There can be challenges keeping clients on track for their goals. One positive addition to their routine can be a meal plan. Here’s a few points that show how this could be beneficial.
Trainers are able to give nutritional advice, but unless they have the correct accreditation they won’t be able to construct a meal plan. This is where obtaining nutritionally balanced plans from an outside source can be a great solution. Even if you’re a trainer who is qualified to offer prescriptive nutrition, it’s an extremely time consuming task. If you have a large clientele it can be impossible to provide everyone with a plan.
Communication is at the heart of understanding your client, and your client feeling comfortable discussing different areas of their health with you. When it comes to nutrition, we all know it’s a vital piece of the wellness puzzle. Going through lists of what they can’t have and abstract lists of what they can, often leaves clients feeling overwhelmed. The benefit of a meal plan is it’s all there in the recipes and shopping list. You can both feel confident the guess work is gone.
Frequently food diaries are used or suggested by trainers, and for some people they work really well. For others it’s an idea that never really takes off for them. It’s definitely advantageous to have a record of what’s happening with their training and their nutrition. Being able to look at patterns and progress can help you see how they’re doing and helps the client stay focused. The meal plan provides a record of each day's food and your client is able to mark off each meal as they progress through the day. They also have the option to us the Log feature in the app to record any personal thoughts around their experience.
Ultimately it's about finding what works for your client. Keeping things clear and simple is often the best approach. Having a plan can empower that person to feel like they have more control over the choices they make when it comes to their nutritional health.