WHERE TO START: THE FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONIST'S GUIDE TO STRATEGIC FIRST STEPS WITH KAREN HERB

We’ve all been there—whether you’re just starting your private practice or you’ve been a practicing functional nutritionist for some time ->  You’re staring down a long list of symptoms, test results, and lifestyle factors wondering… where do we even begin?

In the world of functional nutrition, how we start matters just as much as where we’re headed. And often, the most powerful results come from the simplest beginnings. Here’s a peek at my approach. 

The Power of the First Win

When a client walks through your (virtual or real-life) door, they’re often overwhelmed—exhausted, frustrated, maybe even skeptical. That’s where the “order of operations” comes in. As functional nutritionists, we’re trained to think in systems and root causes. But even before we dig deep into gut testing or hormone mapping, we need to meet people where they are. 

The key? Find the lowest hanging fruit.

This means choosing a first step that feels manageable and has a high likelihood of giving your client a noticeable win. That early success builds momentum. It’s more than just biology— it’s about the therapeutic relationship, establishing trust, building confidence, and getting clients invested in the journey.

What Counts as “Low-Hanging Fruit”?

These are areas where even small tweaks can create big shifts:

• Sleep hygiene: A consistent bedtime or nighttime routine can improve cortisol rhythm, reduce cravings, and increase resilience to stress.

  
  

• Protein-rich breakfasts: Starting the day with protein (instead of carbs alone) can stabilize blood sugar, improve energy, and reduce brain fog.

  
  

• Bowel regularity: Supporting elimination with magnesium or fiber can leave clients feeling lighter, clearer, and more open to dietary changes.

  
  

• Nervous system support: Simple tools like breathwork or post-meal walks can shift clients out of fight-or-flight, making healing more accessible.

Each client is different—but when we lead with compassion and curiosity, we can help us identify the intervention that will create the biggest ripple effect.

Asking the Right Questions as a Functional Nutritionist

Here are a few of my favorite ways to pinpoint the best starting point:

• “What’s the one thing that would make your day feel easier?”

• “What’s bothering you the most right now?”

• “If we could fix one symptom this week, what would it be?”

When clients are part of the decision-making, they’re more likely to follow through—and to notice and celebrate the results.

What Happens After the First Step?

Once we’ve helped a client feel better—even just a little—they’re more open to the deeper layers: gut healing, detox support, hormone balancing, and beyond.

That’s the beauty of functional nutrition: it’s not just evidence-based, it’s client-centered. It honors both physiology and psychology.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a practitioner or on a healing journey yourself, remember: you don’t have to address everything all at once.

Start with one shift that feels good and makes a difference. Then build from there.

Need help identifying the low-hanging fruit? We love to have these conversations in our 1:1 Supervisor sessions and in our monthly Clinical Working Group meetings. Come join our community and join in the conversation! 

Karen Herb is a nutritionist, mentor and CNS Supervisor at TNHC. Karen has 7 years of experience as a clinical nutritionist focusing her practice on personalized nutrition, gut health, nutrigenomics and collaborative care in multiple Functional Medicine clinics. We invite you to learn more about Karen and meet the entire supervisor team serving our nutrition students. We are passionate about helping our students earn their supervised practice experience hours and CNS credential and launch fulfilling and successful nutrition careers. 

Gain confidence in your clinical nutrition skills in our monthly Clinical Working Group! Led by an experienced CNS supervisor and clinical nutritionist: share a case from your functional medicine clinic, gain health and nutrition resources and insights, collaborate with your supervisors and other nutrition graduates, and learn how to incorporate functional nutrition coaching skills with your clients to help them meet their long-term health goals.