Asking for help can be challenging, but it is often one of the best things we can do for ourselves.
When we’re struggling with something, reaching out to someone provides the support we need. Whether you’re leaning on a friend, a family member, or an expert, you likely find it easier to navigate life’s challenges with someone by your side.
Having a friend to go to the gym makes you more likely to stick to your routine.
Having a family member to share parenting ideas with makes you both more confident with your children.
Seeing a therapist when you’re going through something challenging provides insight and guidance to help you through a tough time.
Nutrition is no different.
Having a nutrition coach to outline the path to better health and walk with you down that path helps you to achieve the results you are looking for efficiently and effectively.
Having an accountability buddy, or a few, helps you stick to your goals while also providing you with ideas you may have yet to think of on your own.
As a registered dietitian and nutrition coach who has walked that path with many people just like you, group nutrition coaching will help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
In this article, we’ll discuss the following:
- What group nutrition coaching is
- Who group nutrition coaching is for
- How group nutrition coaching can help you reach your goals
By the end of this blog, I hope you feel confident to take the next step in achieving your health and wellness goals, whatever they may be.
What Is Group Nutrition Coaching?
Group nutrition coaching is fairly self-explanatory. It’s nutrition coaching in a group setting.
You and your group members will work closely with a nutrition coach, likely a registered dietitian or nutritionist, to achieve your nutrition goals.
You may wonder how you can work on your personal goals in a group setting. Good question.
Generally, group nutrition coaching brings together a group with common nutrition goals. You may not all share all of the same goals, but your main focus will likely be the same. For example, you may want to learn more about nutrition and healthy eating fundamentals.
While your main goal is the same, you likely all have some individual goals that vary, too. A few people in the group want to lose weight, but not everyone, no problem. It’s possible that a few members of the group want to reduce their blood pressure, and another few wish to reduce their blood sugar. Individual goals are welcome and will not take away from the overarching group goal.
The beauty of group nutrition coaching is that you have access to an expert as well as the support of others on a similar journey. You will share your success and struggles, so you all come out stronger on the other side.
Who Is Group Nutrition Coaching For?
Anyone with a nutrition-related goal can benefit from group nutrition coaching.
This is especially true if your goal is a fairly common goal that others are likely to share.
Some common group nutrition coaching focuses include:
- Weight loss
- Finding food freedom
- Controlling a medical condition, like PCOS
The Advantage of a Virtual Nutritionist
Group nutrition coaching is often conducted online, which makes it even more accessible.
While you may struggle to find a group nutrition coaching program for your specific goals in your local area, the digital age allows you to connect with others near and far.
Who May Want To Consider Individual Nutrition Coaching
If you have a very specific nutrition-related goal that is unlikely to be shared by others, you may benefit more from individual, personalized nutrition coaching.
If you have multiple medical concerns that require much more individualized planning with a dietitian, you may also want to consider one-on-one nutrition counseling.
If you aren’t comfortable sharing your struggles in a group setting and would prefer something more private and confidential, individual counseling is likely a better fit for you.
How Does Group Nutrition Coaching Help Me Reach My Goals?
First and foremost, group nutrition coaching gives you direct access to an expert. This expert has experience helping others achieve the same goals you have set for yourself. They will be able to support and guide you to change your habits and find long-term success.
Second, group nutrition coaching connects you with others who are on a similar journey. This provides support and camaraderie as you work toward common goals. It may also expose you to ideas and ways of thinking that you’ve never seen or heard before. Your coach isn’t the only person you’ll be learning from.
What Does A Group Nutrition Coaching Program Entail
Group nutrition coaching programs include individual and group sessions to help you achieve your big and small goals.
Initially, you will meet with your nutrition coach for an individual assessment to review your goals, what to expect, and some personalized resources.
Throughout the program, you will meet your group regularly for educational sessions led by your nutrition coach. These sessions will be informational and collaborative so you can make progress toward your goals each and every week.
Additionally, you will receive educational modules, recipes, and other resources to support your learning and growth.
Finally, you will also be able to reach out to your coach for individual support at any time throughout your program, so you always feel guided.
Is Group Nutrition Coaching Right For Me?
If you have a nutrition-related goal and the desire to work toward it, group nutrition coaching can help you achieve it.
Finding the right program, expert, and group is important. You want to find a program where the nutrition philosophy aligns with yours. You want to find an expert that you trust to guide you. You want to be in a group of positive, like-minded individuals all working toward common goals.
Is OnPoint Connections "Nutrition Basics for Weight Loss" Right For Me?
At OnPoint Nutrition our team believes that living a nourished life shouldn’t be so hard.
If you are tired of hearing mixed messages about nutrition, this group is right for you.
Nutrition Basics for Weight Loss focuses on nutrition fundamentals including:
- Proper portioning
- Macronutrients
- Micronutrients
- Meal planning
- Label reading
- Grocery shopping
- Mindful eating
The goal of Nutrition Basics for Weight Loss is for you to strengthen your nutrition IQ and feel confident in your food choices.
If you’re ready to take the next steps, submit your application for the next round of Nutrition Basics for Weight Loss.
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Liz has been reading nutrition labels since she learned how to read. Growing up with severe peanut and tree nut allergies she learned that it’s important to know what you are putting into your body. She made her first big lifestyle change as a freshman in high school, when she decided to become a vegetarian. However, it wasn’t until she took a food class in Italy as part of a study abroad program in college that it clicked in her mind that she wanted to make food and nutrition her career. Liz graduated from Penn State University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Nutrition, as well as a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She completed her dietetic internship with Aramark in Philadelphia, and her master's degree at Northeastern University shortly after.