General information on nutritional coaching

Nutritional coaching has been recognized for some years in many scientific publications in Spain and in many countries around the world, as an effective method to help some people achieve their nutritional objectives, focusing them towards solutions, helping them to identify emotional and psychological aspects that prevent them from achieving their goals.

We must clarify that the nutritional coach does not replace the dietician-nutritionist, this is the only one qualified to perform the nutritional assessment of the patient and to guide the appropriate diet. It would be a serious mistake to follow a diet guided by a nutritional coach if he/she is not a graduate in human nutrition and dietetics. The function of the nutritional coach is to accompany, guide and help the person to achieve the nutritional and lifestyle changes that he/she proposes.

If we want to make important changes in the way we eat, the ideal would be to look for a professional dietitian-nutritionist, qualified as a nutritional coach; or two professionals in these areas, working as an interdisciplinary team.

Concept of nutritional coaching

It is a process through which the patient identifies and overcomes his or her obstacles, creates the appropriate environment and adopts the necessary attitude and determination to achieve the transformation of his or her nutrition, also modifying his or her lifestyle.

The nutritional coaching process does not only focus on diet and eating habits, but also guides the patient towards solutions, helping them to define the goals they want to achieve, to enhance motivation and to identify obstacles and emotional barriers; in order to turn them into active entities in the care of their eating habits and their quality of life.

Benefits of nutritional coaching for the patient

• The patient, advised by the coach, sets his or her own concrete and realistic goals.
• It favors the involvement and commitment of the patient in the achievement of the goals.
• Beliefs and thoughts that prevent the achievement of the goals are identified.
• Reinforces self-esteem and self-confidence.
• We learn to manage emotions, so that they do not interfere with eating.
• It is possible to follow a personalized diet, adapted to the needs and objectives of the patient.
• Unhealthy nutritional habits are deactivated.
• It helps the patient not only to gain or lose weight, but also to change his or her relationship with food for the rest of his or her life.

Who needs nutritional coaching

Some people are able to achieve their nutritional goals after following the nutritional guidelines provided by the nutritionist, so they do not require the services of a nutrition coach.

Nutrition coaching is recommended for people who have had the following experiences in relation to their diet:

• They have wanted to improve their eating for some time but still do not find enough reasons to do so, or do not feel able to follow a diet for different rea