Explainer: my 5 commitments to you
- Anne-Marie V.
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
There’s no shortage of nutrition coaches, nutritionists, and dietitians out there. So how do you choose the right one?
Well, food isn’t just about what ends up on your plate. It’s wrapped up in how you grew up, how you live now, and what you’re striving for. That’s why it’s crucial to work with someone whose approach genuinely fits you.
In this post, I’ll unpack the five core commitments that shape how I work. These are the guiding principles of my Nutrition practice—and if they resonate with you, we might just be a good match.
I’ll meet you where you are
One-size-fits-all Nutrition advice fits… absolutely no one.
The way we eat is shaped by a lifetime of influences: culture, family, climate, education, habits, and plain old personal preference. That’s why copying someone else’s food plan rarely works for long.
Yes, you’ve probably read that there's no healthy amount of alcohol. But what’s the point in me advising someone who drinks daily to go cold turkey overnight? Or perhaps you’ve heard that fresh fruit and veg are nutritional powerhouses—true, but not terribly helpful if you live somewhere where they’re hard to come by.
Reliable public health guidelines are a great foundation (and yes, I use them). But my job is to take that information and make it work for you—based on your needs, your lifestyle, and your goals. That means adapting recommendations to something that actually feels doable in your real life, not just on paper.
No food will be banned
Moderation is one of the cornerstones of healthy eating. And in my view, it works both ways: overdoing something isn’t great—but banning it entirely can backfire too.
Let me give you a personal example. I have a long-standing love affair with ice cream. For years, there was always a tub of Connoisseur Classic Vanilla in my freezer. In summer, I’d help myself to two generous scoops after lunch—every other day.
When I started studying Nutrition, I took a good look at that habit. I didn’t ditch ice cream altogether (imagine the drama). But I did stop buying it whenever it was on special, and instead started treating myself to a scoop of artisan gelato when I was out and stumbled across a reputable parlour.
Why? Because I know myself. If I had decided to give it up entirely, it would have built up frustration and eventually led to a full-blown revenge binge. And let’s be honest—no one wins in that scenario.
There will be no talks about flash diets
Most fad diets are not just daft—they can be downright dangerous.
The promise of shedding five kilos in a week might be tempting, but most of these plans do more harm than good. Why? Because they’re often built on extreme calorie restriction, unrealistic rules, or socially isolating demands. You might lose weight quickly, but chances are, you’ll put it back on just as fast—if not more.
Real health isn’t built through panic or punishment. It’s created through small, consistent steps. Sustainable changes that slowly reshape your habits. No shiny quick fixes here, sorry. Just honest, science-backed guidance that’s designed to stick.
Real food comes first
If you’re eating a varied and balanced diet, you likely don’t need supplements. There are, of course, exceptions—vegans do need B12, for instance, and people with allergies or certain conditions may require support with specific micronutrients.
But as a rule? You can skip the pricey pills and powders.
Our bodies are clever systems, and real food gives them everything they need. Unfortunately, that message doesn’t come with a slick influencer discount code or dramatic before-and-after photos.
Most supplements are backed by shaky evidence but bolstered by excellent marketing. Credit where it’s due—they know how to sell. But my job is to help you eat smarter, not shop harder.
I will be 100% honest with you
Talking about food, habits, or weight can feel deeply personal. I get that. My job is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be open. And honesty goes both ways.
If I don’t tell you the truth, I’m not doing my job. Some eating patterns raise the risk of serious health issues, including chronic illness and premature death. So if your waist measurement puts you in an “at-risk” category, I won’t just pat you on the back and say, “Well done, keep going.” That would be dishonest... and potentially dangerous.
Likewise, if you're not fully honest with me, I won’t have the full picture. And without that, I can’t offer truly useful advice. For example, if you forget to include the soft drinks you sip daily, your food diary won’t reflect reality, and I’ll be working blind.
Transparency is the foundation of a coaching relationship that actually works.
So there you have it—my Nutrition practice philosophy, laid out for you in full colour.
If this sounds like your kind of approach, have a look at my Services and book a free meet-and-greet call. Let’s see if we’re a good fit.
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