---
name: nutrition-content-plan
description: "Creates nutrition-focused content plans with topic ideas, recipe structures, and disclaimer templates for wellness brands."
allowed-tools: Read Write Glob
metadata:
  author: matthewhitcham
  version: "1.0"
---

# Nutrition Content Plan

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:
- Plan nutrition-focused content for a blog, social media, or newsletter
- Generate topic ideas that educate without making medical claims
- Structure recipe content with consistent formatting
- Create disclaimer templates that protect your business legally

**DO NOT** use this skill for creating clinical nutrition plans, medical dietary protocols, or therapeutic meal plans. This is for nutrition-related content marketing with appropriate disclaimers.

---

## Core Principle

NUTRITION CONTENT MUST EDUCATE AND INSPIRE WITHOUT MAKING HEALTH CLAIMS YOU CANNOT BACK UP — ALWAYS INCLUDE DISCLAIMERS AND RECOMMEND PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

---

## Phase 1: Content Brief

### Required Inputs

| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|-------|------------|---------|
| **Niche** | "What nutrition angle — general wellness, plant-based, sports nutrition, family meals?" | General wellness |
| **Audience** | "Who is your audience — health-conscious adults, athletes, parents, specific dietary needs?" | Health-conscious adults 25-45 |
| **Content channels** | "Where does this content live — blog, Instagram, YouTube, newsletter?" | Blog and Instagram |
| **Posting frequency** | "How often do you publish?" | 2-3 posts per week |
| **Credentials** | "What are your qualifications — RD, nutritionist, health coach, none?" | No formal credentials — general wellness content |

**GATE: Confirm niche and credentials before planning content. Credentials determine what claims can be made.**

---

## Phase 2: Content Calendar

### Monthly Content Mix

```
## Monthly Content Plan — [Month]

### Week 1
- Blog: [Educational article — nutrition topic]
- Social: [Quick tip graphic + recipe teaser]
- Social: [Myth-busting post or FAQ]

### Week 2
- Blog: [Recipe post with full instructions]
- Social: [Meal prep tip or kitchen hack]
- Social: [Ingredient spotlight]

### Week 3
- Blog: [Educational article — seasonal or trending topic]
- Social: [Client/reader recipe submission or Q&A]
- Social: [Shopping list or pantry staple guide]

### Week 4
- Blog: [Recipe roundup or meal plan overview]
- Social: [Behind-the-scenes or personal story]
- Social: [Resource recommendation or book review]
```

### Topic Categories

| Category | Content Type | Example Topics |
|----------|-------------|---------------|
| Education | Blog articles | "Understanding Protein Sources" / "How to Read Nutrition Labels" |
| Recipes | Blog + social | Smoothie bowls, meal prep guides, snack ideas |
| Myth-busting | Social posts | "No, [food] is not toxic" / "What science actually says about [topic]" |
| Seasonal | Blog + social | "Fall Warming Soups" / "Summer Hydration Guide" |
| Lifestyle | Social | Grocery hauls, meal prep days, kitchen organization |
| Q&A | Social / newsletter | Reader questions with evidence-based answers |

---

## Phase 3: Recipe Content Structure

### Recipe Post Template

```
## [Recipe Name]

**Prep time:** [X] min | **Cook time:** [X] min | **Servings:** [X]

[2-3 sentences introducing the recipe — why you love it, when to make it,
what makes it special. Connect to a lifestyle benefit, not a health claim.]

### Ingredients
- [Ingredient 1] — [amount]
- [Ingredient 2] — [amount]
- [Ingredient 3] — [amount]

### Substitutions
- [Ingredient]: swap for [alternative] if [dietary need/preference]

### Instructions
1. [Step 1 — clear, specific action]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]

### Nutrition Info (per serving)
Calories: [X] | Protein: [X]g | Carbs: [X]g | Fat: [X]g | Fiber: [X]g

*Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.*

### Storage & Meal Prep Notes
- [How long it keeps]
- [How to reheat]
- [Freezer-friendly? Yes/No]

### Tags
[dietary tags: gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, high-protein, etc.]
```

### Recipe Photography Guidelines

| Shot | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| Overhead / flat lay | Main hero image — shows the full dish |
| 45-degree angle | Shows depth and texture |
| Process shots | 2-3 key steps to show the cooking process |
| Ingredient layout | All ingredients arranged before cooking |

---

## Phase 4: Disclaimers & Compliance

### Standard Disclaimer Template

```
## Disclaimer

The content on [website/brand name] is for informational and educational
purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes
to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition, food allergies,
or are taking medication.

[Website/brand name] is not a licensed medical provider, registered
dietitian, or nutritionist [unless you are — adjust accordingly].

Nutrition information provided is estimated and should not be considered
a guarantee.
```

### Content Compliance Rules

| If You ARE a Registered Dietitian | If You Are NOT a Registered Dietitian |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Can provide general nutrition guidance | Share educational content only |
| Can discuss therapeutic diets with caveats | Cannot prescribe diets for medical conditions |
| Use "as an RD, I recommend..." | Use "in general, research suggests..." |
| Still include disclaimers | Always include disclaimers |
| Can make evidence-based claims | Avoid definitive health claims |

### Language to Use vs. Avoid

| Use | Avoid |
|-----|-------|
| "May support..." | "Cures..." |
| "Research suggests..." | "Proven to..." |
| "Can be part of a balanced diet" | "You should eat this every day" |
| "Consult your healthcare provider" | "This will fix your [condition]" |
| "Good source of [nutrient]" | "This superfood will transform your health" |

---

## Anti-Patterns

- **Making health claims without evidence** — "this smoothie cures inflammation" is legally risky and ethically wrong.
- **No disclaimers** — every piece of nutrition content needs appropriate disclaimers, especially without professional credentials.
- **Prescribing for medical conditions** — unless you are a licensed professional, do not tell people what to eat for specific health issues.
- **Inconsistent recipe formatting** — readers expect the same structure every time. Standardize your template.
- **Ignoring allergies and substitutions** — always note common allergens and provide swap options.

---

## Recovery

- **No formal credentials:** Focus on sharing personal experience, general wellness tips, and evidence-based information with clear disclaimers.
- **Content feels repetitive:** Explore seasonal angles, reader-submitted recipes, expert interviews, and trending nutrition topics.
- **Low engagement on nutrition posts:** Test recipe content (usually higher engagement), use video, and ask questions in captions.
- **Received pushback on a claim:** Retract or clarify immediately. Cite your source or add a disclaimer. Transparency builds trust.
- **Overwhelmed by content volume:** Batch create recipes and photo shoots monthly. Repurpose blog recipes into social posts and newsletter features.
