If you’re interested in healthy eating and preventing obesity and diabetes, maybe you’ve thought of meeting with a Nutrition Coach. Perhaps you've been interested in learning more about how to make healthy food choices and live in a more balanced lifestyle, but you are still hesitant. Rightfully so, not many people know what a Nutrition Coach is or does. You’ve heard talk of registered dietitians and nutrition coaches, but how do you know which is right for you? We break down the differences and similarities between both professions so you can make the right decision. EDUCATION While registered dietitians and nutrition coaches both study nutrition, they differ greatly in their respective programs of learning. In Canada, becoming a registered dietitian (RD) is government-regulated, and to become an RD you must complete an undergraduate degree from a Dietitians of Canada accredited school (there are 16 programs across the country), complete an accredited hands-on internship/practicum, and pass an examination. This program is very science-focused, so students with difficulties grasping scientific concepts might be better suited to the holistic nutrition route. Nutrition coaching, on the other hand, is a non-government-regulated profession (depending on the certifying body) trains practitioners through programs that use either or both practical science and healing knowledge found in traditional cultures. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) is one school that offers training in natural nutrition aiming to promote health in a holistic way, (meaning body, mind, and spirit). Precision Nutrition is an Internationally known certifying body and coaching company that is more science based, and focuses on exercise, sports and health nutrition. The prerequisites for most certifying schools are a high school diploma, with exceptions made for mature students, though many enter the program with existing degrees and diplomas. APPROACH Both registered dietitians and nutrition coaches are interested in promoting the health and education of clients; however, they take a different approach to their practice. Registered dieticians base their nutrition guidance on science and work in a variety of practice environments, including community health centers, public health, with other health care professionals, in the food industry, or in private practice. They look at issues like food security and make sure that people have the tools available to them to be healthy and have good nutrition. Nutrition coaches have a broader view of nutrition. They use a balanced mix of latest science based studies with results proven natural remedies from cultures all around the world. They assess their clients’ nutritional deficiencies, taking into consideration the influence of the environment, the lifestyle, and the state-of-mind of the client. They prepare meal plans, recommend natural nutrition supplements, and make lifestyle recommendations. Holistic nutritionists optimize their clients’ health by identifying and helping correct nutritional deficiencies. They design client-focused whole foods menu plans and lifestyle programs for their clients and coach them on their path to healing. CONCLUSION Service Canada classifies dietitians and nutritionists under the same career category, and notes that in recent years, the number of dietitians and nutritionists has increased sharply. While RD’s are more clinical, they are great at the basics. Nutrition coaches on the other hand go deeper than just the food groups, they coach each person as a unique case by case basis, meaning, what is recommended for me won’t be what is recommended for you as our bodies respond and recover differently. |
![]() I love the flavors in Greek style dishes! This recipe has all of my favorite Mediterranean flavors packed into one awesome salad! This recipe is extremely versatile, as it makes a great side dish or a quick and healthy snack. It also makes a wonderful salad topper that pairs perfect with a grilled chicken breast! Enjoy! Total Time: 15 Minutes Servings: 8 servings INGREDIENTS: For the Salad:
For the Dressing:
METHOD:
![]() During the summer months we crave the cool refreshing flesh of the Watermelon! The saltiness of the cheese is a perfect compliment to the cool sweetness of the watermelon. INGREDIENTS
Total Time: 20 Minutes Servings: 8 servings Note: This salad is best made just prior to serving. Prepare one hour or less before your meal. METHOD:
What were you thinking when you woke up this morning and saw the sun peeking through your curtains? What were you thinking when you saw the smile from your family, friend or a stranger?
What were you thinking when you were told I Love You? Get into that space of feeling pure gratitude for you, for your loved ones and for life. Think about those moments when love was your primary thought. Think about those times when peace was all around you. Think about those times when you were deeply grateful for the moment. It's within those feelings of love, appreciation and gratitude life becomes magical. Moving forward I invite you to think about: The beauty and ease of life when we allow it to be. Rather than over thinking life, sit with it in deep appreciation for how love is showing up for you today. Loving you, others and the world. Think of attributes that you love about yourself, that you love about your family and friends and that you love about the world. Mostly I wish you a week of seeing that your thoughts are creative, so choose thoughts that will create deeper love, laughter and happiness in your life and in the world. Until next time, think you can, know you can and live a thoughtful life. ![]() 1. Apple Slices with Nut Butter The best way to lose weight is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. That increases volume and decreases calorie density. Apples are quick and tasty source of energy and the healthy fats and protein form the nut butter with satiate you and fuel you longer than just an apple alone. 2. Steel cut Oats Not only are these the least processed of all the Oat options out there but they are also naturally gluten free (when processed in GF environment). This wonderful low glycemic, complex carb is full of nutrients and a great quick source of fuel for your day. Make ahead the night before for a fast and healthy snack on the run! 3. Organic Popcorn When organic, popcorn is a safe and healthy snack that can be jazzed up with a variety of spices and herbs. My favourite is coconut oil and chili seasoning. The kids love to spray malt vinegar, Sea salt and Dill on theirs! Craving something more sweet? Try a light dusting of cinnamon and raw sugar. 4. Dark Chocolate and Nuts LIving healthy isn't about cutting out all the foods you love, it's finding healthy alternatives or variations! I would die if I didn't have chocolate. So I allow myself to have one 70% cocoa or higher bar a week. My suggestion is get the best quality you can afford! Break it up into small pieces and add it to a bowl of macadamia, walnuts and dried fruit and voila you have a super tasty and healthy treat that will quickly fill you up and boost your mood and energy! 5. Hummus and veggies One of the healthier options for dips is hummus, a Middle Eastern dip made with chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and tahini, which is a sesame seed paste. It provides you with protein and a number of essential vitamin and minerals, and while it can be high in fat, it is mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fat. 6. Spicy Watermelon and Pistachios This may sound weird but I had it at a friends house recently and trust me, it's so good and easy! Just toss 2 cups cut-up watermelon with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and ½ teaspoon grated lime zest. Sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne pepper and 2 teaspoons chopped unsalted roasted pistachios. 7. Sliced meats I am not really a fan or processed lunch meats, however there are many preservative free options hitting our grocer shelves. Some ways to use lunch meat other than in a sandwich are: Option 1: Top celery with vegetable cream cheese and turkey. Option 2: Wrap pretzel rods with turkey and serve with mustards for dipping. Option 3: Top multigrain crackers with turkey and dollop with ranch dressing. 8. Full fat Cottage Cheese Yes you read that correct, full fat not fat free. Full fat offers you more micronutrients per calorie than the fat free variety and higher fatty acids may also play a role in gene expression and hormone regulation. In simple terms, these acids may crank up how much energy your body burns, or limit the amount of fat your body stores. Plus it tastes way better! 9. Hard boiled eggs Not only are eggs a fantastic source of lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but they contain some pretty important nutrients. But wait, the yolks have Cholesterol..True but our body actually needs the cholesterol in meat and eggs to make testosterone, which helps to increase energy and helps to build more calorie-building muscle. In fact, one study at the University of Connecticut found that the fat in egg yolks actually helps to reduce LDL (“bad” cholesterol). So banish the old notion that an egg, specifically the yolk, is hazardous to your health. 10. Sushi Ok this one can be argued to weather its a snack or not, but given the small portions whether you are eating Sushi (On rice ball), Sashimi (just fish no rice) or Maki (Roll), they can also be a healthy snack! Caution to the Maki rolls however as they can come deep fried, and/or filled with not so healthy ingredients. Still one of our favourites. |
AuthorNutrition and Health Coach. Wanting to share my journey and passion for health and fitness with the world. Archives
January 2017
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