Holistic Nutritionist

A Holistic Nutritionist is a trained professional in nutrition who can provide information and educate clients about a sound nutrition program and how that affects optimum health.  He or she can design a program specific to a client’s needs and goals.  Unlike a dietician, a holistic nutritionist does not use tools such as the Canada Food Guide but designs a program based on the unique biochemical make-up of an individual client so may take into account food tolerances, sensitivities and other health issues.  Further, holistic nutritionists study a broad range of other health modalities such as Ayurveda medicine, herbal medicine, the psychology of disease, nutrition and the environment and natural supplementation.

The role of nutrition in society has evolved.   In the 1950’s Dr Linus Pauling (Nobel laureate) studied how nutrition’s role in fighting disease.  He proposed that Vitamin C could assist in battling the common cold, certain kinds of cancer, heart disease and other maladies.  In 1994 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration passed an act stating that most food and supplements had to bear nutrition labels.  The act was further enhanced over the next years.  By 2005 labels needed to be more detailed in nutrition information and consumer benefits.  In Canada, nutrition labels for pre-packaged foods became mandatory in 2007.   Consumers have become increasingly aware of what they are eating and the connection to their health.

A typical holistic nutrition session will last ½ hour to 1 hour and the practitioner will usually do a detailed assessment of a client’s nutritional and lifestyle needs, current supplements, and nutritional deficiencies.  A holistic nutritionist can design a diet & supplement plan, offer tips on food preparation and meal planning, provide recipes, and can meet with a client for one or more sessions.

Some of the techniques and practices of holistic nutritions include organic and whole food preparation, the use of supplements, juicing, and food sensitivity testing.