Starting in the nutrition or health & wellness coaching field is exciting and rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can be overwhelming, too! When I started, I was eager to help people but quickly realized there was so much to learn, from building relationships to keeping up with new research to building a practice or working for someone else. Whether you’re a nutrition intern, a health & wellness coach just starting, or a seasoned nutritionist or health & wellness coach working with clients, I want to share some tips that have made a difference for me and hopefully will for you.
1. Stay Curious and Up to Date with Evidence-Based Practices
One of my biggest lessons is that this field is constantly evolving. New research, new trends, new guidelines—it’s a lot! Staying current with evidence-based practices is essential for providing accurate and practical client guidance. I’ve found that the following sources are different for everyone, so find one or several that help keep you informed in your niche, but make sure it’s scientific evidence (Mahan & Raymond, 2016). Plus, being informed boosts will boost your confidence when answering clients’ questions.
Tip: Set aside time each week to read recent studies or review updates from reputable organizations. Subscribing to newsletters or podcasts can also be a great way to learn on the go!
2. Build Your Communication Skills – It’s Not Just About Knowledge!
I quickly learned that knowing science is only half the job. Being able to communicate that science clearly and empathetically is the other half. This has meant learning how to listen to clients, understand their struggles, and explain information in a way that feels relevant to their lives (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).
Tip: Try practicing active listening and motivational interviewing. It’s incredible how much more engaged and motivated clients become when they feel heard and supported.
3. Help Clients Make Changes that Last
Let’s be honest: helping people change their habits is HARD. I used to get frustrated when clients struggled with consistency, but learning about behavior change theories, like the Stages of Change, has been a game-changer (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983). Now, I focus on helping clients make small, realistic changes rather than expecting overnight transformations.
Tip: Understand where each client is regarding their readiness to change. Helping them take small steps they feel good about can make all the difference in the long run.
4. Respect and Understand Cultural Differences
One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is connecting with people from different backgrounds. I quickly realized that nutrition and health are deeply personal and often influenced by culture. Being respectful and curious about a client’s background can help you build trust and provide more personalized guidance (Kumanyika, 2019).
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask clients about their food preferences and traditions. This shows that you value their unique perspective and are there to support, not judge.
5. Take Care of Yourself Too
This is a big one. When I started, I was so focused on helping others that I forgot to prioritize my own well-being. But over time, I realized that taking care of myself makes me a better clinical nutritionist and coach. Setting boundaries and practicing self-care has helped me stay energized and avoid burnout (McMahon & Pearson, 2019).
Tip: Schedule regular breaks, make time for hobbies, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries with clients. Remember, you can only pour from yourself with a full cup!
6. Network and Learn from Others
In this field, we all have something to learn from each other. Building connections with other nutritionists, coaches, and healthcare professionals has been incredibly helpful for me. It creates a support system and gives me a network of people to turn to when I need advice or a different perspective (Caplan et al., 2018).
Tip: Attend workshops, join professional organizations, or find a mentor. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn from others’ experiences.
7. Make Every Client the Center of Your Approach
When I started, I sometimes got caught up in nutrition theories and ideal “wellness plans.” But over time, I realized that each client has their own goals, strengths, and challenges, and it’s my job to meet them where they are. The client-centered approach has made my work more meaningful and effective (Schoeppe et al., 2016).
Tip: Regularly check in with your clients about their goals and what’s working or not working for them. Let them lead the way, as they are the experts themselves, and you’ll be there to guide and support them.
8. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology has been such a helpful tool for me, from tracking clients’ progress to providing educational resources. Tons of apps make it easier for clients to stay engaged and accountable between sessions (Torous & Roberts, 2017).
Tip: Explore a few popular wellness apps and determine which resonate with your clients. Technology should be a tool to enhance your support, not replace the personal connection.
9. Embrace Self-Reflection and Lifelong Learning
Every session is an opportunity to learn. Some things will go well, and some won’t—that’s part of the journey. Reflecting on my experiences and learning new techniques has helped me grow as a coach and stay inspired (Kolb, 1984).
Tip: Keep a journal to reflect on your sessions and set goals for your professional development. Never stop learning, whether it’s through certifications, workshops, or just everyday experience.
10. Celebrate Small Wins with Your Clients
Focusing on long-term goals is easy, but don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. Acknowledging even negligible progress can help clients stay motivated and remind them of how far they’ve come (Karn et al., 2020).
Tip: Take a moment to recognize and celebrate each client’s progress. These little victories can be powerful reminders that change is happening, even gradually.
Your Path in Nutrition and/or Health & Wellness Coaching
Starting a career in nutrition and/or health & wellness coaching isn’t just about helping others—it’s a journey that challenges you to grow, learn, and make a real impact. By staying informed, being empathetic, and practicing self-care, you’ll find fulfillment in your career and the relationships you build along the way. This work is meaningful because it touches people’s lives personally, and your support can make all the difference.
Whether you’re an intern just finding your footing or a coach developing your practice, remember that each small step brings you closer to becoming the practitioner you want to be. Remember, you’re on this path for a reason. Every tip and skill you pick up along the way will help you make a lasting impact on the lives of others—one small win at a time! Embrace the journey and know that you’re making a real difference!
References
Caplan, R., Brown, R., & Meyer, H. (2018). Building professional networks in health and wellness coaching. Journal of Health Promotion, 32(1), 23-35.
Karn, S., Garcia, R., & Williams, L. (2020). Supporting small victories in health coaching: The power of positive reinforcement. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 52(4), 416-418.
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall.
Kumanyika, S. K. (2019). Unraveling common threads in health disparities: Culturally competent strategies in health coaching. Public Health Reviews, 40(2), 12-17.
Mahan, L. K., & Raymond, J. L. (2016). Krause's Food & the Nutrition Care Process. Elsevier Health Sciences.
McMahon, G., & Pearson, D. (2019). Wellness coaching for sustainable practice: Avoiding burnout through self-care. International Journal of Wellness Coaching, 7(3), 101-108.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. Guilford Press.
Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390-395.
Schoeppe, S., Alley, S., Rebar, A. L., Hayman, M., Bray, N. A., & Vandelanotte, C. (2016). Apps to improve diet, physical activity and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents: A review of quality, features, and behavior change techniques. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 13(1), 65.
Torous, J., & Roberts, L. W. (2017). Digital health and nutrition coaching: Enhancing client engagement through technology. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(8), 49.
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