Nutrition Consultant

Silver Member Joined: Jun 08 2010 Posts: 543

I am thinking of becoming a Nutrition Consultant. I have done research on which course to take.
Questions for all of you: Do you think there is a demand in the frum community (oot) for such a thing? It's for someone who doesn't need to go or can't afford a registered dietician but needs help with meal planning, health, etc. I would also do groups, special pre-yom-tov workshops with recipe booklets, etc.
How much would you pay per session for something like this? Do you think it's worthwhile?

Platinum Member Joined: Jun 30 2009 Posts: 8274

What would your training be, and why would someone go to a nutrition consultant over a nutritionist or dietitian besides for cost? I don't think I fully understand what it is you would do.

Can you describe a session with a client?

Silver Member Joined: Jun 08 2010 Posts: 543

From what I understand, the way some people go to a life coach instead of a psychologist, people go to a nutrition consultant instead of nutritionist. I am looking into the AFPA certification which says:
A Nutrition & Wellness Consultant assists clients in healthy eating habits and meeting their weight management and nutritional goals.
A Nutrition & Wellness Consultant offers a sound nutritional plan.
A Nutrition & Wellness Consultant should advise and present a balanced nutritional strategy.
A Nutrition & Wellness Consultant is effective in discussing and advising on weight management plans.
A Nutrition & Wellness Consultant offers nutritional plans for optimizing health.

The actual course has textbooks with biology based concepts, not just latest diets. They also give you assessment sheets and the like to start you off. I want to focus on overall health, not just weight loss.
I've been thinking about this for a while. It's something I would love to do I just don't know if there is a market for it...?
They also educate you in supplements, vitamins, etc.
TIA!!

Posted: Tue, Dec 27 2011, 10:14 pm Post subject: re: Nutrition Consultant

you will be successful if you market your services correctly.
get nice eye catching business cards, offer to lecture at Sisterhoods and Haddassah meetings. Advertise in all synagogue newsletters and calendars.
Word of mouth. Make yourself the go-to diet expert.

Silver Member Joined: Jun 08 2010 Posts: 543

Ok, I think I'm going to order it. They offered me a payment plan of $235, then $200.
I'm already thinking of names, programs, etc. But I think I have to focus on the actual studying and passing first. Any input or ideas of what people would want would be great!

Beginner Joined: Jun 28 2011 Posts: 8

Just want to say that you don't reallly need to pay for this course, as in most states (not all states) it is completely not regulated and you can call yourself a nutritionist or nutritional counselor and NOT have taken these courses. Legally it is totally fine. If you have confidence and market yourself correctly then you may do fine, and appeal to clients that do not care if you have the fancy RD degree or not. There is no advantage to taking this course .............you can do your own personal research online and in library and gain the nutrition knowledge that way.

Platinum Member Joined: Nov 17 2008 Posts: 5069

Beginner Joined: Aug 18 2007 Posts: 6

I'm a health consultant by word of mouth. No fancy certification. I've read a lOt of books and live this healthy lifestyle with my family. I teach classes so when people see I know what I'm talking about they hire me on privately.