Teaching with Technology

A close up of a woman's hands taking a picture of her meal, a salad
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No matter what kind of clients you have, technology can be a valuable tool for helping them reach nutrition and health goals. Here are a few tips for how to include technology in your practice. Teaching with Technology -

Explore

Download multiple apps in the same category and look at the different features each one offers. Which one would you use? Is any of the information inaccurate? Keep a list of apps, websites, etc. that you would be comfortable recommending. Food & Nutrition Magazine features app reviews in each issue. Ask your other clients about their fitness trackers and the features they find helpful.

In addition to eatright.org, include websites that offer recipes such as the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association that you can trust to be reputable.

Help Clients Save Money

Who wants to spend extra money on vegetables? Apps that offer rebates, allow you to view sale ads all in one place, or show produce that is in season in your area are all going to help your clients choose healthy meals to fit their budget. Subscription-based fitness services may provide a lower-cost alternative to a traditional gym membership for clients who want to exercise from home.

Walk-throughs

If you have a client who is new to technology, walk them through the different features in your session. Seeing that the app or website is straightforward and user-friendly can ease some of the uncertainty of trying something new.

Check Back with Clients

If you made a resource recommendation, ask your client at the next session if they tried it out. If they did, ask about what they liked and disliked. This can help you decide whether your clients find the resource as helpful as you thought, and whether you should keep making that recommendation or start to explore again.

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Mary Bleichner
Mary Bleichner is a dietetic intern at Missouri State University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in dietetics at Murray State University.