You can learn so much from a nutrition coaching session. You can learn what you're doing right with your diet, what foods you should be seeking out more often, and what general principles of nutrition are most important for you to consider. If you are about to schedule a session, review the following tips first. They'll help you get even more out of the experience.
Tip #1: Choose a nutritionist whose expertise aligns with your goals.
Think about why you're seeing a nutritionist. Are you seeing them because you want to learn how to better lose weight? Are you trying to increase sports performance? Were you given a medical diagnosis and now you're trying to eat in a way that minimizes the effects of the disease? Look for a nutritionist who specializes in the type of goals you have. For instance, some nutritionists specialize in weight loss. Others specialize in disease prevention or athletic performance. The advice of a specialist is likely to be more precise and more closely aligned with your needs.
Tip #2: Be honest about your current lifestyle.
If your current lifestyle and diet are not the healthiest, you may feel a little embarrassed telling the nutritionist about them. But you still need to be honest. Remember that helping patients make lifestyle changes is a nutritionist's job. They won't think less of you because you are not eating perfectly. You're there to make improvements, but to do that, you have to be honest and thorough when you tell your nutritionist how you are currently eating and living.
Tip #3: Be realistic about what changes you can make.
In the course of giving you advice and recommendations, many nutritionists will ask if this is a realistic goal for you. If what they are proposing is not realistic for you, say so. Then, they can give you a different recommendation. For example, if they want you to eat two servings of fruit in the morning, you can tell them it's not a realistic goal. They may then suggest that you have a fruit smoothie three days a week. By being clear about the changes that will and will not fit into your life, you and your nutritionist can come to a solution that actually works for you.
With the tips above, you are sure to leave your appointment feeling supported and informed. For more information on nutrition coaching sessions, contact a professional near you.
