Written By: Lauren MacLeod, Registered Dietitian

How do you learn about nutrition?

• Google questions

• Watch TikTok videos

• Follow other athletes on social media

• Read diet books

• “Non diet” diet apps (I’m looking at you, Noom)

There are so many places to get nutrition information; it can be hard to separate evidence-based facts from nonsense. By working with an online nutrition coach, especially a registered dietitian, you can be sure you are getting individualized information from a reliable source. If you’ve never worked with an online nutrition coach, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free discovery call

Most online coaches offer a free discovery call so you can learn more about services offered, fees, and time commitment. It’s a great opportunity to get all your questions answered and connect with the coach.

2. Initial session

Initial sessions last anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half. This session is the opportunity for your coach to learn all about you. For nutrition coaching, you can expect to discuss eating habits, training schedule, rehab, sleep quality, medical history, and much more. You and your coach will also use this session to clarify goals and determine a plan of action.

3. Session follow ups

Meal planning (but not a meal plan!) - I work with clients to come up with meals that fit their training needs, as well as their tastes. I don’t, however, put clients on restrictive and regimented meal plans; the whole point of coaching is to give YOU the tools to make healthful choices in the long term.

The main focus of the first few follow up sessions is to dial in meal and snack planning to ensure you are meeting your estimated nutrition needs. As your nutrition journey progresses, expect to talk to your nutrition coach about a variety of topics, such as:

Pre, during, and post-training fueling

Hydration and electrolyte use 

Individualized supplement recommendations

Nutrition for injury recovery

Body image work

Myth debunking

4. Support between sessions

You won’t be on your own between sessions. Online nutrition coaches offer a variety of methods to get in touch between sessions, such as emails, food logging apps, HIPAA-compliant text support, and more. Ask your coach about what they offer.