Active Lifestyle 101: What Does A (Sports) Nutritionist Do?
What does a nutritionist do, exactly? Is it just a fancy, modern day Instagram title? Well, nutrition is actually more than merely counting calories - it’s a complex science that’s very specific and personal. To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art. And this expert knows exactly how to do that! Food is fuel for your brain and body. It’s the thing that keeps you going and directly affects the function of your entire system. But, navigating the grocery aisles and nutrition labels can sometimes be overwhelming. If you’re a gym lover, sports addict or just generally an active person, it’s what can make or break your performance, energy levels and progress. By upgrading to a personalized diet plan filled with high-quality foods with the help of a nutritionist, you can take your active lifestyle and fitness goals to a new level! How about making the sky your limit?
What Is A Nutritionist?
A nutritionist is a medical specialist whose job is to advise clients regarding the impact of food and nutrition on their overall health. They are also known as nutrition scientists, clinical nutritionists, sports nutritionists, community nutritionists or public health nutritionists, depending on their focus and work setting. By using their knowledge of the science of food, they help individuals make the right choices when it comes to what they eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health or performance related goal.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What is the difference?
Dietitians and nutritionists are both experts in food and diet, but although there are similarities in responsibilities, there are also significant differences between these similar sounding occupations. The nutritionist title was added to the realm of dietitians for the purpose of encompassing a broader concept of wellness. Nutritionists may also have different areas of focus to dietitians. For example, nutritionists can pursue advanced qualifications in specific health areas, such as sports nutrition.
What does a nutritionist do for you?
A nutritionist helps people create eating plans that are realistic, sustainable, and healthy. Instead of recommending crash diets, detoxes or “quick fixes”, a nutritionist will teach you new ways to eat and understand food. Unlike dietitians, nutritionists primarily work with each client individually to create personalized plans. A nutritionist will spend a lot of time learning all about your health, needs and goals before devising a plan. Then, help you set goals and stick to them with follow-up visits. What does a nutritionist do for you, precisely? As an expert in food and nutrition, a nutritionist performs the following:
- Assesses your overall health, including eating, exercise and other lifestyle habits
- Gives personally tailored nutritional advice
- Develops individual meal and nutrition plans, taking both your preferences and budget into account
- Supports you through regular meetings
- Tracks your progress and motivates you to stick to diet plans
What Does A Sports Nutritionist Do?
Athletes are often attentive to their nutritional needs, especially if they're training for a specific event or attempting to build muscle mass. A sports nutritionist has the specialized training necessary to advise them on their dietary choices while simultaneously supporting their athletic goals. Thus, athletes and other active adults often seek guidance from sports professionals to enhance their athletic performance. A sports nutritionist focuses on a diet that allows an athlete to perform, sustain focus, heal and repair or build muscles and develops nutritional goals that determine the energy, fluid and nutrient demands of sport and exercise, thus providing tailored dietary advice to individuals or groups, ranging from recreational athletes, enthusiastic amateurs to elite professional athletes. Some sports nutritionists are also fitness trainers and will incorporate fitness and nutrition goals into their programs.
What does a consultation with a nutritionist look like?
The first visit should be scheduled for 1 to 1½ hours. This allows for a nutritionist’s accurate assessment of your overall health, food history, medications, lifestyle and goals. After gathering all of this information, your nutritionist is able to assess your needs and create an individualized diet plan that will best work for you.
What Are the Benefits of Seeing A Nutritionist?
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is the key to making it in this fast paced world. It helps you stay fit, reduces your risk of disease and boosts your overall well-being. A lot of people think that seeing a nutritionist is just another doctor to keep track of, but to attain your health or fitness goals, consulting a nutritionist is a must. They can help explain the right types of foods to eat, determine what factors in your life might be challenging and find ways to overcome those barriers. Here are just a few more ways that a nutritionist can benefit your daily life:
A nutritionist provides professional guidance
Although there are many pieces of dietary and healthy lifestyle advice on the internet, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that can solve everyone’s concerns. Each person differs on how food or supplements react in their body. For this reason, it’s best to seek out expert assistance from a nutritionist who will offer professional guidance to help you reach your goals.
A nutritionist supports you in leading a healthier lifestyle
Prevention is way better than cure. Although you may not be facing any current health issues, seeing a nutritionist can benefit you in the long run. When you eat healthier, your body doesn’t work as hard and as a result, you have more energy and feel better. Whether your priority is increasing your lifespan, enhancing your quality of life, or just looking for someone to hold you accountable for your eating habits, you are sure to reap the benefits of going to the nutritionist and receiving professional health advice.
A nutritionist motivates you
A nutritionist can also act as a motivator and keep you in check when you struggle to keep up with a healthy lifestyle. Consulting an expert in food and nutrition will provide you with a specific meal plan catered to your needs, helping you attain and maintain your health and fitness goals.
Achieve Your Fitness Urban Warrior Goals
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