Since I started my journey as a Holistic Nutritionist, I've always received questions about what I do, how I can help people, and how Holistic Nutritionists differ from other practitioners. So today, let's dive into the profession and all things holistic nutrition.
What is a Holistic Nutritionist?
Holistic Nutritionists take a whole-body approach to healing. They evaluate clients' overall health and wellness and recommend nutritional and lifestyle adjustments to address their health issues and support their health goals. Achieving healthy strategies with a nutritionist can provide numerous benefits, such as better hormone balance, less fatigue, improved skin health, weight management, more restful sleep, improved digestion, healthier skin and hair, and an overall higher quality of life.
As a Holistic Nutritionist, I offer…
Individualized nutritional plans
Health support & coaching
Nutritional support for digestive concerns
Hormonal imbalance & metabolic health
Support for disordered eating and eating disorders
How did I get here?
I have always been interested in holistic nutrition. However, I decided to do my undergraduate degree in general health in case I found an interest in another area. Once I graduated from Queen’s University with an undergraduate degree in health studies, I pursued another degree in holistic nutrition at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. This was a two-year program consisting of daily classes, exams, and placement once I had completed all my classes. I graduated with first-class honours in Applied Holistic Nutrition as a Certified Nutritional Practioner. Once I graduated, I took a few months off to travel, explore the world, broaden my knowledge of nutrition in other countries & learn why some countries may be “healthier” than others; and it all came down to how and what they eat. Once I got back from my trip, I started working full-time as a Holistic Nutritionist at two excellent clinics in Toronto, Ontario.
What makes a Holistic Nutritionist different from a Dietitian?
Both holistic nutritionists and dietitians focus on improving health through diet, but their approaches and philosophies can differ significantly, so let’s examine them.
Dietitians
Credentials: Dietitians usually have formal education, including a degree in dietetics or a related field. They often need to pass a national examination to become registered (RD or RDN). Depending on where they practice, they may also have state licensure.
Medical Focus: Dietitians often work in clinical settings (hospitals, clinics) and focus on medical nutrition therapy. They are trained to manage and treat various health conditions through diet, such as diabetes, heart disease, and allergies.
Evidence-Based: Their recommendations are typically based on scientific research and evidence-based guidelines. They develop their plans using standardized dietary guidelines and nutritional science.
Regulations: Dietitians are regulated professionals, meaning they must adhere to specific standards and ethical guidelines established by professional organizations and governing bodies.
Holistic Nutritionists:
Approach: Holistic nutritionists take a more comprehensive and individualized approach to nutrition. They consider the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Training: Their training can vary widely, and not all holistic nutritionists have formal, standardized education, which you need to look out for! A trained Holistic Nutritionist will have completed an undergraduate degree followed by a program in holistic nutrition. Their designation may be a Certified Nutritional Practitioner or a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (CNP, RN). You must complete your courses, a final exam and a placement to graduate with the designation.
Philosophy: They often emphasize natural and whole foods and alternative and complementary therapies. Their focus might be balancing body systems and improving overall wellness rather than just managing specific medical conditions.
Flexibility: Holistic nutritionists might incorporate a broader range of dietary practices and supplements that align with their philosophy, such as plant-based diets, detox programs, or integrative health approaches.
Who would benefit from seeing a Holistic Nutritionist?
EVERYONE! You do not need to be “sick” or “struggling” to see a Holistic Nutritionist. It’s essential to ensure you stay on top of your health so that you don’t have to get to the point where you struggle. But if you are struggling, that is okay; I am here to help! If you struggle with building balanced meals, figuring out what foods agree with your body, meal planning, hormones, gut imbalances, disordered eating, ensuring you're fueling enough as an athlete, and so much more, I am here for you!
Can you use your benefits when seeing a Holistic Nutritionist?
The short answer is yes! The long answer is that it depends on your insurance company and the licensing of your holistic nutritionist. I am lucky to be licensed and registered with the Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Practitioners; however, many nutritionists need this licensing and registration, which means insurance does not cover them.
Take this as a sign to take the leap and book that first appointment with a holistic nutritionist. Feel free to email or message me on Instagram if you have any questions! I am accepting patients at both West End Women’s Health and Well BYND.
West End Women's Health booking link: https://westendwomenshealth.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/27
Well BYND booking link: https://wellbynd.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/51
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