Supporting client progress through the summer months
As the seasons change, so must our approach to supporting clients’ nutritional and wellness goals. Using flexible goal setting, supportive communication and evidence-based strategies will help clients maintain progress during periods of change.
Summer often brings more social events, holidays and relaxed routines, which can create both opportunities and obstacles for behaviour change. With supportive, flexible guidance from us as practitioners, we can help clients enjoy the season while continuing progress toward sustainable health outcomes.
Create a safe, supportive space
Begin by creating an environment where clients feel comfortable discussing disappointment, setbacks or frustration. Use active listening and empathic responses to normalise common struggles and build rapport. This technique can help improve engagement and encourage honest disclosure.[1]
Engage with honest problem solving
Clients do not always report the full context of their behaviours. Gently embrace an accurate account of daily routines, triggers and competing priorities, making it possible to co‑create realistic strategies. Addressing misaligned expectations early reduces disillusionment and frustration.[1]
Refer when issues exceed scope
If you identify mental-health concerns or other needs beyond nutritional care, make timely referrals to appropriate professionals or services. Collaborative care and prompt referral pathways protect client safety and support comprehensive recovery.[2]
Reframe setbacks as learning
Help clients reinterpret setbacks as opportunities for learning rather than signs of failure. Reframing promotes resilience and a growth mindset, which are linked to more sustained behaviour change and better psychological well‑being.[2]
Encourage flexible, values-based intentions
Rather than rigid targets (such as ‘lose X kilos by Y date’), encourage values‑based, adaptable intentions. A client might shift focus from weight alone to measurable behaviours such as increasing daily fruit and vegetable intake or experimenting with nutrient‑dense summer recipes. Flexible goals are more compatible with seasonal socialising and travel.[3]
Use smart goals and behaviour-change frameworks
Work collaboratively to set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable (Agreed), Relevant and Time‑bound – which enhance clarity and accountability:[4]
1. Specific – eg ‘add one serving of vegetables to lunch and dinner’
2. Measurable – eg ‘consume 1.5–2 litres of water daily’
3. Achievable/Agreed – set goals that are realistic given the client’s lifestyle
4. Relevant/Realistic – align goals with the client’s broader health priorities
5. Time‑bound – eg ‘try three new summer recipes within the next 30 days’
Using behaviour‑change frameworks alongside SMART goal principles helps translate intentions into actionable steps and improves adherence.[4]
Promote well-being beyond nutrition
Engage in hobbies: Encourage activities that bring joy (such as gardening, walking or creative pursuits) to boost mood and reduce stress. Leisure activities contribute to emotional resilience and help prevent burnout.[5]
Practice self‑care: Recommend routine relaxation practices (such as brief meditation, yoga or time outdoors) to support mental health and sustain behaviour change.[5]
Strengthen social connections: Encourage clients to involve supportive friends, family or community groups. Social support is a consistent predictor of adherence to healthy behaviours and better health outcomes.[5]
Regular check-ins and group support
Private online groups or structured social‑media challenges (eg hydration or recipe swaps) can create community, accountability and enjoyment. Ensure clear guidelines on confidentiality and supportive conduct. Select platforms that match client preferences and digital literacy.[7]
Use digital and social tools thoughtfully
Private online groups or structured social‑media challenges (eg hydration or recipe swaps) can create community, accountability and enjoyment. Ensure clear guidelines on confidentiality and supportive conduct. Select platforms that match client preferences and digital literacy.[7]
Conclusion
Transitioning client goals for the summer requires a compassionate, flexible approach that integrates clear goal‑setting, evidence‑based behaviour‑change techniques, social support and timely referral.
As health practitioners, we should create a safe space, reframe setbacks, set realistic SMART goals and use group and digital support with caution. This way, we will help clients enjoy the season while continuing sustainable progress toward long‑term health goals.
Francesca is a Registered Nutritionist with expertise in client-focused behaviour change, SMART goal planning, group facilitation and public-health communication (translating evidence into clear, actionable consumer guidance).
Francesca Uhegbu RNutr
References:
Miller WR, Rollnick S. Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. 3rd ed. Guilford Press. 2013. ISBN 9781609182274
World Health Organization. Mental health action plan 2013–2020. World Health Organization. 2013. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506021
Mental Health Foundation. Resilience. 2021. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/looking-after-your-mental-health/resilience
Michie S, Atkins L, West R. The Behaviour Change Wheel: A Guide to Designing Interventions. Silverback Publishing. 2017. https://www.behaviourchangewheel.com/
World Health Organization. WHO guideline: Recommendations on digital interventions for health system strengthening. World Health Organization. 2019. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550505
Hartmann‑Boyce J, Johns DJ, Jebb SA, Aveyard P, Summerbell CD. Behavioural weight management programmes for adults: A systematic review and meta‑analysis of the evidence for individual components. Obesity Reviews. 2017.18(1):38–66. doi:10.1111/obr.12533
Holt‑Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta‑analytic review. PLoS Medicine. 2010.7(7):e1000316. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
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