What’s a Nutrition Therapist? I’ll answer that… and dispel a few myths

I’m often asked what it is a nutrition therapist does, usually in a conversation that starts with a few assumptions.

Many folks expect my focus is telling people what, when and how much to eat. With lots of rules, rigid menu plans, and zero fun. No!

Indeed, food is at the center of what I do, but this picture is far from accurate. So for fun, I’ve compiled a list of common myths about working with a nutrition therapist, or at least with me.

But first, what is a Nutrition Therapist?

I am trained to use nutrition in strategic ways to support specific fitness goals, phases of life (perimenopause, anyone?) and health conditions and diseases. This may include digestive issues, metabolic challenges, autoimmunity, brain health, mood and other aspects of health. Nutrients provide the building blocks and fuel for every biological process in the body. As such, nutrition therapists can support a wide range of health conditions.

In a holistic, or functional, view of health, the body is viewed as an interconnected whole, where helping you feel better starts with addressing root causes. I create individualized nutrition protocols to support your specific health issues. And in the meantime, I’m helping you up-level your daily nutrition and guiding you through lifestyle changes you want (and need) most, related to stress, sleep, physical fitness and your relationship with food.

Check out some common myths about working with a nutrition therapist. (And let me know if you’ve fallen for any!)

Myth #1: I’ll put you on a diet.

I help many of my clients lose weight, but that’s not usually the reason they come to see me. Dieting typically fails, due to rules and deprivation.

If you want to lose weight, we’ll target food routines, sure, but also lesser known contributors to overweight, like stress, sleep struggles and toxicity. (Unrelated to weight loss, I guide some clients through a short-term therapeutic diet during gut repair or to target inflammation, for example.)

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

“I want to work on my nutrition, but now isn’t the right time.” I hear this a lot! Often this means you’re not ready to overhaul your life. Me neither!

My 3-month program is a period of focus on your goals. We elevate your daily nutrition while working on your digestion, blood sugar balance, anxiety or other health challenges. We go one step at a time. Drastic changes usually don’t stick. Small ones do. And they add up to lasting results.

Myth #3: I must eat a perfect diet.

No way! And what would the perfect diet be, anyway? As the Diamond Dogs say on Ted Lasso, “Perfect is boring!'“ While most of 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 the nutritious foods I eat, and I do not feel deprived. Similarly, many of my clients realize that the more they eat nutritious foods, (and eat less high-sugar, highly processed foods) the more they truly want to eat nutritious foods. Now that is perfect!

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

I won’t make you do anything, I promise. I can provide you a sample 1-week menu plan and teach you how to menu plan. It’s a highly-effective tool for helping you reach your health goals and creating some calm amidst a busy, chaotic schedule. And I absolutely love to share simple, nutritious recipes with my clients..

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’ll encourage you to eat mostly quality, whole foods. From there, what’s “best” for you will vary. I’ll help you figure out which foods feel good in your body.

It’s also important to know that animal foods contain some essential nutrients that are absent in plant foods. If a client eats little to no animal foods, I provide ideas for how they can get the nutrients they need.

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 food. I’ll remind them that food gives us life, and that enjoying meals and feeling grateful for food can enhance enjoyment and support their health.

Others love food so much that they’re planning dinner while eating lunch.

And unfortunately, some people worry about each meal. Or if they’re eating too much, or eating the "wrong foods.” I work to help them on mindset shifts and how to take value and virtue out of the equation when preparing and eating food.

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. It is a symptom of imbalance in the body. Weight loss often occurs naturally once we address the reasons you don’t feel 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 delicious leftovers of what I prepared yesterday. So I do cook, and I like it more all the time.

Home-cooking usually equates to fresher ingredients, more nutrients, and it saves money. In my house, we tend to make simple but tasty family meals that come together quickly.

Lastly, cooking for yourself and others provides nourishment. It is an act of love. I guess love is the main reason I do cook. And my husband cooks, too, thank goodness!