Empowered Nutrition Podcast

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode, Erin is joined by Stephanie Notaras, a seasoned dietitian, Director of the Dietician Counselling Skills Practice, and host of The Nutrition Counselling Podcast. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked emotional and psychological layers of nutrition change—what really keeps people stuck, and how both clients and practitioners can move through resistance, shame, and overwhelm toward lasting behavior change.

Stephanie shares evidence-based strategies for building confidence, increasing tolerance for discomfort, and setting realistic expectations in a world that constantly markets “quick fixes.” Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone navigating your own wellness journey, this conversation is packed with wisdom, empathy, and actionable tools.

Episode Highlights

• Why change feels harder than it "should": Stephanie breaks down the gap between what people expect from nutrition changes and what actually happens—especially when it's slow, nonlinear, and emotionally taxing.
• The myth of motivation: Motivation isn’t the whole story—Stephanie explains how confidence, not just motivation, is a crucial driver of sustainable change.
• Small wins are powerful: Rather than aiming for a full “food makeover,” she encourages building confidence through small, meaningful actions within your capacity.
• What to do when clients have tried everything: Stephanie validates the experiences of chronic dieters and offers a framework for rebuilding trust in their ability to succeed.
• How to support all-or-nothing thinkers: She shares techniques for helping clients shift from perfectionism to progress-based thinking, even when they feel discouraged.
• Why clients stop showing up—and how to prevent it: Learn how to explicitly invite clients to return even when they feel like they’ve failed.
• The importance of setting expectations early: Teaching clients what to expect—especially the struggle—can increase their tolerance for change and help them stick with the process.
• Practitioner mindset shift: Erin and Stephanie discuss how providers can move from “fixers” to supportive guides, and why clients don’t just need information—they need a therapeutic, individualized relationship.
• Google isn’t the enemy: Stephanie offers a refreshing take on how to validate clients who come in with self-researched (and sometimes confusing) information, and how to build from it instead of shutting it down.

Resources Mentioned

• Check out Stephanie's offerings on her website: Click here
• Stephanie's Podcast: The Nutrition Counselling Podcast – A must-listen for dietitians and nutrition professionals focused on mindset and counseling skills.
• Follow Stephanie on Instagram: @dietitiancounsellingskills (note: “counselling” is spelled with two Ls – she’s Australian!)
• Free Facebook Group for Professionals: Stephanie offers regular free trainings and education for dietitians and nutritionists inside her Facebook group. Join here

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into a client-centered approach to nutrition and behavior change. Our guest, Ian, shares his insights on how practitioners can create sustainable change by focusing on empowerment first, education second. The conversation highlights the importance of small, realistic goal setting and understanding the emotional challenges clients face when trying to make lasting health changes. Rather than pushing for perfection or drastic overnight transformations, Ian advocates for collaborative planning and supportive coaching to help clients achieve their goals and rebuild their confidence.

Episode Highlights

• Empowerment First, Education Second: Ian emphasizes that practitioners should prioritize empowering their clients rather than bombarding them with education at the outset. Empowering clients helps them feel more capable and motivated to make changes.
• The Power of Small, Achievable Goals: We discuss the importance of setting small, realistic goals that help build momentum and confidence. Rather than striving for perfection, small successes lead to long-term change and prevent discouragement.
• Breaking the All-or-Nothing Mindset: Ian addresses the common "all or nothing" thinking that many clients fall into, which often leads to feelings of failure. He highlights how to move away from this mindset and set expectations that are more forgiving and flexible.
• Collaborative Coaching Approach: Instead of dictating what clients "should" do, Ian stresses the importance of negotiation and working together to set a plan that meets clients where they are. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures that clients are truly committed to their goals.
• Sustainable Change Through Layered Goals: The conversation also covers how practitioners can layer small goals over time to create lasting behavioral change, as opposed to overwhelming clients with large, difficult plans.
• The Role of the Practitioner: Practitioners should view themselves as collaborators, guiding clients through manageable steps and providing support when setbacks occur. This approach fosters a sense of agency in clients and helps them stay engaged in their health journey.
• Building Confidence Through Support: Clients often enter the process with broken confidence, and this episode discusses how practitioners can rebuild that confidence by focusing on small wins, empathy, and consistent encouragement.

Resources Mentioned

• Food Story Coaching Program: Ian offers an online, self-directed training program for practitioners. The course includes seven modules designed to teach the philosophy and skills necessary to empower clients and create lasting change. It also includes live mentorship calls and peer mentorship with one of Ian’s master coaches. To learn more, visit https://www.foodstorycoaching.com/fundamentals
• Contact Ian:
  • Food Story Coaching Certification: https://www.foodstorycoaching.com/contact
  • Work with Ian: https://ianrubin.com
  • Study under Ian at The National University of National Medicine: https://nunm.edu/faculty/ian-rubin-ma-cpt-chc/
  • LinkedIn: Ian Rubin

Connect with Us

• Visit our website for more episodes and information.
• Follow us on social media for updates and health tips.
• Subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!

Ready to dive in? Listen here.