What Is Nutrition & Health Coaching?
Understanding the Basics: What is Nutrition & Health Coaching?
Nutrition & Health Coaching is a collaborative partnership between client and coach, focused on achieving nutrition and health goals. The primary role of nutrition coaching is to offer nutrition education, advice, and accountability as you work towards your goals.
And specifically, non-diet nutrition coaching, focuses on fostering a positive relationship with food and prioritising wellbeing over restrictive diets. Unlike traditional approaches that may emphasise strict diets or temporary fixes, nutrition coaching recognises that every person is unique and needs a tailored approach to achieve their goals.
Nutrition coaching looks beyond counting and measuring. It takes a broader view of nutrition and health, understanding the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of eating. Central to this is the concept of intuitive eating, where individuals learn to trust their bodies and listen to hunger and fullness cues rather than adhering to external rules.
But does it work?
Well, yes. Research (1,2,3) has consistently shown that Nutrition & Health Coaching is an effective way to make and sustain positive health behaviour change.
It is an effective tool in the management of chronic diseases
Improves nutrition-related biomarkers and eating behaviours
Improves physical and mental health
The UK and International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA) Whitepaper (4) highlights the ability of health coaching to help people adopt healthy behaviours and improve satisfaction and quality of life.
Furthermore, a systematic review (5) in 2023, examined if the benefits from coaching were still evident more than six months after completion of a coaching programme. The results showed that coaching effects were sustained in 25 of the 28 studies examined. Another study found that blood pressure changes after coaching were sustainable 4 years later.
What Nutrition and Health Coaching is NOT
In addition to explaining what nutrition coaching is all about, it is also important to highlight what nutrition coaching is not.
It is not a quick-fix solution or plan promising immediate results. Instead, it is a gradual and sustainable journey towards better health, focusing on long-term habits and lifestyle changes.
It is not about restriction. It is about finding a balance that works for each individual, allowing them to enjoy a diverse range of foods while still achieving their health goals. The emphasis is on nourishment rather than punishment.
Nutrition coaching does not include diagnosing conditions, ordering, or interpreting lab results, replacing medical advice or therapy.
What Can Nutrition Coaching Help With?
With an abundance of nutrition information available, it is often difficult to know where to even start or what information to trust when you want to improve your nutrition or address an issue. This is where Nutrition Coaching can help.
Nutrition and Health Coaching can help with a range of nutrition, health, and lifestyle issues.
Digestive Health: Digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nutrition Coaches can identify trigger foods and provide information and techniques in support of managing digestive discomfort.
Energy Levels: Feeling sluggish or fatigued can be a result of poor nutrition. Nutrition coaches can help individuals optimise their dietary choices to boost energy levels, ensuring they fuel their bodies with the right nutrients.
Emotional Eating: Emotional eating is a common challenge, especially during stressful times. Nutrition coaches address the root causes of emotional eating, providing strategies to build a healthier relationship with food and cope with stress without turning to comfort eating.
Chronic Health Conditions: Nutrition coaching plays a vital role in managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Coaches collaborate with clients to develop nutrition plans that align with medical recommendations, aiming to improve overall health outcomes.
Mindful Eating and Intuitive Eating: Nutrition coaches teach the principles of mindful eating and intuitive eating, encouraging individuals to connect with their bodies, savour their food, and make choices based on hunger and satisfaction rather than external rules.
My 4-Step Nutrition Coaching Process
Clarity: The process begins with a thorough health and lifestyle assessment. We gain clarity on your unique needs, challenges, and goals. This phase lays the foundation for a personalised plan
Personalisation: There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. We build a plan that suits your preferences and life. This tailored approach ensures that the process is not only effective but also enjoyable and sustainable
Realisation: The next step is implementation. I give you the tools and support you need as you put the plan into action. This phase involves building habits, making informed choices, and navigating challenges
Thriving: At this step of the process, we continue to work to refine your plan, address evolving needs, and celebrate successes as you achieve your goals
In Summary: Why Choose Nutrition Coaching?
A personalised plan that will work for you
One-to-one support tailored to your needs, ensuring a personalised and effective approach
Trusted, simple and straightforward nutrition information
Latest scientific research and evidence-based strategies.
Move away from quick fixes and make changes you will stick to.
Rediscover the joy of eating by adopting intuitive eating principles
The waitlist for my next Group Coaching programme is now open. Sign up to the waitlist.
References
1. Kennel J. Health and Wellness Coaching Improves Weight and Nutrition Behaviors. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2018;12(6):448-450. https://doi:10.1177/1559827618792846
2. Lin C-L, et al. Effectiveness of Health Coaching in Diabetes Control and Lifestyle Improvement: A Randomized-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2021; 13(11):3878. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113878
3. Kivelä K, et al. The effects of health coaching on adult patients with chronic diseases: A systematic review. Patient Education and Counselling, Volume 97, Issue 2, 2014, Pages 147-157, ISSN 0738-3991, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2014.07.026.
4. Towards a Healthier, Happier Britain: The Case for Health Coaching UK & International Health Coaching Association. 2023 https://mailchi.mp/ukihca.com/white-paper
5. Ahmann E, et al. Health and Wellness Coaching and Sustained Gains: A Rapid Systematic Review. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2023;0(0). https://doi:10.1177/15598276231180117