Philosophy
The philosophy of holistic nutrition is that one’s health is an expression of the complex interplay between the physical and chemical, mental and emotional, as well as spiritual and environmental aspects of one’s life and being.
Nutrition Education
Using nutrition education as a primary tool, holistic nutrition professionals emphasize the building of health by approaching each person as a unique individual.
Whole-Person Approach
Professionals who are trained in Holistic Nutrition, approach health and well-being from a whole-person perspective.
Engage the Individual
Holistic Nutrition professionals fully engage the individual in their journey to a healthier lifestyle, honoring their innate wisdom by working in an empowering and cooperative manner to chart a course to optimal health.
Scope of Service & Standard of Care
A Nutrition Professional advises individuals, families, and groups on how to improve diet, lifestyle, and attitude to promote optimal health. They may work with a licensed health provider to help individuals with previously diagnosed illnesses identify biochemical imbalances and toxicities that contribute to poor health. Their advice and support are founded on evidence-based and holistic principles.
A licensed Health Provider (MD, ND, DO, DC, RN, etc.) may work with a nutrition professional to educate patients on the benefits of whole foods, lifestyle improvements, and appropriate supplementation relative to their health issue, or provide these services themselves.
Watch this video to learn more about holistic nutrition.
Holistic Nutrition Professionals…
Typically Offer the Following Types of Services:
- Diet and lifestyle evaluation
- Teach healthy eating
- Shopping tours
- Family meal planning
- Suggestions for improving lifestyle
- Suggestions for managing stress
- Meal plans for improved weight, mood, and energy
- Teach classes on wellness and holistic nutrition
- Advise clients on basic wellness supplementation
Might Offer the Following Therapeutic Services:
- Intake
- Advise therapeutic menu and nutrients
- Research health issues
- Provide follow-up support
- Review laboratory assessments
- Summarize case and group findings
- Provide recommendations
- Teach health professionals and consumers
- Consult with a licensed practitioner
Distinguishing Features:
- Fresh, natural-foods basis
- Educational emphasis
- Client-based, not method or product-based
- Refers to doctors for medical conditions
- Highest standard of accountability and integrity
- Uses informed consent and full disclosure forms
- Adheres to the NANP Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Health Coach vs. Holistic Nutrition Professional
Role Delineation:
The job of a Holistic Nutrition Professional is to bring non-biased health and nutrition information to friends, neighbors, associates, and the media. We educate the public on the cost/benefit of eating unprocessed, local, fresh, whole foods. There is value in taking high-quality nutritional supplements to address chronic nutritional deficiencies and toxicities associated with lifestyle and environmentally related health issues.
Holistic Nutrition Professionals DO:
We DO:
Promote health and wellness
Work with licensed healthcare providers as a part of a comprehensive care team
Provide nutrition education to clients
Work with clients to implement lifestyle changes to support optimal health outcomes
Holistic Nutrition Professionals DO NOT:
We DO NOT:
Practice Medical Nutrition Therapy
Diagnose and treat disease
Make unproven health claims
Misrepresent training
Use unproven devices, assessments, or therapies
Utilize network marketing or product sales as an alternative to individual client education
Are you looking to work with a Holistic Nutrition Professional?
With an emphasis on whole foods at its foundation, holistic nutrition integrates body, mind, and spirit, recognizing that each person is biochemically unique. Holistic Nutrition Professionals work with their clients to create optimal health by addressing systemic deficiencies and neutralizing excesses.