Last updated on July 16th, 2024

Here are the tools or software I currently use or have used to run my virtual nutrition practice that might useful for other nutrition professionals.

I’ve been running MB Performance Nutrition, a virtual sports nutrition practice, since the end of 2015. Over the last seven years, I have used dozens of different tools and software along the way.

Since I get sent Facebook messages every few weeks asking me what software/programs I am using to run my business, I decided to create this blog as a resource for other health, wellness and nutrition professionals.

Software

Web Hosting and Domain

I purchased my domains through Go Daddy and have my hosting through Flywheel. I have a WordPress (dot org) website and use the Divi Theme from Elegant Themes. I originally built my website on my own. I hired Jessica Freeman from Jess Creatives to do a few updates for me in 2021. Jess has amazing resources, and I highly recommend giving her a follow on Instagram if you’re a food, fitness or wellness professional looking to optimize your site for more traffic and growth.

Client Management

One of my favourite tools is Practice Better, which was created by a holistic nutritionist to help other health practitioners manage their clients. Through Practice Better you can do booking and invoicing, use fillable forms and waivers, create protocols and recommendations, access client files and records 24/7, take session notes, run TeleHealth video sessions with clients, message your clients, send your clients reminders, create tasks and reminders for yourself and so much more! Plus, Practice Better complies with HIPAA and PIPEDA standards, so you can rest assured that all your data and sensitive information is safe and secure. This is a great tool I use for my 1-on-1 clients.

Bookkeeping and Invoicing

I have been using Wave since 2017 because it’s free and very easy to use. I can send my clients invoices through Wave, and they can pay them online with their credit card or bank card. I keep track of all my income and expenses in Wave, for easy reporting come tax time. Since 2019, I have also been using Wave’s paid bookkeeping service.

Payment Processing 

While I use Wave to invoice 1-on-1 clients and freelance projects, I use Stripe as the payment processor when selling my services directly from my website. I also have a PayPal account as some of my affiliate commissions are paid out this way.

Email Marketing

I recently switched to Flodesk after using Active Campaign for seven years. I have scaled back the coaching side of my business and didn’t need all the features included with Active Campaign. I really like the way emails look that are designed in Flodesk, and the interface is so easy to use.

I also love that the price of Flodesk stays the same as you grow your subscriber list.

After being used to the level of reporting available in Active Campaign, I am a bit disappointed in how basic Flodesk is in that department. From what I can tell, I can’t track the opt-in rate for my free downloads, and it’s difficult to pull other stats I was used to tracking.

If you’re looking to create many subscriber lists, tags, high-level automations and more, then Active Campaign is the way to go. If you’re looking for basic email functionality to collect a list of subscribers and send them regular newsletters, Flodesk is a much more affordable option.

Project Management

I use ASANA to keep track of work, create projects and manage team members. A few years ago, I discovered Alexandra Beauregard (The Productivity Zone) and was absolutely blown away by how she uses ASANA. Seriously, it’s next-level stuff!

I purchased her Fresh Start Systems and ASANA Assistant templates, and they transformed the way I use ASANA and run my business behind the scenes.

Alexandra is a productivity, time management and systems coach who helps female solopreneurs regain control of their life and business with simple systems, routines and schedules. Her Instagram is a wealth of resources!

Graphic Design

I do almost all of my own graphic design for social media and my website using Canva Pro. The jump from the free version to the pro version unlocks so many great features for a low price and is incredibly valuable.

Cloud Storage

I use Google Drive to create and store most of my documents. Anything that I don’t create right in Google Drive is saved to my Dropbox. I regularly upload the photos from my iPhone to Dropbox as well. I do not save anything to my computer’s hard drive.

Tools and Resources I use

Grammarly

Grammarly is a cloud-based online writing tool that reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, and more. It also has a plagiarism detection feature.

While there is a free version that’s quite great, I upgraded to the Premium plan for the extra features that are useful to me as a freelance writer.

PN Academy

On top of being certified through Precision Nutrition’s Level 1 and Level 2 nutrition certifications, I am a member of the PN Academy.

The PN Academy is an advanced education membership for nutrition professionals that includes specialized courses, advanced certificates, and a Research Insider.

Every two weeks I receive easy-to-read summaries of the latest scientific studies in nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, and more.

Examine

Examine is a completely independent database of nutrition and supplement research. You can do basic searches with a free account, but the supplement guides and membership are incredibly valuable for health and wellness professionals.

I visit the Examine website at least twice a week and receive a monthly email with the latest study summaries from the categories of my choosing.

Coaches I have Worked With

While it’s not software, I want to give an honourable mention to the Master the Media coaching program created by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN.

I started working with Amy in September 2022 to learn how to land bigger media opportunities, pitch freelance writing to publications and work with brands in a way that generates a serious revenue stream.

Amy offers a free masterclass How to Earn 6 Figures from Brand Work, which I think is an exciting learning experience for health and wellness professionals who want to discover different ways to use their expertise to earn an income outside of client work.