Does good nutrition mean counting calories, and following strict meal plans?
The simple answer is NO.
It can be as complex and nuanced as you want or need.
Since becoming certified through Precision Nutrition’s level 1 coaching program, I have come to learn that good nutrition practices can be simple concepts, learned at your own pace. Key concepts and skills when practiced consistently can truly improve your overall health. Desirable body composition changes; fat loss, lean muscle mass gain, improved digestion and gut health can be achievable results, (if aligned with your individual goals.)
I prefer a client-centered approach to nutrition coaching.
Putting my client’s agenda and needs first, and meeting clients where they are at. The work is a collaboration between coach and client to cultivate self awareness around food, and eating habits without judgement.
Good nutrition asks people to be aware of their food and eating.
Research shows that your actual choices are probably less important than simply paying better attention to what you eat.
We tend to make poor food choices when we’re rushed, busy, and stressed, because in these situations we tend to ignore or override our body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.
We make better choices (plus have a better experience and manage our intake better) when we commit to caring about food, slowing down, paying attention, and eating mindfully. No “rules” , overthinking, or calorie counting required.
Good nutrition promotes regular movement.
Good nutrition fits with regular activity like a key in a lock. The more we move, the better our body works, and the more our nutrients can work for us. Movement fundamentally changes (and generally improves) the way our body uses nutrients. And most good nutrition programs suggest that people exercise along with eating well.
Good Nutrition:
- is a science, not a belief system.
- controls energy balance.
- gives us nutrients.
- helps us look, feel, and perform better.
- is sustainable
- asks people to be aware of their food, and eating.
- promotes regular movement
- is outcome-based
- Good coaches use evidence from expertise, research, and everyday life to make decisions.
The good news is that good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about learning the skills, becoming more aware of your choices, and finding practices that work for you and your life.
If you’d like some support putting these ideas into practice, you can book a consultation, or join the upcoming Fuel Your Best 10-Week Nutrition Program, running October 14 – December 16.
The program is designed to help you build practical nutrition, movement, and lifestyle skills that you can continue using long after the 10 weeks are over.
Ready to learn more? Book a consultation or register for Fuel Your Best!
– Shannon Duerr (Personal Trainer)
