At WPTC we get asked this all the time! If you’re a personal trainer (PT) in the UK, you’ve probably been asked by clients for a "meal plan" to help them reach their goals. It’s a common request - and one that can put even well-meaning trainers in a tricky legal and ethical position.

So, can a personal trainer with a personal training qualification legitimately write meal plans for their clients in the UK?

The Short Answer: No, They Cannot.

Personal trainers are not legitimately permitted or qualified to write individualised meal plans for clients. According to the Association for Nutrition (AfN) - the professional body that regulates nutritionists in the UK - only degree-qualified clinical nutritionists or registered dietitians can create bespoke meal plans for individuals.

This is because writing a meal plan constitutes "nutritional programming" - a clinical service that requires advanced knowledge of metabolism, disease, and individual medical needs. It’s a regulated activity that falls well outside the scope of a PT qualification.

What a PT Can Do: Provide Nutritional Advice Based on Government Guidance

Although PTs cannot write meal plans, they absolutely can (and should) give general nutrition advice to support healthy lifestyle changes.

Within the scope of a Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification, trainers are permitted to:

• Discuss healthy eating principles in line with UK government recommendations.
• Work with clients on food diaries, analysing them against resources such as the NHS Eatwell Guide.
• Suggest practical, evidence-based changes, such as:
  Increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
  Reducing sugar or saturated fat consumption.
  Choosing wholegrains over refined carbs.
  Encouraging adequate hydration.
  

These actions help clients make sustainable, health-promoting changes without crossing into clinical nutrition or dietitian territory.

Why PTs Should Avoid Writing Meal Plans

Creating specific meal plans — for example, “eat 150g chicken, 50g rice, and 100g broccoli at lunch” - is considered individualised dietary prescription.

Doing so can expose both the client and the PT to serious risks:

• Legal and regulatory risk: Writing meal plans is not within the PT’s legally defined scope of practice.
• Client safety: Without advanced training in clinical nutrition, a PT could unintentionally cause harm — particularly if a client has allergies, intolerances, or medical conditions.
• Liability: If a client becomes unwell as a result of following a PT’s meal plan, they could take legal action for negligence or malpractice.

Staying within scope isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting your clients’ wellbeing and your professional reputation.

What to Do If a Client Asks for a Meal Plan

If a client requests a specific, structured meal plan, the responsible approach is to refer them to a qualified professional.

That means recommending a:

• Registered Dietitian, or
• Degree-qualified Clinical Nutritionist (registered with the Association for Nutrition).

Referring to the right professional not only keeps you compliant — it also demonstrates professionalism, care, and integrity.

No PT or Nutrition Vocational Qualification Allows You to Write Meal Plans

It’s important to be clear:

There is no personal training or nutrition vocational qualification - whether Level 2, Level 4, or Level 5 - that qualifies someone to legitimately write meal plans in the UK.

If you’ve been told otherwise, this is incorrect, according to both CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) and the Association for Nutrition.

To legitimately create and prescribe meal plans, an individual would need to complete a university degree in Dietetics or Nutritional Science, typically over several years.

Staying Safe and Professional

If you’re ever unsure about what’s within your scope of practice, the best course of action is to contact CIMSPA or the Association for Nutrition directly. They can provide up-to-date guidance and clarity to ensure you remain compliant and ethical in your work.

The Bottom Line

Personal trainers play an incredibly valuable role in helping clients improve their health, fitness, and lifestyle. By providing evidence-based, government-aligned nutrition advice, PTs can make a real impact — without overstepping professional boundaries.

Remember:

• ✅ You can guide clients using tools like the NHS Eatwell Guide.
• 🚫 You cannot write personalised meal plans.
• 🔁 Always refer clients who need detailed nutritional programming to a qualified dietitian or nutritionist.

By respecting your scope of practice, you’re not limiting your impact - you’re enhancing your professionalism and ensuring your clients receive the safest, highest standard of care.

To view some CIMSPA endorsed personal training course providers, please see our provider list.