Holistic nutrition is a holistic approach to health and wellness that focuses on the whole person, not just their diet. It takes into account all aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health, your environment, and your relationships. Holistic nutritionists believe that food is a powerful tool that can be used to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

They work alongside healthcare providers to deal with many aspects involved in a client’s health.

Forget the fads, the gimmicks, the false promises for quick results. We know that sustainability is not put in place over night.

Dieticians tend to have an emphasis on biology and chemistry and that their education is focused on conducting and interpreting food studies and research, global food-related problems, organizational aspects of institutional functioning, the intricacies of macro and micro nutrients, and dietary programs based on government Food Guides.

For holistic nutrition professionals basic science, instruction on how nutrients contribute to health and disease, and how to read nutritional research are covered by all of the approved nutrition schools, but the emphasis is on how to use these insights to help people make positive diet and health changes. A heavy emphasis in our education is put on conducting consultation sessions with the use of symptomatology, understanding alternative modalities and building individualized programs based on various dietary approaches. Also, our training includes the added holistic dimension that considers the impact of digestion, detoxification, stress management, movement, and the body-mind-spirit connection on health and wellbeing. We also learn about natural health products like nutritional supplements and botanicals.

CERTIFICATION & REGULATION
Dietitians are recognized and regulated by government, and are held to rules set by a government body while a responsive body of peers defines practice policies. Regulation allows Dietitians to work in government sectors such as hospitals.

Certified Holistic Nutrition professionals are not regulated by government but still do have industry regulations in place. Those of us who are members of one of our professional associations must meet professional requirements in education, continued education, and conduct ourselves according to a Code of Ethics and other practice parameters.

Currently in Canada, membership in a professional association is voluntary for holistic nutrition professionals. It is important to work with one who is a member of one of our associations (CANNP, CAHN-pro or IONC) so you know they are meeting these specific standards.

The cost of seeing a Certified Registered Nutritionists can vary depending on the practitioner's experience, expertise, experience and on what you need.

Some may also be trained in bloodwork, as a life coach, Reiki, Women's Health & Hormones, etc.

Most holistic nutritionists charge by the hour, but some may also offer packages or discounts.