How Do You Adapt Nutrition Plans for Clients With Changing Health Needs?
Nutritionist Tips
How Do You Adapt Nutrition Plans for Clients With Changing Health Needs?
When a client's health circumstances shift unexpectedly, adaptability in nutrition planning becomes crucial. In this insightful Q&A, five experts—a Health, Fitness and Nutrition Coach and a Licensed Nutritionist—share their experiences. The discussion opens with advice on adjusting protein intake for older women and concludes with strategies to adapt nutrition for faster healing, covering a total of five expert insights. Explore these professional tips to enhance your nutritional approach.
- Adjust Protein Intake for Older Women
- Support Mental Health with Nutrients
- Prioritize Blood-Sugar Stabilization
- Address Nutrient Deficiency for Energy
- Adapt Nutrition for Faster Healing
Adjust Protein Intake for Older Women
As a health-and-nutrition coach, I have often needed to adapt nutrition plans to meet my clients' changing health needs in order to help them achieve, sustain, or optimize their health. One recent trend I have encountered involves adjusting protein intake for my female clients aged 48-70. With age, I've noticed that many of them develop a changing palate for protein. The widespread advice to consume 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight can feel overwhelming and discouraging to them. Many have tried to follow this guidance only to struggle or even gain weight, while others avoid trying altogether due to uncertainty on how to meet those protein targets. My approach focuses on practical, incremental changes. First, I encourage clients to aim for 100 grams of protein per day as a more manageable goal. Since most of these clients are already consuming 60-80 grams daily, gradually increasing intake feels more achievable and sustainable than making drastic jumps. Second, I teach them how to diversify their protein sources at each meal. Many initially believe that increasing protein means eating more meat, which isn't always appealing or practical. I show them that protein can be incorporated creatively through foods like plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, quinoa, beans, edamame, or collagen stirred into coffee or yogurt. Additional strategies include mixing whey protein into yogurt, adding nuts such as walnuts or almonds to smoothies or yogurt, and incorporating egg whites or cottage cheese into scrambled eggs. It's essential to meet clients where they are and guide them with realistic, sustainable steps that build toward their goals. This tailored, flexible approach helps create a bridge between their current habits and their desired outcomes.
Support Mental Health with Nutrients
I primarily see individuals who struggle with moderate to severe gut health. Therefore, we focus on the needs of the gut, but with years of poor gut health, many other symptoms and diseases present due to this. There have been instances where working on gut health is given less focus due to acute inflammation, sudden changes in hormones, or even joint and muscle pain. Recently, a client struggling with severe gut issues fell into a deep depressive state. Given the sudden change of events, supporting mental health became the focus. Therefore, increasing Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and supporting foods high in B vitamins was needed. I helped support these nutrients through food and supplements.
Prioritize Blood-Sugar Stabilization
We believe that personalized care is the cornerstone of effective health and nutrition plans. One memorable situation involved a client who initially sought our guidance for weight management. As we progressed, this client was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which changed the trajectory of our approach. We pivoted from a general weight-loss focus to a plan that prioritized blood-sugar stabilization and overall metabolic health. This meant incorporating more complex carbohydrates, balancing macronutrients, and emphasizing fiber-rich foods while adjusting meal timing to manage glucose levels effectively.
The transition was collaborative, requiring regular check-ins and close monitoring. We worked alongside their healthcare provider to ensure that dietary changes supported their medical treatment, helping them feel empowered rather than restricted. Over time, the client experienced improved energy levels and better glucose management, which reaffirmed our commitment to adaptable, client-centered care. This case exemplifies how we at Blue Tree Health tailor nutrition plans not just for initial goals, but to meet evolving health needs with compassion and expertise.
Address Nutrient Deficiency for Energy
I recently worked with a client who had been managing chronic lower-back pain through a combination of physiotherapy and a tailored nutrition plan designed to reduce inflammation. Initially, her plan focused on incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as plenty of omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and limited processed foods. However, about six months into her treatment, she developed signs of fatigue and difficulty recovering from workouts, which indicated a possible nutrient deficiency affecting her energy levels and overall health. Drawing on my 30 years of experience and my understanding of the interconnection between musculoskeletal health and nutrition, I recognized the need to adjust her plan to address these new challenges.
After consulting with our in-house nutritionist and conducting a thorough review of her health status, we modified her nutrition plan to include more iron-rich foods, lean proteins, and specific B vitamins to combat fatigue and support muscle recovery. I also recommended a few sessions focused on strength and mobility to help reinforce her progress. Within weeks, her energy levels began to improve, and she reported a noticeable reduction in pain and quicker recovery from her workouts. This situation highlighted the importance of continually reassessing a client's needs and integrating insights from multiple disciplines to support their overall health. By staying responsive to her changing needs, we helped her achieve a better balance in her health and ensure sustainable progress.
Adapt Nutrition for Faster Healing
How Adapting Nutrition Plans Supports Faster Healing and Long-Term Health
By Dr. Peter Brukner OAM, MBBS, FACSP, FACSM, FASMF, FFSEM
Nutritionist, Dietitian, Sports Physician
Fatlotofgood.com.au
"Proper nutrition, including joint-supporting supplements and key vitamins, plays a crucial role in long-term health and performance recovery."
- Dr. Peter Brukner
I am a nutrition expert and diet specialist with more than 30 years of practice. I have helped many people, from sports professionals to individuals dealing with long-term health problems. One memorable case is when I assisted a middle-aged sports person who was healing after knee damage. His health requirements had altered, so I needed to change his nutrition plan for better recovery.
Assessing the Situation
When this client first came to me, he was healing from surgery and wanted to return to his normal training. But because he wasn't as active during his recovery time, I understood that his regular diet would not be suitable. I began by checking his health at that moment. I evaluated his body composition, the types of food he consumed, and any deficiencies in vitamins or minerals in his diet.
Adjusting Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Because he is less active now, I had to adjust his macronutrients (the main parts of our diet—proteins, carbs, and fats). I decreased the amount of carbohydrates so he does not gain extra fat. But I increased the proteins so that his muscles could recover better and he wouldn't lose muscle mass. I also added more foods that help reduce inflammation to assist his body in healing, such as fish rich in omega-3s, green leafy vegetables, and turmeric.
Supporting Long-Term Health
To maintain his long-term health, I made sure to add nutrients beneficial for bones and joints, such as calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. Because his joints had extra pressure, I suggested supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, which help with joint health.
By frequently monitoring his progress and adjusting his nutrition plan, he recovered faster and returned to training safely. This experience strengthened my belief that nutrition should adapt to a person's ever-changing health needs.
