Nutritional Counselling

Nutritional counseling refers to a service whereby clients receive guidance in their individual nutritional requirements with the objective to restore or optimize their body function and overall health.  The word nutrition comes from the Latin “nutrire” meaning to feed or support.  The basic concept is that each person has a unique biochemical make-up and therefore differing dietary needs.   A nutritional counselor can work with a client to assess their daily food and supplement choices, lifestyle choices, and also provide information about effects of particular foods, digestion, metabolism, absorption as well daily strategies to attain optimum health.  In some practices, the nutritional counselor will base dietary programs solely on whole food choices and the avoidance of pesticides, antibiotics and hormones in foods.  Other services focus on assisting clients with specific eating disorder issues such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating.

Consumers have become increasingly aware of what they are eating and the connection to their health.   In Canada, nutrition labels for pre-packaged foods became mandatory in 2007.   There is increased awareness about the environmental pollution, metal toxicity, food sensitivities as well as the prevalence of eating disorders in society.  Hence nutritional counseling has come into vogue.

A typical session will last about 1 hour and will include an assessment of the client’s daily diet, current supplements, lifestyle factors and specific health concerns.  Usually there will be follow-up sessions to chart progress and allow for further guidance and feedback.  The nutritional counselor can put together a plan for daily food choices, weekly menus, supplement suggestions, as well as provide specialized guidance in weight loss or sports nutrition.