What is Holistic Nutrition?
Many times, when I introduce myself as a holistic nutritionist, I get a polite nod and a smile that translates to “I know what that means, but I don’t know what that means.”
So, let’s break it down.
The basic premise behind holistic nutrition is that our bodies are not the simple, compartmentalized machines that conventional medicine makes them out to be. Holistic nutrition centers its practice around the idea that everything is connected: mind, body, routine, environment, and more. And it’s through your diet — the vitamins and minerals you consume — that you provide the necessary fuel to power, well … everything.
But let’s get into three of the biggest questions I get:
What Does a Holistic Nutritionist Do?
The goal with holistic nutrition never begins or ends by solving a problem. Instead of treating symptoms, we dig deeper into the root cause of the issue. The goal is to develop a lifestyle of holistic and healthy living that supports your wellbeing for years to come.
Health is far more than a physical attribute. It also encompasses our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Our thoughts and feelings can be healing, or they can be harmful, and it’s important that we cultivate a powerful mind-body connection that supports our greater health.
This takes practice.
That’s why I work with my clients to guide them over time, giving them the tools they need to practice holistic healing now and long into the future. My services include:
Nutrition and healthy lifestyle education
One-on-one consulting services
Diet analysis
Food sensitivity research
Personalized meal planning
Lifestyle advice
Activity and exercise planning
Holistic vs. Conventional Nutritionist
This is probably the question that I get the most, and the difference is fairly simple.
Because conventional nutritionists (and dieticians) are certified healthcare providers regulated by the government, their care is likely to be far more “clinical.” By that, I mean that their advice will focus less on the individual and more on the science.
And while that’s very valuable information, as a holistic nutritionist, I take it a step further. Not only do I help you understand the basics of your nutrition, but I do so through the lens of the emotional and environmental factors in your life that might also be affecting your wellbeing. This could include everything from your sleep quality to your stress levels to your lifestyle habits and much more. I look at everyone individually and make recommendations based off you, your goals, and your unique physiology because there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your health.
What Does a Holistic Nutritionist Not Do?
Contrary to popular belief, holistic nutrition doesn’t ignore conventional medicine.
While we can give you valuable insights into the intersection between your diet and health, we won’t play the role of diagnosing and treating diseases. Instead, holistic nutrition is much more focused on preventative measures that will lower the risk of possible ailments and improve overall quality of life.
Want to Improve Your Wellbeing with Holistic Nutrition?
Through my Personal Nutrition Program, I work with clients over the course of six weeks to lay the groundwork for healthy living. This includes one-on-one education, dietary analysis, nutritional meal planning, and more. Or consider one of my signature packages, three-month consulting programs that tackle specific health goals such as improving gut health, balancing hormones, and boosting immunity.
If you’re interested in taking the next step to improve your wellbeing, reach out for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss how my services might be a best fit for you!