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Evidence-Based Nutritional Guidance Within Scope

Clients often ask personal trainers in Australia for advice on food and nutrition. While nutrition is vital in supporting exercise performance, recovery, and overall well-being, personal trainers must ensure they provide evidence-based information within their professional scope of practice. According to AUSactive (the peak body for the Australian fitness industry), personal trainers can offer general healthy eating advice that is consistent with Australian national dietary guidelines, but must not provide personalised meal plans, prescribe supplements, or treat medical conditions through diet.

The Eat for Health guidelines, developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), provide a reliable and evidence-based framework for trainers to reference when discussing general nutrition with clients. These guidelines, based on extensive reviews of scientific literature, are designed to promote long-term health and reduce the risk of diet-related chronic diseases.

The guidelines include five main recommendations:

  • Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods from the five food groups daily.
  • Limit intake of foods high in saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.
  • Encourage breastfeeding.
  • Care for your food; prepare and store it safely.
  • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight by being physically active and choosing nutritious food and drinks to meet energy needs.

During sessions or educational conversations, Personal trainers can reinforce healthy eating habits. For example, trainers can encourage clients to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and dairy alternatives, and to drink plenty of water. Trainers can also support clients in recognising the importance of balanced meals to fuel training, optimise recovery, and maintain energy throughout the day.

However, trainers must avoid giving individualised nutrition advice that goes beyond these general principles. For example, writing a tailored meal plan, diagnosing food intolerances, or recommending supplements falls outside the scope of practice unless the trainer also holds a recognised qualification in nutrition or dietetics. In such cases, clients should be referred to an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) or a relevant health professional.

The Eat for Health website also includes practical tools such as the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, sample meal patterns, and portion guidance—all of which trainers can direct clients to for further learning. These resources help ensure that advice remains within a safe, nationally endorsed framework.

By aligning the nutrition messaging with Eat for Health and staying informed about AUSactive's guidelines, personal trainers can contribute positively to their clients' health without overstepping legal or ethical boundaries. This not only supports client outcomes but also upholds the credibility and professionalism of the fitness industry.