Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury

Crazy thing is, the diet and nutrition market hit $192.2 billion in 2023, and it’s projected to grow 7.2% annually through 2030.

Let’s cut through the noise and get straight to what matters.

Why Custom Diet Planning is Blowing Up Right Now

Here’s what’s happening:

• 78% of Americans are actively trying to eat healthier
• People are tired of one-size-fits-all plans
• The pandemic created a massive shift toward digital health services

The Real Gold Mine: Starting Your Diet Planning Business

What You Actually Need to Start

• A laptop
• Internet connection
• Basic nutrition knowledge (certifications help but aren’t mandatory to start)
• Simple website or social media presence
• Customer management system (even Google Sheets works at first)

The Service Stack (What to Offer)

Basic Package ($97-197/month):

• Customized meal plans
• Basic macro calculations
• Weekly check-ins
• Recipe suggestions

Premium Package ($297-497/month):

• Everything in basic
• 24/7 WhatsApp support
• Grocery lists
• Restaurant ordering guides
• Progress tracking app access

VIP Package ($997-1997/month):

• Everything in premium
• Daily coaching
• Custom supplement protocols
• Priority support
• Bi-weekly video calls

Making Your First $10K/Month

Step 1: Define Your Niche

Don’t try to help everyone. Pick one:

• Busy professionals
• New moms
• Athletes
• Keto enthusiasts
• Plant-based dieters

Step 2: Set Up Your Systems

1. Client intake forms
2. Meal plan templates
3. Progress tracking sheets
4. Payment processing
5. Communication channels

Step 3: Price Like a Pro

Recent market data shows successful diet planners are charging anywhere from $200 to $2,000 per month per client.

Start here:

• Get 5 clients at $200/month = $1,000
• Scale to 15 clients = $3,000
• Optimize and raise prices
• Add premium offerings
• Hit 20 clients at $500 average = $10,000

Marketing That Actually Works

Social Media Strategy

• Post daily transformation results (with permission)
• Share quick tips that showcase expertise
• Go behind the scenes of meal prep
• Do live Q&As

Content Creation Blueprint

• Write about common pain points
• Share client success metrics
• Post easy recipes
• Create “day in the life” content

Lead Generation Tactics

1. Free meal plan template in exchange for email
2. 7-day challenge programs
3. Nutrition myth-busting series
4. Collaboration with fitness influencers

Scaling Beyond $20K/Month

Automation Tools

• Meal planning software
• Client management systems
• Automated onboarding
• Payment processors

Team Building

1. Virtual assistant ($500-1000/month)
2. Content creator ($1000-2000/month)
3. Additional coaches (revenue share model)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Trying to serve everyone
• Underpricing your services
• Overcomplicating meal plans
• Neglecting client results tracking
• Poor systems and organization

Quick Start Action Plan

Day 1-7:

• Pick your niche
• Set up basic systems
• Create 3 service packages
• Design simple intake process

Day 8-14:

• Build social media presence
• Create lead magnet
• Set up payment processing
• Design first meal plan templates

Day 15-30:

• Get first 3 clients
• Gather testimonials
• Refine systems
• Scale marketing efforts

Tools That Make Life Easier

• Notion for organization
• Canva for design
• ClickUp for client management
• Stripe for payments
• Zoom for consultations

Maximum Impact Tips

1. Focus on client results first
2. Document everything
3. Build systems early
4. Price for profit
5. Automate repetitive tasks

Remember: The diet planning industry is experiencing a 12% year-over-year growth rate. The opportunity is massive, but only for those who take action now.