Competing With what is “popular?”
I have a few different clients that I have been working with for a while now. During our sessions we get into conversations about nutrition and their, relatively deeply rooted, philosophy is based on the (mis)information from the different diet plans….paleo, low-carb, etc. etc. I try to present the evidence-based side of nutrition, but to no avail. What are some ways to get them away from the ideas of the well-marketed “popular” diets?
Hi Tim. Unfortunately, as you’ve correctly identified, there is tons of information (good and bad) out there in the public stream about nutrition and diet. In my opinion, all you can do as their trainer is provide the information that you feel is in their best interest. It’s truly up to each individual to use (or not) the information that you provide. I see one of our most powerful roles as a trainer is that of a ‘teacher.’ I teach and inform my clients in practically every session we work together on some aspect of fitness. Over time, they have come to respect my opinions and to follow much of my suggestions. But, I don’t fool myself into believing that what I’m offering is at best a ‘suggestion.’ That’s all we can do as their trainer, after all, they are adults with their own free will.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com