The world of nutrition has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years. There has never been a greater interest or demand for the food industry to listen to the health wants and needs of its customers.
This has led to many more culinary job opportunities for those with a background in nutrition. Culinary careers for nutrition professionals are expanding rapidly, offering meaningful and versatile ways to combine food and wellness.
This has led to many more culinary job opportunities for those with a background in nutrition.
If you are interested in a Nutrition Therapist Master certification, are working towards that amazing goal, or already have an NTM, there are many options in culinary work if that is what appeals to you. Culinary careers for nutrition professionals range from entrepreneurship to traditional employment, depending on your interests and lifestyle goals.
The freedom and flexibility of your own business
Private chef and Catering
If you have culinary skills combined with a strong understanding of nutrition, there is a high demand from people who feel they have neither. Working as a private chef or caterer allows you to create meals for people who care deeply about their health while trying to outsource the cooking.
Private chefs can work with people with special dietary needs or specific health conditions.
The main difference between being a private chef and a caterer is that chefs are usually employed on a fixed basis (daily, weekly or monthly) while caterers are needed for individual events. This can include special occasions, retreats and more.
Both catering and being a private chef can be enhanced with a background in nutrition if you want to be able to meet individualized and specialized dietary needs.
Creation of Products
If you have an idea for a specialty food, especially one that promotes wellness, you can bet there will be interest in it. It is possible to sell products like these at local farmers markets, grocery stores, and through online commerce.
Where you want to sell can affect the size of the business you want to build. State laws vary regarding special licenses and inspections, but many food businesses start out as cottage food. On a smaller scale, this type of business does not need the same type of license, but is limited to where the products can be sold.
Unique foods that support health, avoid certain allergens and/or suit specific diets can be a great addition to our dishes.
Food blogging and cookbooks
If you’re someone who enjoys the hands-on experience of developing recipes, food blogging can be a great way to gain a following for your health-conscious recipes.
While there may be a lot of competition, having a recipe website backed by nutrition science can give you an edge. Having a specialty can help, but it may not always be necessary. If you’re interested in offering a specialty, it might be based around a specific diet (like keto, gluten-free, vegan, etc.) or a health focus (like fighting cancer or balancing hormones). You can also specify a specific lifestyle, such as cooking on a budget or for a family.
These days, many food bloggers continue to develop cookbooks. Others go straight to the cookbooks. This can be done through self-publishing or with a publishing company.
The Convenience and Little Responsibility of Employment
Restaurant work
If you already have some culinary experience under your belt, adding your expertise as a Dietitian can be a major selling point for restaurants.
There has never been a greater interest in restaurants catering to special diets and dietary restrictions. And with more demand for farm-to-table restaurants, having a holistic nutrition background might just help you stand out from other cooks and chefs.
Development of Meals for Facilities
With the growing interest in the health and nutrition of individuals comes a similar interest on a more common level. Schools, assisted living facilities and even private companies may need your help.
Developing menus and meals for these places has to start somewhere. Nutrition Therapist Masters have the ability to create these to support children, the elderly and workers.
You have the opportunity to form nutrient-dense, health-supporting meal ideas within specific budgets and guidelines.
Find the cooking job that’s right for you
If you want to find a way to combine culinary knowledge or interest with a Nutrition Therapist Master certification, there are so many paths you can choose. While these are just a few ideas, there are many more.
It’s just a matter of what you’re interested in, who you want to work with, and whether you want your own business or not. Culinary careers for nutrition professionals allow you to bring both science and creativity to the table while supporting health in meaningful ways.
With Nutrition Therapy Institute certification, people will know that you bring an understanding of nutrition to the table, both figuratively and literally.
Now that you know how wide a range of options you can have with one Master Nutrition Therapist certificationit’s time to learn more!
Did you know that NTI offers the curriculum as a group start with set dates and as an independent start on your own schedule?
Both take the same amount of time and offer flexibility. It’s just a matter of deciding your preference. Learn more about the application process now.
Related reading…
Top 10 Careers in Holistic Nutrition
Why Study Holistic Nutrition? The answer lies in our food system
About the Author: Maya Strausberg earned her Master Nutrition Therapist certification from NTI before starting her private nutrition therapy practice. She now offers writing and editing services to nutritionists and other health professionals around the world through her business, Family Tree Nutrition.
Pictures:
- Photo by Or Hakim on Unscrew
- Image by itay verchik from Pixabay
- Photo by Obi on Unsplash
