Nutrition Counseling

Is this you? Click which one matches you!

A Healthy relationship

Eating right starts with how you see food. There are no foods we should never touch and plenty of foods we should have lots of. Let’s change how you approach dinner time and parties with friends.

strength Gains

Learn about how to fuel before and after workouts to meet your goals faster. We will find the right approach to get you where you want to be.

Balance is key

Yes, you have to pay attention to calories to meet your goals but that’s not the main focus. Not all calories are equal. We’ll focus on creating sustainable and enjoyable eating habits.

FAQ

Will I get a diet plan when I sign up for nutrition?

Have diet plans worked for you in the past? If so, then why are you signing up for nutrition? The reality is that no diet plan offers a permanent solution. No amount of calorie counting is a permanent solution either; looking at labels every time you buy food or eat is just not the way to live. Jo Strong dietitians offer a holistic approach to nutrition counseling that will have you feeling better and more confident in your food choices than ever before.

What does working with a Jo Strong Dietitian include?

Jo Strong Dietitians help improve a host of different aspects of their clients lifestyle, including but not limited to: managing stress, improving sleep, hydration, family-life, and exercise. Jo Strong Dietitians can also provide sedentary lifestyle solutions, meal prep ideas, and grocery shopping skills to help improve someone’s health. Click here for the self-paced guide.

I don’t like cooking, how can I manage my nutrition goals?

You do not need to be a professional chef to prepare or eat a nutritious meal. Remember there are plenty of meals and snacks that don’t require heat, chopping, or a pile of dishes. Jo Strong provides nutrition counseling, including simple recipe ideas and having individualized go-to take-out options, to help meet your nutrition goals.

At Jo Strong we also talk about how important it is to still have your favorite foods, no matter how “unhealthy” you feel they are. We work with you to find the balance you need to reach health goals without saying goodbye to steak and potatoes at your favorite restaurant. No food is good or bad, that means something different for everyone. Click here if you want more information about this strategy.

Is working out without a diet plan enough to reach all of my goals?    

This could vary depending on your goal. If your goal is to lose weight, when you start a workout program, this usually increases your activity level and may help you lose weight. Since you are now moving more and having a higher expenditure, you are most probably burning more calories, leading to weight loss. 

On the other hand, if your goal is to gain weight or build muscle, you may need some support from a dietitian to help you make sure you are getting the nutrients you need to reach your goal. 

In both cases, if you do not have a healthy relationship with food, working out alone may not be enough to achieve your targets.

I’ve noticed that I have some habits in my life I want to improve, how can my trainer or nutritionist help?

Both your trainer and nutritionist will help curate a plan that is tailored for your goals. Your trainer can help by creating personalized workout plans and providing accountability and your nutritionist can offer tailored dietary advice and support behavioral changes. If you have specific habits that you would like to change, they can help you create short-term and long-term goals to improve these habits. 

Will I have to cut out my favorite foods to see results?

No, you can still enjoy your favorite foods as part of a healthy balanced diet and still see results. Our main focus is to approach nutrition holistically, building enjoyable and sustainable eating habits that will support your goals. 

Why can’t my personal trainer manage my nutrition plan?

For nutrition counseling, it is important to see a registered dietitian. Personal trainers don’t usually have the proper education or credentials to manage someone else’s nutrition. Dietitians not only provide you with research and evidence-based nutrition recommendations to help meet your individualized goals, but they also advise in a way that avoids restrictive and unhealthy eating patterns. Did you know that long-term calorie counting and avoiding your favorite foods are signs of disordered eating patterns?

I know I should eat more vegetables for my health, how can a dietitian help?

A dietitian can help provide you with guidance in building new healthy habits, including eating more vegetables. They can brainstorm ideas on how to include more vegetables in your diet as well as keeping you accountable. With an open mind anything is possible!

I feel guilty after eating certain foods, do I have to avoid them or is there a better way?

Guilt happens after eating something without making a set decision beforehand. First think and plan, “will this fill me up and make me feel good?” If the answer is no then make a plan to turn the answer to yes, it may include some of the food you were thinking about having! 

I’ve tried skipping meals to lose weight but this isn’t working anymore, what do I do now?

Skipping meals is never a good idea. You will be more hungry later in the day, most likely overeat or at least snack more and may end up eating more calories than if you had the original meal. Losing weight requires a sustainable way and not just a quick fix such as skipping a meal. Working with a dietitian may help you plan your meals better and still lose weight!

I know I’m not supposed to finish my food when I’m already full but it’s a habit, is there really a solution?

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to overeating. We all do it for different reasons and here are just some to consider: 

You won’t fight food waste on your own.

You won’t save money by eating everything. 

You won’t spend more money if you throw some food away either. 

You made or bought the meal with your health in mind so don’t throw your health out the window by telling yourself you should finish it. 

Working with a dietitian will include diving into these deep rooted values to analyze how to break the habit. There really is a solution!

What foods are good or bad for you?

Trick question. There aren’t any categories. If you see some foods as bad then you’re focusing on the wrong thing. Some foods will make you feel better than others. Focus on this and you will find a place for the twinkie in your diet. Making this mental shift is easier said than done to moderate the intake of the foods that don’t digest as well. This is where our dietitians can guide you in the journey.