their clients achieve their fitness goals by offering information and support on eating right and exercise. They do not provide the actual meals but instead to educate their clients on healthy eating and portion control. Nutritionists and dietitians typically have a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a similar field, but there are some nutritionists who hold master's degrees. A dietitian on the other hand has a master's degree in nutrition and works as a consultant, professional chef, or food author. Nutritionists and dietitians may sometimes collaborate with a dietitian in the case of a personal coaching relationship.

Working Together

Personal coaching can also mean working closely with a professional like a nutrition coach or doctor. These professionals have years of experience and expertise in many different areas of health, including general practices, pediatrics, geriatrics, and nutrition. Some health professionals also conduct research or work in research studies. In this case, the coach and client would work closely together to create a program that meets the goals of each participant but also looks towards creating new behaviors or lifestyle changes. The goal is to achieve wellness that is permanent.

A nutrition coach and dietitian may share similar goals, but they also have their own set of needs and wants. Each coach and dietitian have to be a good fit for the client and each must fit within their schedule, but there should always be a great amount of communication between the two in order to get things done. This kind of relationship can lead to long-term, sustainable change for both partners involved.