Food for thought

Within the vastness (is that even a word) of the scope of practice within trainers and coaches it is oft assumed that nutrition falls within this remit. Unfortunately, the regulatory practices and education within this very complex area are lacking and substandard. Why? Well it is apparent there are 3 glaring areas of concern and each shall be given its own credence within this article, the first being the use of a completely unregulated terminology of “nutritionist”, second is the idiom that there is a model or plan that is “correct” and thirdly it is the taking on of this complex practice as part of another role.

As previously mentioned, the term nutritionist is a title that can be given without the requirements of an exam or formal education of any kind. As depicted in the below infographic it is demonstrable that the terminology is part of the problem. Nutritionist is a nice term to describe someone who essentially has an interest in nutrition. Is this a problem in and of itself? Arguably no. Often well-meaning, well read and dedicated but as an unregulated term and as a customer it would be prudent to be more discerning of where we place our money and time.

Furthermore, there is a vast media and social media culture (discussed mildly in another article, shameless plug) everyone can share their "knowledge" on these various platforms the #nutrtioncoach returns 48.6m posts on Instagram whereas dietitian returns 1.7m which offers a huge disparity and volume in posts between those qualified and regulated with a governing body and those whose qualifications require no mandated requirements.

The second most polarising factor within the mixture of nutrition and exercise is that there is somehow a prescription that suits or will work for everyone. Within the practices of prescribing nutritional advice and guidance those that are not objective and evidence-based in their methodology (and even those that are) may influence to follow a methodology that fits their narrative for health. For instance, with Ketogenic diets, there is not enough long-term studies to equate the findings over a long period to offer its health benefits, yet if it fits a person’s lifestyle, they will see it as the elixir of youth. On the opposite end of the spectrum is veganism and again if someone is an avid animal rights activist then pedalling the health benefits of a vegan diet will suit their ethos, and yet the issue with veganism in a scientific point of view is that the studies that compare veganism and meat-eaters have to many variable factors, i.e a meat eater can be a very healthy non-smoker, an athlete who consum

es large amounts of fruit and veg, or they can be a sedentary person who classes a balanced meal with a Gregg’s sausage roll and KFC in the other hand in between puffs on a cigarette. Therefore, when comparing health metrics measuring veganism to meat eaters the ideal study would be to have the same diet and lifestyle the only change is one eating some meat. Hopefully, the mild digression illuminates the point that no one way will work for everyone both for physical and psychological reasons. Generally, the best nutrition plan to be done is the one that is the healthiest version of something that can be stuck to lon

g term with only minor deviations.

The third treacherous minefield to navigate is the taking on of this complex in another role. A coaches job is to coach, a dietitians job is to plan meals, should the two intertwine? Even the register of exercise professionals who attempt to regulate the industry to some extent (although dubious as to how it is decided which further learning/courses lead to CPD points and some don’t, alongside a very poor level of trainers getting anything back for their membership but that's a differe

nt article), they state "Personal trainers should not provide prescriptive nutritional advice or develop bespoke individualized nutrition plans for client" (REPs, 2019). Often people trust their trainer and/or their coach and therefore this can provide for a dangerous relationship regarding the nutrition of the athlete/client, as without question or equivocation the advice may well be followed verbatim without the seeking of second opinion or further professional advice. Even with the most well-meaning of ideas, the coach should coach, and dietitian should plan the diet and it is the unique requirement of the interdisciplinary team to communicate to ensure that goals and methodologies align.

conclusion

It is not without merit or hard work that a person may become a nutritionist and is itself harmless and well-meaning, however, the level of credence and detail required of a person should be considered. If it is a small amount of nutritional advice that is required, even to clear up some of the murky waters that nutrition entails in its confusion and complexity, a nutritionist could prove a valid source, how

ever, be mindful of them fulfilling their own narrative i.e Keto, Low carb, high carb, Herbalife; as they may not have the scientific practice and validation required to offer a customer a completely impartial nutritional advice. If a specific meal plan or any medical issues or digestive problems are present, then a dietitian is the only one qualified enough to offer such a service.