3 Character Traits that Are Instrumental to Your Success as a Food Coach
Embarking on a career as a food coach is not just about understanding nutrition and diet—it's about cultivating a set of character traits that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your guidance and the success of your clients.
These traits go beyond the conventional expectations of knowledge and expertise; they are the softer skills, the human touch that can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore three essential character traits that are instrumental to thriving in the role of a food coach.
These traits are not just beneficial, but foundational in building a practice that resonates with clients and supports them in their journey towards better health. From fostering genuine connections to empowering clients and committing to their success, these traits form the bedrock of a successful food coaching philosophy.
Let's delve into how these characteristics can transform good food coaches into great ones, and how they can elevate your practice to new heights.
1) Put Yourself in Their Shoes
“Never forgetting what it felt like.” This has been my mantra not only in my work-life but in raising children, being a friend, and empowering others. I always ask myself what did it feel like to be a teenager or a child, unemployed, or a patient scared for my life. Remembering that…well that is where the magic begins because it doesn’t “other me” from people. Othering is what separates us. Nothing is as powerful as connecting because it builds trust and allows me — the expert — to be less scary to individuals who fear authority figures. Oh, the places we will go…on the foundation of trust.
Many times in my career I would speak to individuals diagnosed with cancer. For example, at Babies and Children’s Hospital I remember being asked by the oncologist to talk to the parents of a child who was about to undergo a bone marrow transplant. They had asked if the child was on any supplements and the parents said no. They said the same to me at first but when I shared that I too had cancer, the mom told me the truth and brought in a shopping bag full of supplements that she was giving to her child. Some of them made sense, some would have interfered with the transplant, and others, like the blood product imported from another country, could have definitely caused harm. Until I became “like them,” I was not able to lead.
2) Empower Others
I truly believe in my heart of hearts that everyone that I meet is the expert in their own life, not me. This requires me to leave my preconceptions at the door. For example, in my work as a nutritionist, I may not agree with a patient’s choice of diet when trying to lose weight, but I know that it is their belief that is the strongest predictor of success.
I realize that each person is on their healing journey and while I can support them and provide my expert opinion, at the end of the day, the decision is theirs to make.
3) Commit to Another’s Success
Be committed to another’s success but not attached. In all of my leadership roles I start with really getting to know the people that I am working with, most importantly their goals and dreams. I have always had the best staff because I look for the “it” factor — what makes them shine — and if it aligns with the job, I hire them right away.
From the beginning I look for ways for them to progress in their career track even if it means they eventually move on. I had the best employee working the front desk in a weight center that I built, he really was awesome and the patients loved him, and while I would have liked to personally keep him in that job forever, I knew he wanted to move up the ranks so I gave him every opportunity to do that. He eventually moved on to bigger and better things for him and that meant more to me than holding on to him ever would.
Embracing the Heart of Food Coaching
The essence of being an effective food coach lies not only in the scientific knowledge of nutrition but also, and perhaps more importantly, in the human-centric skills that foster connection, empowerment, and commitment.
Remembering your own journey, empowering clients to become experts in their own lives, and committing to their success without attachment are the hallmarks of a food coach who leaves a lasting impact.
These traits are what enable you to guide others through the complex and often emotional path to health and wellness. As you cultivate these characteristics within yourself, you'll find that your practice is not just about the food—it's about the stories, the trust, and the shared victories along the way.
By embodying these three traits, you'll not only succeed as a food coach but also thrive as a catalyst for change, inspiring and enabling others to achieve their healthiest selves.
The only way to change the world through healthy delicious food is to do it together.
With a spoon and a smile.
Dr Deb
Curious to learn more? Read the full interview in Authority Magazine.
