From Dietary Plan to Motivation: The Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Nutritional Counseling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56147/jbhs.1.1.6Keywords:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy,
- Nutritional counseling,
- Psychological flexibility,
- Behavioral change,
- Self-efficacy,
- Motivational strategies,
- Empathic communication,
- Cognitive defusion,
- Mindful eating,
- Weight management,
- Client-centered approach,
- Values-based action,
- Sustainable behavior change,
- Emotional resilience,
- Diet adherence
Abstract
Addressing overweight issues by relying on strategies such as calorie counting, low-carb diets, high or low-fat intake, the ketogenic diet or adopting a predominantly plant-based or animal-based diet is fundamentally an inaccurate approach.
The combination of psychological and nutritional approaches represents a new frontier in managing eating behaviors and weight loss. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on acceptance and committed action, has shown great potential in helping clients overcome psychological barriers related to weight control and the modification of eating habits. This article explores how ACT can be applied in the context of nutritional counseling to enhance communication between nutritionist and client, boosting self-efficacy, motivation and adherence to sustainable weight loss programs in the long term.
