Diet coaching as a way to change eating habits

Abstract

Introduction and objective Diet therapy requires adherence to dietary recommendations, which is associated with the need to change eating habits and prepare daily meals. The aim of the study was to present the effectiveness of diet coaching in changing eating behaviours and to systematize the current state of knowledge about this method of support in achieving nutritional goals. Review methods The article was based on a literature review concerning diet and health coaching. Most of the publications used came from PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge Diet coaching is a form of development process that involves motivation and support for achieving nutritional goals. The coaching process promotes self-discovery, increasing nutritional knowledge and taking responsibility for own food choices. This method is mainly associated with the normalization of body weight and prevention of overweight. However, it can also be applied in the case of diet-related chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes), when the patient needs support in implementing dietary recommendations and in changing eating behaviours which are habitual or addictive. Summary Coaching sessions can be a valuable form of support for people who aim to reduce body weight, develop health-promoting behaviours and increase self-efficacy in meeting dietary goals. In addition, the tools used in diet coaching may be helpful for professionals taking care of patients whose health improvement requires dietary change.

Keywords

• diet
• coaching
• eating behaviour
• diet coaching