Myths about working with a nutritionist therapist

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’ve compiled a list of common myths about working with a nutrition therapist, or at least with me.

But first, you might ask, 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, such as digestive issues, metabolic challenges, autoimmunity, mental health and other aspects of health.

In a holistic or functional view of health, the body is a connected whole. So as I help you address root causes to how you feel, and we work to up-level the nutrients you need in your daily life, I’ll help guide and support you where needed with stress, sleep, fitness and your relationship with food.

Myth #1: I’ll put you on a diet.

I help many of my clients lose weight but that’s not the reason most people come to see me. Diets for weight loss usually fail due to rules and deprivation. If you want to add or drop pounds, we’ll target food routines, yes, but also lesser known factors that can impact weight, like stress, sleep and toxicity. (Unrelated to weight loss, I guide some clients through a short-term therapeutic diet during gut repair.)

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 for a complete overhaul of your lifestyle. Great news, we don’t do that! My 3-month program is a period of focus. We elevate your daily nutrition while working on your digestion, blood sugar balance or anxiety. 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.

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 can provide you a sample 1-week menu plan and teach you how to menu plan, if needed. It’s a highly-effective tool for helping you reach your health goals. I absolutely love to share simple, nutritious 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, what’s “best” 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.