3 Mistakes New Nutritionists Make That Hurt Their Growth

So, you’ve decided to start your private practice as a nutritionist. First of all—congrats! You’ve taken a brave step that so many dream of, but few actually do. When I started my nutrition practice, I thought I had to have it all figured out before I even saw my first client. Spoiler alert: you don’t need to know everything before starting your private practice.

In this post, I want to talk honestly about the things no one tells you about running a private practice, especially in the world of health, wellness, and nutrition. This isn’t just theory—this is real talk from someone who’s lived it. Whether you're considering going solo or already immersed in client sessions and meal plans, I hope this provides you with clarity, encouragement, and a few deep breaths of relief.

1. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out to Start you Nutrition Practice

If I had waited until I had the perfect logo, the right Instagram aesthetic, and the most polished website, I’d still be waiting to launch. The truth? You do not need to know everything before starting your private nutrition practice.

I wasted months obsessing over the name, fonts and colours. These are all valid considerations, but none of them actually brought clients through my (virtual) doors.

Here’s what really matters:

• Being clear on how you help people

• Having a way for people to book a session

• Offering a solid, evidence-based service

  
  

That’s it. Branding, logos, and fancy client portals can all come later. Don’t let “perfection” delay your progress.

2. Why Being a Nutritionist Can Feel Lonely?

Here’s something I didn’t expect: how lonely running a private practice can feel.

When I worked in private healthcare, I had coworkers, lunch breaks with chatter, and someone to run ideas by. Now? I spend a lot of time with myself. While I love my clients, they’re not peers—they’re people I serve and support.

There were weeks when I felt like no one really understood what I was doing or why. I questioned myself. Was I even qualified to do this alone?

But here’s the truth: isolation is common in entrepreneurship, especially in the early stages. That’s why finding a community of other health professionals, online or in person, is key. Even just one or two other nutritionists in your corner makes a difference.

✨ Pro tip: Join our nutrition community to share and connect with other nutritionists.

3. Clients Won’t Magically Appear—But They Will Come

This might sound obvious, but it hits differently when you’re actually in it: clients don’t just show up because you opened your practice.

I thought I’d launch my website and instantly get inquiries. Reality check: I had to learn how to market myself, share my story, and connect with my ideal clients in a way that felt authentic, not salesy.

Here’s what worked:

• Talking about what I do often (even if it felt awkward at first)

• Posting tips on social media, even when I had 50 followers

• Asking for referrals from past clients, friends, and mentors

• Offering workshops or freebies that added real value

  
  

It didn’t happen overnight. But it did happen. Consistency built trust. And trust brought clients.

Final Thoughts: It’s Messy, But It’s Worth It

Here’s the reality: starting your private practice is messy, emotional, and sometimes lonely—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

You’re not just building a business. You’re creating a life and career that reflects your values, your passion for nutrition, and your belief in helping people live healthier lives. Will you doubt yourself? Yes. Will you feel overwhelmed at times? 100%. But you’ll also grow more than you imagined, both professionally and personally.

If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be this: You don’t have to do it all perfectly. Just do it.

Because every client you help, every breakthrough moment you witness—that’s why you started in the first place. Want More Support?

If you’re a nutritionist thinking about starting your own practice (or feeling stuck in the early stages), I’ve been there. DM me on Instagram or send an email—I love connecting with fellow wellness professionals and helping however I can.

And remember: you are more than enough, even when it feels like you’re figuring it all out as you go.