Definition: Holistic Nutritionist

Registered Holistic Nutritionists/Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultants (RHNs) are professionals trained in Natural Nutrition and complementary therapies, whose principal function is to educate about the benefits and health impact of optimal nutrition.

Mainstream medicine in general does not emphasize the significance of poor nutrition as a major cause of a wide range of health disorders. Although most people are aware of the benefits of sound nutrition, the range of conflicting information available to the consumer is often confusing.

RHN services consists of the assessment of dietary intake and the identification of areas where change or additional attention is needed. Our primary duties are to diagnose any problems and/or areas for improvement, supply all necessary information and education material and to provide ongoing support for each client throughout assisting in all dietary changes and ensuring that the required change is maintained.

Many clients are not just trying to lose weight, but have illnesses such as cancer or diabetes, while many others face disorders including anorexia and bulimia. Overall, RHN’s help a wide variety of patients and different ailments.

We also work with many other health care providers including doctors, nurses, long term care providers, psychology professionals, health and nutrition educators and more to identify changes needed to improve the lives of their patients. The following areas of study are used by nearly all nutrition counselors throughout their assessment and treatment of patients:

• Assessment of Dietary Habits
• Body Weight & Body Mass Index Assessment
• Identification of Changes Needed & Changes Possible
• Identification of Any & All Barriers to Change
• Identification & Setting of Goals
• Creation of Support System
• Maintenance of All Changes & Continued Treatment
• Recommendations of Changes To Whole Food Habits

Overall, RHN’s work with clients to identify and help correct the nutritional causes of diseases, and they are qualified to design personalized diet and lifestyle programs that optimize health and long term well being.

Source: Canadian School of Natural Nutrition