#266 Behavioural changes with Dr Gary Mendoza

Dr. Gary Mendoza's background is in personal training. Gary holds both British and American qualifications in personal training and has been a PT for 25 years.

He represented GB at the first ever IDEA personal trainer's convention in Washington USA.

Whilst working as a personal trainer (PT) he studied nutrition, graduating with a first in Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Wales.

He moved into training trainers and developed a successful nutrition and weight management course; teaching PT's the skills required to deliver a successful weight management programme. These skills include nutrition, activity and behavior change.

This course formed the basis of his doctoral research. In 2006 he was awarded a PhD in nutrition, specialising in a multi-dimensional treatment for overweight and obese males. A big part of this research looked at the psychology of change. Gary has since undertaken further training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and was fortunate to be trained by Professors Stephen Rollnick and William Miller, the founders of MI. He has continued training in this field, completing advanced MI training, introduction to counselling and a level 5 diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Gary's other area of expertise is sports nutrition. He was programme leader for sports nutrition and advanced sports nutrition at Massey University in New Zealand and trained with Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA). Gary lectures in nutrition for sport and exercise at Bath Spa and Cardiff Metropolitan Universities and is an Academic Associate member of the SENr. He is director of 'Stages of Change Ltd' and delivers the Behaviour Change Workshop; this workshop teaches personal trainers sound behavior change principals. Gary is passionate about raising the standard of nutrition education and behavior change understanding in the leisure industry.

He wants the industry to move to a more evidence-based style of nutrition and behavior change education and wants trainers to be able to deliver effective and safe nutrition and weight loss programmes that help clients make the necessary lifestyle changes required.

For more information about James Roberts (the host of the podcast), visit jamesowenroberts.com and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram