What's one strategy you've used to successfully motivate a client to maintain a healthy diet long-term?

Here is my #1 strategy for successfully motivating folks: Ask them if they remember feeling different after consistent exercise or after making healthier food choices, or even if they feel different after going for one single walk or protecting their sleep. When they answer that they remember feeling better or feeling like they have more energy (which they will!), remind them that it is normal to have pauses in exercise routines or in putting our self-care first but it is absolutely possible to resume or even start to make healthier choices by remembering THAT feeling (how good it feels after a walk, etc.) and try (all we can do is try) to tap into that feeling frequently. The memory of that feeling will resonate and motivate clients to stay in the moment with their exercise or with their nutrition goals. It is magic - try it for yourself!

One effective strategy is to focus on small, sustainable changes rather than drastic overhauls. I once worked with a client who struggled with sticking to a healthy diet, so we started by gradually incorporating healthier versions of foods they already enjoyed. This approach made the transition feel less overwhelming and more manageable, which kept them motivated over the long term. By celebrating these small wins and building on them, they were able to make lasting changes without feeling deprived.

A healthy diet starts with a healthy intention. The intentionality component is the first criteria for making lasting change. If a person wants to lose weight, it may really be that they want more confidence in themselves. If another person wants to stop drinking alcohol, it may be because it's going to help their marriage. Some people want to change the entire family's diet because they see it is causing problems for their child who has an allergy. To create lasting change it's important to understand what motivates a person to make that change. For the diet alone is just a method for the client to get the result that they want. Healthy diet is not usually the end goal but a means to an end. Step 1. Figure out that End. The second component is education. As a nutritionist you are both a culinarian and educator on top of being a health professional. If you don't feel educated enough on a certain topic, gluten-free diet for example, it is then your job to become educated or seek out help in someone you trust to then help your client. Most people feel that they are equipped to make their own food decisions, so by the time a client comes to you it is your responsibility to give them the knowledge, education, and resources they need to achieve what they are intending to do. And sometimes, this has less to do with diet and more to do with self-esteem, mental health or lifestyle. It's up to us, the professional, to see that and help them in the areas where they lack. Step 2. Education- For yourself and for your client. This combination of intention and education is where I have seen the most meaningful and long lasting change in my clients.

As a physician assistant, I'm often the one who first sees a patient post-procedure, and that puts me in a unique position to link their post-operative care to their past and future dietary choices, provided I couch the information in judgment-free ways. All those machines and regimes that are put in place in-hospital are affected by lifestyle, and while there is no way to fully eliminate their need, the timeline of recovery can vary greatly. Blood pressure monitoring, for example, tends to remain in place longer for overweight individuals. The idea that they might have to be hooked up to a device longer because of pre-existing conditions is a real eye-opener for patients. Suddenly, the consequences of unhealthy food are not some far away idea, but unfolding around them. It's powerful motivation, especially since patients typically want to leave the hospital setting as quickly as possible, and brings what is usually a long-term goal into immediate focus.

Motivation is huge when it comes to reaching long-term goals. But motivation can waiver, it's rarely linear. One of the strategies I use with my clients is to have them create a "future" version of themselves, the version who has reached her goals. Be very specific - What does she wear? How does she act? What does she not do? What does she eat? How does she feel? Then, when they have a decision to make, I encourage them to "vote" as their future self would. Would Future Mary eat the donut or not? That gives them the freedom to either eat the donut and enjoy it, or pass on it. One decision does not make or break their success and it's important to remind clients of that fact.

One strategy I have used successfully to motivate clients to maintain a healthy diet long-term is to eat the colors of the rainbow every day. This is an easy visual and seems to be fun for many of my clients. I have even had competitions to submit a picture of their most colorful meal By eating a wide variety of colors you will get a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. I also like this approach because I like to focus on positive changes and adding nutritious foods to the diet instead of taking foods away.

I show them before and after lab testing to show them what they are working on and why they are working on it. Additionally, the diet is something they can maintain long-term and not where they are craving bad foods, etc.

One effective strategy I've used to motivate clients to maintain a healthy diet for their pets is by setting achievable and personalized goals. Rather than overwhelming them with drastic changes, I focus on small, incremental adjustments that are easier to implement. We discuss the specific health benefits their pet will experience, such as increased energy levels, improved coat quality, and overall well-being. I also provide practical tips and meal plans that fit into their lifestyle, making it convenient and sustainable. Regular follow-ups and positive reinforcement are crucial; I celebrate their progress and provide encouragement during check-ins. Additionally, I share success stories of other pets who have thrived on a healthy diet, which can be a powerful motivator. By creating a supportive and informative environment, clients feel empowered to make the best choices for their pets' long-term health.