Benefits of Working with a Family Nutritionist
Understand what a family nutritionist can do for you and if working with one will benefit you and your family.
Do you have a picky eater? An athlete with an endless appetite? A teen struggling with their intake? In families, it’s more common than you might think to have a variety of different eaters.
As a parent or caregiver, it can easily feel overwhelming with how to feed your family. Continue reading to find out how a family nutritionist can help you and how you can reduce your stress around feeding your family.
What is Family Nutrition?
First, let’s start with the definition of family nutrition and understanding what it is.
While there’s no official Webster Dictionary definition for family nutrition. From my experience in working with families, I like to define it as;
Creating a positive environment and attitude around food, encouraging growth and nourishment, while fostering a healthy relationship with food for sustainable life long habits.
If you’re thinking, “Wow! How am I supposed to do that when my child argues with me about eating their vegetables!” Please know you are not alone and this is where a family nutritionist can help.
Why is family nutrition important?
At the cornerstone of family nutrition is family meals. Family meals set a foundation to have a healthy relationship with food.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, finding time to come together for a family meal can promote healthy eating and be a mediator of health and wellness for children. Not to mention, family meals are rewarding!
Studies have found positive outcomes between family meals and your child’s health. Family meals may lead to less fussiness and emotional eating, more food enjoyment, and better nutrient intake.
Download my free E-book the Ultimate guide to Family Nutrition and Mealtime Strategies to learn tips to get you started.
What is the role of a family nutritionist?
Most likely, each member in your family has different nutritional needs. For example, you have a child who only wants to eat chicken nuggets, a teen athlete and a partner with high cholesterol. All of those family members have very different nutritional needs.
A family nutritionist can help ease the, “What am I supposed to feed everyone?” By learning nutrition facts from an actual source and not an internet search, you’ll feel empowered.
Also learn strategies to assist you in the kitchen, to lighten the stress load of family meals. Not everything needs to be made from scratch. Your family can have a nourishing meal regardless if you used frozen fries or peeled potatoes and cut them yourself.
Your family nutritionist also works with your kids. Helping them foster a positive relationship with food and encouraging them to be independent, feel good about themselves and even try new foods.
A family nutritionist can set your family up for success with meeting their health goals by setting realistic and attainable goals for your family. Food should be enjoyable, fun and easy!
Top 5 benefits of working with a Family Nutritionist
- You’ll gain confidence in the kitchen. Learn how to plan and prepare meals in a simple, healthful and convenient way.
- You’ll no longer wonder, what’s for dinner? A family nutritionist can help you schedule, meal plan and prioritize what needs to be done in the kitchen. You can take control of your health even if you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
- Your family nutritionist will work with everyone in your family from expanding your picky eaters palate, to fueling your athlete, to helping relieve food sensitivities.
- You’ll get realistic advice to help you meet your health goals for you and your family. Not a one-size-fits-all plan.
- Your family nutritionist will help everyone in your family have a healthy relationship with food that’s diet free, sustainable and life-long.
Lastly, I want you to know you’re an amazing parent/caregiver for supporting and feeding your family and for taking the time to read this month’s blog post. Remember to also make time for you, if you don’t take care of yourself it’s more challenging to take care of others you love.
If you have any further questions or comments on how a Family Nutritionist can help you or if you think I’m the right family nutritionist for you, reach out here.
Marissa Perrotta is a registered dietitian nutritionist and registered yoga teacher owner or Plantable Nutrition & Wellness LLC, specializing in family nutrition and helping families have a healthy relationship with food.
