I am taking classes to become a Certified Nutrition Coach or a CNC.
That means that I will be able to help and advise those who are struggling with their weight or those who are just seeking a healthier lifestyle.
But, I came across some information that I would love to share. And That being the CAN and CANNOT of Nutrition Coaching. Here, you are able to tell where the Nutrition Coach is overstepping their boundaries into the realm of a Registered Dietician.
Start with what a Certified Nutrition Coach CAN do:
Evaluate current eating plans and provide general guidance.
Recommend the client discuss supplement use with their personal registered dietitian nutritionist, physician, or pharmacist.
Promote caloric guidelines outlined by the USDA's MyPlate, the United Kingdom’s Eatwell Guide, or other acceptable entities.
Recommend gradual dietary modifications and consistent dietary practices.
Discuss the importance of a balanced intake of macronutrients.
Refer back to the client's personal healthcare provider when necessary.
Offer nutritional guidelines for anyone wanting to participate in typical athletic pursuits (i.e., masters swimming or a 10K run).
Provide guidance for healthy populations.
Offer advice on eating behaviors and/or macronutrients that are known to reduce the risk of disease or slow disease progression.
Offer exercise and physical activity guidelines.
Here is the CANNOT:
Provide specific meal plans and daily menus.
Prescribe specific supplements or recommend vitamins and/or mineral dosages.
Suggest drastic caloric restriction.
Promote fasting, detoxification, or other extreme nutritional practices.
Prescribe diets that omit or severely restrict certain food groups.
In anyway, go against recommendations of licensed healthcare professionals.
Provide detailed nutritional plans for athletes who participate in extreme training programs (i.e., Ironman triathletes or ultra-marathoners).
Prescribe dietary plans for those with chronic health conditions (i.e., diabetes or heart disease).
Provide nutrition therapy to treat or prevent disease.
Provide exercise prescriptions or detailed programming (unless already certified as a personal trainer).
So, if you find out that your Nutrition Coach that your Physician or Personal Trainer or even your Dietitian referred has crossed the line, be sure to report them. For we all must follow the Scope of Practice guidelines for the well-being of our patients/clients.
Any questions or comments or for any additional information, feel free to contact me.
Have a good day, my Friends.
