The aim of this article was to present an update of the theorical and methodological foundations of counseling and evidence of their effectiveness, relating to the practice of health teams and analyzing future challenges. It is described, the theorical basis, the policy directions of the Chilean Ministry of Health, the international recommended strategies and the contributions of the participants in a training program conducted by INTA with 312 professionals (nutritionists, physiotherapists and dentists mostly). The analysis of the conditions in the Primary Health Care, to implement systematically nutrition, physical activity and tobacco counseling is presented. The need to improve the practice and its contribution to a preventive approach to serious problems of physical inactivity, obesity and smoking in the Chilean population is discussed.