Introduction to Nutrition Coaching with Rachel Williams

With the month of March recognized as National Nutrition Month, health professionals, wellness coaches, and nutritionists around the country use the opportunity to bring awareness that a well-balanced diet and an active lifestyle can make a huge difference in daily life.

Whether you’re looking to begin a weight loss journey or simply want to enhance your overall health, your nutrition is the first step.

By incorporating proper nutrition into your day-to-day, folks can see an improvement in sleeping habits, mood, gut health, and overall well-being.

That’s why Barbour Community Health Association has hired Rachel Williams as a Nutrition Counselor to manage patients looking to better their overall quality of life through nutrition.

We chatted with Rachel to find out about their experience, BCHA’s new nutrition coaching program, and what they hope to offer to BCHA patients.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Baltimore but spent most of my adult life in Pittsburgh before moving to Elkins. My family
includes two giant Great Pyrenees dogs, and we love having so many options for hiking and walking
close by. I have always been passionate about food and health, but had jobs in environmental science and forensic DNA analysis before I went back to school to turn that passion into my career. When I am not at work, I may be found cooking, reading, or obsessing over my house plants.

What services are you bringing to BCHA?

I am offering individual, family, and small group nutrition education and coaching. I coordinate with the physicians, PAs, and other providers at BCHA to ensure that services are appropriate for each client. I am also looking forward to being involved in some of the great programs that BCHA already has in place such as the Farmacy program.

What does nutrition coaching entail?

A nutrition intake and assessment is an hour-long session, with follow-up appointments as needed. I have a long list of questions I like to ask, but more than that, I want to have a conversation about how a person is feeling, and of course what and how they are eating. Food habits, preferences, accessibility and budgets are very individual, and it is my goal to meet the client where they are and work together to move forward from there. Related subjects such as body image, sleep, mood, energy levels, and physical activity may also be discussed. A client may leave a session with handouts and recipes, and I do give tips to try for—hopefully delicious—homework.

Who can benefit from nutrition coaching? What are some benefits of nutrition coaching?

I believe that everyone can benefit. It is never too early or too late to learn something new. I truly welcome people of every age, gender, size, and health status. This is a judgment-free zone to discuss health and habits. People who are dealing with chronic health concerns such as hypertension, autoimmunity, diabetes, digestive issues, or food allergies may especially benefit, and I coordinate with primary care and other providers to ensure that I have the best information available on individual client health concerns. I can provide information to those looking to increase their nutrition knowledge for athletics, disease prevention or recovery, or general health and longevity. I am also happy to talk with people just looking for fresh new ideas to feed themselves and/or their families.

What’s the difference between a registered dietician and a nutrition counselor? What path did you take to get into nutrition services?

I have a degree in biology and recently completed a Master of Science degree in human nutrition. I am
currently working toward becoming a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), a nationally recognized certification which requires having an internship with 1000 supervised hours, passing a comprehensive exam, and continuing education every year to stay up to date with research. CNSs have extensive training on how nutrients from food function within our bodies to promote optimal health. We also have training in all things food related, such as how to order health promoting foods from restaurants and how to make family favorites more nutritious.

How can patients get started?

I currently have office hours at both Belington and Myers Clinics. Clients can ask their provider at their next appointment or call the clinics directly to set up a time to talk with me. This is a free service to BCHA clients.

BCHA is thrilled to be able to offer this new and exciting program to patients. To schedule an appointment, speak with your provider at your next visit or call the Belington Medical Clinic or Myers Clinic.