
29 Feb What is a holistic nutritionist?
“Titles abound” and many people search for holistic nutritionists. As always, we want to emphasize “nutritionist” is not a regulated term, so anyone can, technically, call themselves a holistic nutritionist.
As dietitian nutritionists, we do, however, believe in holistic nutrition practices.
What does that mean?
What is holistic nutrition?
Our dietitian nutritionists practice holistic nutrition. This means we take into account the whole person – their environment, health history, genetics, emotional state, lifestyle, eating behaviors, family traditions – everything that influences their nutrition choices, nutrition status, and well-being.
There is no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan! That’s junk science and fad diets. We take evidence-backed science and put it into practice to provide individualized diet plans, nutrition interventions, and medical nutrition therapy to help our patients reach their wellness goals.
What are holistic nutrition guidelines?
As dietitians who work with patients to improve their health status with holistic nutrition interventions, we follow these guidelines:
- Whole, Natural Foods: We emphasize a diet with minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are high-fiber options that provide you with essential nutrients.
- Variety and Balance: The more variety you eat, the healthier you are. Holistic nutrition practices emphasize a diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients. Balance your meals to include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in appropriate proportions. Pile up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Likewise, think color! The more colorful your plate, the healthier (reds, blues, purples, greens, yellows, and orange). This, of course, excludes highly processed neon varieties.
- Quality Over Quantity: Food is culture and tradition. Channel your inner Julia Child and enjoy your meals. Focus on the quality of the food you eat rather than strictly counting calories. When possible, choose organic and locally sourced foods, as they tend to be higher in nutrients and free from harmful chemicals. Another tip is to vary your fruits and vegetables. This reduces the amount of toxins you ingest, as each fruit and vegetable usually is sprayed or treated with certain pesticides, fertilizers etc. By introducing variety, you spread them around a bit.
- Hydration: Drink up! Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Set a water alarm. Keep a pitcher of water with lemon or orange slices in the fridge. Steer clear of sugary beverages and make water your mainstay. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, detoxification, and overall health.
- Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Pay attention to your plate and the flavors, textures, and sensations of the food you consume. Make your meals an event – no matter how big or small. Turn off the TV. Stop scrolling. Enjoy a meal at the table, with a napkin on your lap.
- Digestive Health: Support optimal digestion by eating slowly, chewing your food thoroughly. Include gut-healthy snacks and meals. Fiber-rich foods also promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Get your prebiotics and probiotics to kick in and promote digestion.
- Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that promote gut health by colonizing the intestine, competing with harmful bacteria, and modulating the immune response. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
- Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for probiotic bacteria, helping them thrive and multiply in the gut. Sources include chicory root, onions, garlic, bananas, and oats.
- Individualized Approach: This is a critical piece of holistic nutrition. We recognize that everyone’s nutritional needs are unique and may vary based on factors such as age, gender, genetics, activity level, and health status. Our job is to tailor a diet plan to meet your individual needs and preferences.
- Lifestyle Factors: Diet isn’t the only thing that affects digestive health and overall nutrition. We consider lifestyle factors that impact nutrition and overall health, such as stress management, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and healthy relationships. When we work with our patients, identifying triggers and stress factors are key. Together, we will develop strategies to strive for balance in all areas of your life to promote holistic well-being.
- Environmental Awareness: Sustainable choices that support both personal and planetary health are tenets of holistic nutrition. Nutrition education is a big part of our program, and we are all mindful of the environmental impact our food choices make.
We promote holistic nutrition in our practice, working with each patient to meet their unique needs, implement individualized diet plans, and promote mindfulness and intuitive eating. We believe nutrition is the cornerstone of wellness.
We look forward to working with you.
Improve Gut Health with These Snack Ideas
Yogurt Parfait with Berries and Granola:
- Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt (probiotic)
- Mixed berries (prebiotic)
- Granola
- Instructions:
- Layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola in a glass or bowl.
- Repeat the layers until the container is filled.
- Enjoy this nutritious and refreshing parfait as a snack or light meal.
Manchego Cheese and Fig Crostini:
- Ingredients:
- Sliced baguette or crusty bread
- Manchego cheese, thinly sliced (probiotic)
- Fresh figs, sliced (prebiotic)
- Honey
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the baguette into thin rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
- Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and crispy.
- Remove the toasted bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Top each toasted bread slice with a thin slice of Manchego cheese.
- Add a slice of fresh fig on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle a little honey over each crostini.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant and flavorful snack that combines the richness of Manchego cheese with the sweetness of fresh figs and honey.