What is a Holistic Nutritionist?
Holistic Nutrition is a natural approach to health that uses evidence-based techniques for diet, lifestyle and detoxification. Instead of focusing on just one aspect of the person, or taking a one size fits all methodology, holistic nutrition evaluates the complete health history, emotional state, lifestyle habits and current diet habits of an individual to determine the root cause of his or her health issues. Here are just some of the issues holistic nutritionists help with:
- Acne/skin conditions
- Cravings
- Depression/mood/happiness
- Detoxification
- Digestive Issues including bloating, constipation, upset stomach IBS/Chrons
- Dietary changes/food allergies and sensitivities
- Disease prevention (i.e. cancer/osteoporosis/arthritis)
- Hormone issues
- Joint pain and Muscle weakness
- Low energy / fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Weight-loss
From there, the goal is to empower and educate the client into improving his or her health with use of nutrient dense foods, natural supplementation and lifestyle recommendations.
Nutritionist Certification
As Holistic nutritionists are not yet government regulated, it’s important to look for the certification. Certified Nutritional Practitioners (CNPs) are holistic nutritionists with a diploma in Applied Holistic Nutrition. This is recognized and approved by the Certified Nutritional Practitioners Council of Canada (CNPCC). The other certification look for is RHN which stands for Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
Here is a list of some of the courses a Holistic Nutritionist would have taken:
- Fundamentals of nutrition
- Anatomy & physiology
- Biochemistry
- Advanced nutrition research
- Herbal medicine
- Prevention of disease
- Pathology of disease
- Nutrition and the environment
- Psychology of disease
- Natural supplementation
- Holistic food preparation
Are Holistic Nutritionists Covered On Benefits Programs?
It depends which company you use, and this is constantly changing – more and more companies are starting to cover Holistic Nutritionists.
If your benefits plan is under Greenshield or Manulife, it should be covered; however, it’s typically under “Nutritional Counselling / Social Work / Counselling” and is not the same as being covered with a Registered Dietician or Registered Nutritionist. If your benefits plan is under Sunlife, Great West Life or Pacific Blue Cross, there is a chance it’s covered, but you will have to call to confirm.
The more times that you request Holistic Nutrition to be covered, the more likely this will keep expanding to be covered under more plans.
Subscribe to get healthy, delicious recipes and nutrition information by email!