Why Registered Dietitians Make Excellent Health And Wellness Coaches

by | Jul 19, 2021

The idea of “coaching” just doesn’t apply to athletes and team sports these days. There are all types of coaches these days: business coach, group fitness coach, mindset coach, etc. etc. Health and wellness coaches, however, have become increasingly popular in recent times! Now more than ever people want to get their health in check. People want to work on improving their energy levels, sleep quality, stress management, and more. And, in my opinion, RDs are some of the MOST qualified health professionals when it comes to providing support and guidance on ways to improve health and well being. 

Before we dive a little deeper into this topic, allow me to introduce myself! 

My name is Tony Stephan, and I’m a dietitian business coach. I help RDs make more IMPACT and more INCOME through nutrition coaching. However, before becoming a dietitian business coach, I was an RD nutrition coach. I served thousands of nutrition coaching clients over a time span of 12 years. My successful nutrition coaching business is what led me to where I am today. Now let’s discuss a bit more about why RDs make excellent health and wellness coaches. 

RDs Understand The Science Of Health And Wellness

Great health and wellness coaches have a strong educational background. I don’t care what anyone else says — at the end of the day, health, nutrition and wellness involves SCIENCE. You can’t learn all of that in a mini course and walk away understanding everything at a deeper level.  This is what makes RDs so well qualified to coach others in the health and wellness industry.

Currently a minimum of a bachelor of science degree and supervised practice hours are required before taking the national credentialing exam. However, by 2024 all prospective RDs must also have an advanced graduate degree in order to sit for the exam. On the other hand, anyone can call themselves a health coach. 

With emerging research and evolving recommendations, health and wellness coaches should thoroughly understand how nutrition affects all areas of health. As dietitians, we know how to sift through research and provide the latest evidence-based advice. This is just another reason why I believe health and wellness coaches NEED a solid education.

RDs Can Master The Art Of Health And Wellness Coaching

Health and wellness coaching is another way for RDs to promote healthy lifestyle habits and behaviors. But it also empowers the client to make changes without being “prescribed” a diet as it often happens in the clinical/hospital setting. 

If you’re a dietitian reading this, you already provide some level of health coaching. Fortunately there are many ways to improve your coaching skills through online training programs, advanced certifications, and more. One option is the Dietitian Nutrition Coaching Certification (DNCC). Learning to combine the art and science of health coaching will allow YOU to provide the best nutrition and health advice that produces a long-term impact. While not totally necessary to start online health and wellness coaching, it provides a step-by-step guide on how to coach a client. It also provides ongoing support to help build confidence in your skills and in your business as  a whole! 

The Bottom Line

Dietitians have formal education and already discuss health with friends, family, patients, and (possibly) clients. We are also held to high ethical standards, only providing evidence-based coaching. With some investment into additional training, such as the DNCC, I am confident that RDs ultimately make THE best health and wellness coaches. 

What’s Next? 

After reading through this post, send me an email at tony@tonystephandietitian.com. Do you believe RDs make the best health and wellness coaches? Let me know YOUR thoughts!

If you’re a dietitian looking to start your own nutrition coaching business, you’re in the right place. I’m proud to be a part of the movement of dietitian entrepreneurs who are making more IMPACT and more INCOME! Check out some of our free resources below!

 

 

The Dietitian Nutrition Coaching Certification

Designed for RDs who want to connect their formal education into real world application!

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