Are they a great coach?
Are they the right coach for me?
How do I know?
By the end, you will only have to stretch your brain to start churning up your list of health goals.
churning up your list of health goals.
One of the essential points to note and evaluate is the credentials of your possible weight loss coach.
There are countless options when deciding on the perfect coach for you, but you want someone knowledgeable and well-trained.
The registered dietician accreditation is one of the most recognizable and highly regarded credentials in the weight loss industry.
The potential dietitian must undergo extensive education and clinical training. Once complete, they must meet the national exam standards to receive their credentials.
A registered dietitian is one of the best options, mainly if your health goals go hand in hand with a medical condition.
Likewise, a nutritionist also has extensive education and likely certifications in various areas of health. Unlike the dietitian, a nutritionist lacks the credentials received by taking this exam.
Depending on your needs and the credentials themselves, either option is likely suitable.
When generally seeking help with your diet in conjunction with another condition that requires close monitoring by a professional both of these professions have the skills that you need.
Nutritionists deal with many areas:
A wide range of weight loss needs is best served with the help of a credentialed professional.
Nutrition coaches who are not registered dietitians may hold other certifications.
Since only some programs are equally intensive, it's crucial to do your research when reviewing the credentials.
Pay attention to:
You want to be sure you are selecting an educated professional when choosing a nutritionist for your weight loss coach. They should be well versed and up to date in the current science and standards of nutrition science.
Check out our blog to learn how nutritionists differ from dietitians: Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: Which is right for you?
Regardless of your choice, you know that when you're in the hands of a credentialed expert, you're miles ahead of someone who picks the first un-credentialed coach they come across.
If you focus on ensuring the qualifications of your weight loss coach (whether a dietitian or nutritionist) meet your needs, you will be in good hands.
Most of the time, small changes in your diet can significantly impact managing or preventing various diseases.
Some of these diseases that are influenced by modifying your diet include:
If your weight loss journey requires more than run-of-the-mill knowledge, you might need a weight loss coach specializing in a particular nutrition area.
There are many routes a weight loss coach might take for specialties.
Here are some common examples of specialty training:
Depending on the credential, area of practice, and company policy of your weight loss coach, they are also required to continue their education regularly.
Dietitians and nutritionists often have areas of expertise. Find a weight loss coach that specializes in your area of concern if you want to see real results. They have the most relevant experience to assist you in reaching your objectives.
Remember, any good vetting process involves seeing what other people in your shoes have to say about the weight loss coach or company.
Some examples of places to find reviews are:
For example: At OnPoint Nutrition, we have a page dedicated to reviews from our customers who want to share their experience.
Checking out the reviews is invaluable since it will give you a sneak peek at what you might be dealing with so you can decide if the program is right for you.
No one wants to feel awkward.
Take the time during the vetting process to get a feel for your weight loss coach's personality to ensure it is a fit for your own.
If your weight loss coach has a peppy "can-do" attitude that would send you to the moon, but you work better with a more relaxed, mellow demeanor, you will want to know this before getting started.
Plus, there is nothing worse than starting a program that you think will be great, and it turns out that your weight loss coach has the personality of a saltine cracker.
Vet your coach's personality so you can feel comfortable, rather than accidentally signing up with someone you don't vibe with, or you will likely suffer because your relationship won't be motivating or engaging.
Everyone has their price tag.
Likewise, you do not want to choose the perfect plan for you …and realize you cannot afford it.
Weight loss coaching can range in price. We have seen costs as low as $55 per month all the way up to $500 per month. The average cost will land somewhere round $65 per hour.
Be sure to check out the price page or inquire about prices upfront so there are no surprises down the road.
If you have the opportunity, be a savvy shopper, and keep your eyes peeled for discounts and promotions your prospective coach might offer (or have coming up!)
Some examples of standard discounts and promotions are:
Some programs even have the option for your health insurance to cover your journey.
Don't settle for less, but make sure the perfect weight loss coach for you is also ideal for your pocket.
To sum it up, we know it is a total bummer when you start with a program that looks great on the surface but turns out to be a dud.
At OnPoint Nutrition, we have helped thousands of clients like you who are ready to chase their weight loss goals. You may be ready to go all in, but you need to know how to fine-tune your search for the right coach.
You want to ensure you choose a credentialed expert with a great personality, the right specialty and certifications, and the right price tag.
Here's our go-to point-by-point checklist for how to vet your weight loss coach:
After answering these questions, you will better understand whether the coach you're targeting is a catch or has a catch.
When you are chasing your dreams of the ideal you, having the best weight loss coach by your side will make or break your success.
Never settle for less.
You deserve to reach your weight loss goals and be the better version of yourself