Myths About Working with a Nutritionist (me!)

I’m often asked how exactly I help people. Usually, the conversation starts with an assumption that’s a little (or a lot!) off base. So I thought I’d compile a list of common Myths About Working with a Nutritionist, or at least with me, and share some thoughts around eating, cooking and what it’s like to work together.

Myth #1: I’ll put you on a diet.

Diets for weight loss typically fail due to rules and deprivation. Some ways of eating, called “diets,” such as Mediterranean or Paleo, often help with weight loss, because you’re eating mostly nutrient-dense, whole foods. If you want to drop weight, we’ll target food routines, yes, but also other factors that can impact weight, like stress and sleep. (Unrelated to weight loss, I guide some clients through a short-term therapeutic diet to support a specific health goal.)

Myth #2: Working with me will be a HUGE commitment.

You want to work on your nutrition, but “now just isn’t the right time.” I hear this a lot! Often, and maybe for you, that really means “I’m not sure I can handle the rigor a nutrition program will require.” Here’s that diet mentality sneaking in! My 3-month program is a period of focus. We elevate your nutrition and work on lifestyle improvements to help you feel better. We go one step at a time. (Drastic changes don’t stick anyway.) And the small changes add up to lasting results.

Myth #3: I eat a perfect diet.

What would that be, anyway? As the Diamond Dogs say on Ted Lasso, “Perfect is boring!'“ While most my meals comprise of whole foods including some mix of vegetables, healthy fats (avocado!), meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, berries and the like, I also eat processed foods and sweets here and there. I truly enjoy what I eat, and I do not feel deprived. Similarly, many of my clients realize that the more they eat nutritious foods, the more they want to eat nutritious foods. That is perfect!

Myth #4: I will make you follow a detailed menu plan.

I won’t make you do anything, I promise. I do provide you a sample 1-week menu plan and teach you how to menu plan, if needed. It’s a great tool for helping you reach your health goals. I point some of my busy clients to third-party menu planning services. And I absolutely love to share recipes from my files.

Myth #5: I’m vegan.

There are many “diets,” or ways of eating, with various science and belief systems to back them up. What and how we eat also is shaped by our health status, culture, families, geography, seasonality, religion, budget, access, climate concerns and other factors. (And some people just eat 😉.) I encourage you to eat mostly quality, whole foods. From there, it varies — I’ll help you figure out which foods feel good in your body. It’s important to know that animal foods contain some essential nutrients that are absent in plant foods.

Myth #6: I judge other people’s food choices.

No, silly. In fact, I help many of my clients develop a healthier relationship with food. Some people think little about it. Others love food so much they plan dinner while eating lunch. Most of us are somewhere in the middle. There isn’t a “right” way. But food gives us life, so having a healthy relationship with food is important.

Myth #7: I focus on weight loss.

Most of my clients contact me because they don’t feel good. Digestive issues, low energy, headaches, anxiety, skin problems, high blood sugar and other health concerns are common. Oftentimes, being overweight goes along with not feeling well. Weight loss often occurs naturally once we address reasons you’re not feeling well, boost your nutrition and make some shifts in mindset and lifestyle factors, such as stress management and sleep.

Myth #8: I love to cook.

Gasp! OK, I don’t hate it, but… I’d rather be hiking, skiing, gardening or eating my leftovers. That said, I do cook, and I like it more all the time. Cooking = nourishment. It is an act of love. I guess love is the main reason I do cook. My husband cooks, too, thank goodness. Home-cooking usually means fresher ingredients, more nutrition and it saves money. In my house, we tend to make simple family meals that come together quickly, and they taste pretty darn good.