Can you just tell me what to eat and I’ll do it? A black-and-white approach should be used only when absolutely necessary, such as for food allergies or for clients who insist on a rigid plan rather than the freedom to make choices. In most cases, flexible and individualized guidelines and recommendations will promote the greatest chance of compliance. Urge the client not to think of foods as “good” or “bad” but rather “more healthy” and “less healthy,” except in situations of food allergy or intolerance. In most other cases, foods are negotiable.