Are you unhappy with your current self, and struggling with the whole eating thing? Like how much to eat, when to eat, and what to eat? Do you have a health goal of trying to lose weight, but you are not sure where to start? If this is you, maybe hiring a nutrition coaching company is something you should consider?
Embarking on a journey towards improved health, and eating habits is a significant step towards a happier, more vibrant life. Yet, with the wealth of information available today, navigating this path can be overwhelming. There is so much mis information out there, and it’s hard to know what is right, and what what is wrong it comes to choosing a nutrition coaching company with an amazing nutrition coach.
So many online nutrition coaches, and in person nutrition coaches are available to choose from, that it makes deciding on the best nutrition coaching services challenging. Maybe you have health goals you need addressed, or maybe you are an extreme athlete, and you are looking for someone with knowledge in sports nutrition.
In this blog post we will help you decide what to look for when hiring a nutrition coaching company. It doesn’t matter if you are an extreme athlete, or a stay at home mom just trying to learn some more healthy habits. We have you covered!
What Is A Nutrition Coaching Company?
A nutrition coaching company is an organization that provides a service to individuals seeking to improve their eating habits, and overall health. These companies typically employ qualified professionals such as a registered dietitian, certified nutritionist, or experienced nutrition coach.
The primary goal of a nutrition coaching company is to help clients achieve their health and wellness goals. Nutrition coaching companies can operate through various channels, including in-person meetings, online nutrition coaching services, phone calls, and apps. They may work with individuals, families, or even provide nutrition services to groups, and organizations.
Here Are 4 Things You Should Consider When Hiring A Nutrition Coaching Company
Like we stated above, knowing what company is the right fit for you is a hard decision to make. We have compiled a list of some key things to consider when trying to decide.
#1 - What Is Their Nutrition Philosophy?
The nutrition philosophy of the company you are choosing must match what you are looking at for yourself. Do you want to count calories, count macros, or practice keto? We don’t think these practices are the best choice.
At Healthy Steps Nutrition, we believe in a habit based, whole foods, holistic approach to nutrition coaching. So many things besides just trying to decide what to eat goes into nutrition decisions. In order for us to effectively help our clients, we believe they need to be aware of other things that may affect their nutrition choices, including their mental health.
Our holistic approach focuses on these 5 factors:
Stress
Sleep
Support System
Lifestyle
Nutrition
In addition to our holistic approach, we believe that eating whole foods helps our clients fill their bodies with the nutrients they need
Other nutrition coaching companies may focus on things like macro counting. Although there is nothing particularly wrong with macro counting, in most situations it is very challenging to maintain over the long term. Additionally, we have seen in several situations with clients coming to us from various online nutrition counseling services taught that as long as what they are eating “meets their macros”, they are on the right track.
We don’t feel like this is true. Our philosophy around whole foods first is centered around the importance of consuming foods with high nutritional value. “Meeting Your Macros” means that as long as the food consumed meets the caloric need for the day, it doesn’t really matter whether or not it contains actual nutrients. It could be pizza and Oreos.
And, if a company or nutrition coach is telling you that you can’t have certain food groups, or that you should be using supplements in place of real food, RUN!
#2 - Credibility
It’s very important the company you are considering is credible. Do they have a background in nutrition with some formal degree to back it up? Definitely researching their credentials is extremely important. There are so many people who claim to be experts or the “best online nutrition coach”. But when doing research you will find out they have no formal credentials to back themselves up.
This can be scary. Remember that in most states, only Registered Dietitians are allowed to provide medical nutrition therapy. That means that anyone without an R.D. credential should not be prescribing meal plans, or diets with the intent to treat diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders, high blood pressure, etc.
We feel like we can be a little bit braggadocios here, but we honestly believe we are one of the best nutrition company options available! Our owner, and founder, Nicole Aucoin is a Registered Dietitian. Several of our nutrition coach staff members are also R.D.’s, and all of our nutrition coaches are trained by R.D.’s, and have the option of calling on one of them any time they need help with a client.
Our nutrition programs focus on a habit based, whole foods approach, and don’t promote any fad diets to our clients.
Additionally we feel like Precision Nutrition is also a very reputable, and trustworthy company.
Click the button to find an HSN Nutrition Coach in your area!
#3 - What Level Of Support And Accountability Are Offered?
Whether you are looking for weight loss, fitness and nutrition coaching, meal planning & prepping help, or just want help with healthy eating, your nutrition coaching company should offer several layers of personalized ongoing support, and accountability. During the free consultation we provide for all potential clients, we are able to decipher the level of face to face accountability a person may need based off the conversation we have with them.
Many companies only offer virtual in app nutrition coaching “check ins” without the option to ever speak with a nutrition coach face to face either in person, or via zoom. We feel that some sort of in person, or face to face accountability checkin in two times per month in the beginning, moving to one time per month as time goes on is a necessary approach to a personalized nutrition plan. There is nothing wrong with app checkins, we offer them too. But, we offer them in addition to face to face meetings, whether virtual or in person. Additionally, ongoing support past 28 days – 90 days is equally important. Many client journeys extend well into a year, or longer. Short term success does not guarantee long term results. Healthy habits learned over time is what helps clients develop a healthy lifestyle.
And, beware of “online nutritionist” companies that only offer app support. Although they may be cheaper in cost than other options available, we have found that without face to face accountability, many people fail.
Did you know that by having an accountability meeting with someone you have shared your goal with increases the likelihood of your success by 95%? Those are great odds!
#4 - Success Stories And Testimonials
Check out the reviews, and testimonials. If nobody is talking about the company, then the chances they have helped people are slim to none. The first thing many clients do when they have a huge weight loss success, improved relationship with food, or some other nutrition/health breakthrough is talk about it! They often times shout it from the tree tops!
Looking at Instagram, Facebook, Google, and the company website is a great place to find reviews, and success stories.
Wrap Up
The bottom line is that that reputable nutrition coaching companies should have qualified professionals with recognized credentials, and their approach should be holistic, whole food habit-based, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. Remember, when considering hiring a nutrition coaching company, it’s crucial to research their qualifications, approach, and track record to ensure they align with your specific health, and wellness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medical Nutrition Therapy?
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a specialized form of nutritional treatment provided by Registered Dietitians (RDs), or other qualified healthcare professionals. It involves a health history assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various health conditions, food allergies, chronic illness, or diseases through the use of specific, and individualized nutrition plans. MNT is often referred to as clinical nutrition.
MNT involves a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s nutritional status, medical history, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Based on this assessment, a personalized nutrition plan is developed to meet the specific needs and goals of the individual.
It’s important to note that MNT is a therapeutic intervention and is distinct from general nutrition advice or wellness coaching. It is typically provided under the guidance of a healthcare provider and may be covered by health insurance in specific cases.
How Much Should A Nutrition Coach Charge?
Nutrition coaches charge based on expertise and accountability. The more times a client checks in face to face with a nutrition coach on a monthly basis, the higher the fee. Additionally, when seeing an R.D. for MNT, vs seeing a nutrition coach for habit based coaching, you may pay a higher price.
Most nutrition programs will charge between $229 – $399 per month for the first 3 months of coaching, depending on accountability levels. We love to see higher accountability for the first 3 months of a clients journey. After that, lower accountability usually comes into play, which will decrease the amount clients pay.
Is There Value In An Online Nutrition Coach?
There is! Many clients choose to have their face to face check ins virtually due to work constraints or other lifestyle factors. We believe that face to face meetings are a must, and even though seeing each other through a computer screen is not as good as in person, it is just as effective, and much better than only communicating through an app.
Do Nutrition Coaches Accept Insurance Coverage?
Most nutrition coaches do not accept insurance, however many accept HSA. Insurance company reimbursement is extremely limited when it comes to nutrition. That being said, if clients are being seen by a R.D. for medical nutrition therapy, some insurance companies will provide reimbursement for this service. It’s important to check with the provider you are working with if billing insurance is something you are looking for.
