Holistic nutritionist vs nutritionist: Key differences explained

Key Points

• Holistic nutritionists believe in the mind-body connection and design personalized nutrition plans that promote overall health.
• While anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or holistic nutritionist, a certified holistic nutritionist must study nutrition science and pass an exam.
• A powerful alternative is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN), who combines a holistic approach with time-tested, science-backed methods.

Food is powerful medicine that fuels the health of your body, mind, and soul. This is the core principle that guides holistic nutritionists. 

These experts blend proven nutrition science with lifestyle changes to boost energy, support a healthy weight, and promote healthier choices for lasting wellness.

But can a holistic nutritionist help you achieve your health goals? What’s the difference between a holistic nutritionist and a general nutritionist? Who is right for you? This guide can help you decide.

What is holistic nutrition?

Holistic nutrition focuses on the deep connection between mind and body. What we eat and how we eat impacts our physical and mental health. Small, strategic changes can create lasting improvements in health and mood. 

A holistic nutritionist tailors a personalized blend of whole foods based on what your body needs. 

These professionals also act as your personal health coaches, offering strategies to reduce stress, improve sleep, practice mindful eating, and help you manage food-related emotions.

What does a holistic nutritionist do?

Feeling tired all the time? Wish you had more energy for the things you love? While occasional fatigue is normal, constant sluggishness might signal a need for change. A certified holistic nutritionist may be able to help.

Alternatively, a registered dietitian who integrates holistic nutrition principles into their approach is well-qualified to help you apply science-based techniques to achieve whole-body wellness.

A certified holistic nutritionist will develop a customized holistic nutrition plan based on your:

• Health goals
• Daily diet
• Challenges and stressors in your life
• Sleep quality
• Exercise and movement patterns
• Medical history and any prescription medication you may be on.

A holistic nutritionist can also help identify and address emotional triggers that may undermine your efforts to eat more nutritious foods.

What holistic nutritionists won't do

A good certified holistic nutritionist will never recommend:

• Fad diets that are highly restrictive or non-nutritious
• Aggressive, quick-fix diets or weight loss strategies
• Eliminating several food groups
• Nutritional supplements apart from those needed to address specific nutritional deficiencies
• Outdated diet advice
• An all-or-nothing approach to nutrition
• Cookie-cutter nutrition plans.

Get your personalized holistic nutrition plan now. Use Fay to meet with a holistic nutritionist dietitian, online or in person.

What does a nutritionist do?

All holistic nutritionists are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are certified holistic nutritionists or dietitians.

A nutritionist is a blanket, catch-all term for anyone who wishes to offer nutrition-related advice. In other words, anyone can be a nutritionist; there are no qualifications or certifications. 

So, evaluating a nutritionist may be challenging because you do not have any professional qualifications to rely on.

Look for holistic nutritionists who are board-certified. To qualify, these professionals must pass an exam and attain a Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board certification.

What is the difference between a holistic nutritionist, a nutritionist, and a registered dietitian?

Key differences between a holistic nutritionist, nutritionist, and dietitian are:

• Anybody can call themselves a nutritionist or holistic nutritionist. There is no formal education or education required to be one.
• A certified holistic nutritionist is a nutritionist who gets accredited by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board after studying nutrition sciences and passing an exam.
• A Registered Dietitian is a licensed expert in nutrition and dietetics. Nowadays, many dietitians incorporate holistic nutrition into their approach.

Why a Registered Dietitian who is a holistic nutritionist may be right for you?

An excellent alternative is a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) who believes in the mind-body connection. This way, you get the best of both worlds.

According to Board-certified Registered Dietitian Rita Faycurry, RD, "A Registered Dietitian is a certified nutrition specialist. They must have advanced degrees in nutrition sciences, undergo rigorous training, gain hands-on experience under supervision, and continue to stay updated on the latest in nutrition and dietetics practices. Their practice is regulated, and they offer nutritional guidance using scientifically proven methods."

Registered dietitians are authorized to practice Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to help manage nutrition related to conditions like high blood sugar, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and eating disorders. They can also offer these services in private practice, hospitals, and other health centers.

Plus, seeing a nutritionist can get expensive without insurance. Most health plans cover registered dietitian services, but you may have to check with your insurance provider about holistic nutritionists or nutritionists.

Fay can help you find the best holistic nutritionist dietitian, covered by insurance.

What are the benefits of a holistic nutritionist?

The benefits of a holistic nutritionist or holistic dietitian are:

A diet rich in whole foods for overall health

Most holistic nutritionists emphasize fresh, whole foods and balanced meals. This type of diet restores overall health to your mind and body. While eating whole foods is the first step, the details matter. Holistic nutritionists are experts in combining the right foods in the right portions for optimal health.

Here are some examples:

• The right amount of protein at every meal can help control blood sugar levels by lowering insulin spikes. This also helps manage that dreaded post-meal crash that makes you crave sugar.
• Too much protein is not healthy, no matter what online influencers tell you. Anything eaten in excess will be stored as fat. Surplus protein, when accompanied by large amounts of saturated fats, may elevate your cholesterol. People with gout and certain nutritional deficiencies may need to limit their protein intake.
• Sugar is needed for our brains and bodies to function. Getting the right amount of sugar in whole fruit or dairy can help you balance energy levels. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), Americans get almost 17 teaspoons of sugar a day, with a majority of this being from added sugars consumed in ultraprocessed foods. Instead, whole fruit offers sugar packaged in dietary fiber, which prevents insulin spikes.

Personalized, balanced nutrition plans

A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for nutrition. This is why there are many diets available online but most people on diets fail. 

The best approach is to find a nutrition plan designed for long-term health and wellness. Holistic nutritionists learn about your history, food preferences, dietary challenges, stresses of daily life, and medical conditions (if any) and evaluate nutritional deficiencies. They also understand the emotional and cultural forces that impact how you eat.

Holistic dietitians tie all these factors together with robust nutrition science to tailor a highly personalized nutrition plan for healthy eating.

Stress reduction

Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, is released when our body feels we have to prepare for attack. It raises our heart rates and blood pressure, stimulates blood sugar release for instant energy, and increases water and sodium retention and fat storage to help us fight or flee.

While this is useful in short bursts, chronically high stress causes undesirable side effects. High levels of cortisol and stressful situations can also stimulate our appetite for sugar and fat, leading to weight gain.

Better sleep

Poor and inadequate sleep can lead to several health issues, including a higher risk of heart disease.

Our sleep quality also affects how we eat.

Studies show that when we don't get enough sleep, we tend to grab foods that offer a quick energy boost. These are often ultraprocessed packaged foods that are easy to reach out for. As a result, we tend to eat fewer whole foods, which, in turn, negatively impacts our sleep quality. It's a vicious cycle.

A holistic nutritionist can help reset your gut health and work with you to develop effective sleep routines that promote health.

Nutrition Coaching

All plans work in perfect, ideal environments. However, in life, there are tempting cookies on a co-worker's desk, tons of Halloween candy, lavish Thanksgiving dinners, and Holiday parties galore! There's also just regular life where you're exhausted, do not have the time or energy to cook, and reach for a bag of chips or cookies to relax or unwind.

How do you work with holistic nutrition principles in the real world?

To paraphrase the old saying, it's better to teach someone to fish versus giving them a fish. Holistic nutritionists provide a personalized nutrition plan and coach you on making nutritious choices for lasting health.

It's an ongoing commitment to your health by helping you understand the emotional and daily challenges that may prevent you from getting the nutrition you need.

FAQs about holistic nutritionists vs nutritionists

1. Can holistic nutritionist professionals or nutritionists prescribe medication?

No, holistic nutritionists, nutritionists, and dietitians cannot prescribe medication. However, a Registered Dietitian can help manage your health condition through personalized holistic nutrition after a diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

2. How long do holistic nutritionist sessions last?

You can meet with a holistic nutritionist as often or as little as you like. Most people prefer regular meetings once or twice a week, either online or face-to-face. The actual number of sessions may vary based on your specific conditions as well as preferences.

For example, in the beginning, most people prefer regular check-ins, either online or in person. These sessions may taper off as they get comfortable and confident in sustaining their new nutritional plans. During your first session, discuss your expectations with your dietitian nutritionist.

4. Can I meet with my holistic nutritionist online?

Yes. In fact, Fay makes it super easy to find a holistic nutritionist dietitian who accepts your insurance. All Fay dietitian nutritionists are available to meet at your convenience, even in the evening and on weekends.

5. What foods can I eat on a holistic nutrition diet?

Holistic nutrition focuses on whole foods combined together in balanced proportions for sustained physical and mental health. These nutrition plans are designed to be anti-inflammatory and are tailored to your specific health goals.

Says Faycurry RD, "Whole foods are proven to help improve your energy levels and inflammation, which leads to poor gut health, chronic conditions, stress, and sleep issues. Eating a healthy diet with whole foods can help you improve your mood and memory and alleviate certain mental health conditions."

Here are the foods you will find on a holistic diet plan:

• Whole vegetables and fruit
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats like nuts and seeds
• Lean meats (if you eat meat)
• Lifestyle changes to help reduce alcohol intake, tobacco use, binge eating, restrictive eating, stress, and improve sleep patterns.

6. What are some common holistic diet myths?

Holistic nutrition is simply a return to a well-balanced way of life. It combines ancestral and cultural wisdom with time-tested nutrition science to offer guidelines for healthy living. However, there is misinformation about this nutrition philosophy.

Holistic nutrition is not:

• A trendy diet: Holistic nutritionists will never ask you to give up entire food groups or practice extreme calorie restrictions. It’s all about learning to trust your body and eat intuitively.
• Highly restrictive: You do not have to give up your beloved pizza or your favorite cookies. You can also enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and navigate the holiday season. A holistic nutritionist will help you balance your diet while enjoying occasional treats.
• Bad for your health: A certified holistic nutritionist or holistic dietitian will focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
• Extremely difficult to practice: It may come as a surprise, but a structured, personalized holistic diet plan will give you enough nutrition and dietary fiber throughout the day. You may find cravings for salty, sugary, and fatty foods subside, and it may even be easier to get the nutrition you need.
• Rigid and inflexible: Think of holistic nutritionists as your personal health coaches. These nutrition specialists are there to help you learn to live a healthy lifestyle that works for you in the long term. If something isn't working for you, feel free to discuss it with your dietitian.
• Expensive and hard to sustain: The right holistic dietitian will customize your holistic nutrition plan based on your budget, food preferences, and the availability of foods near you.

6. What are some common holistic diet myths?

Holistic nutrition is simply a return to a well-balanced way of life. It combines ancestral and cultural wisdom with time-tested nutrition science to offer guidelines for healthy living. However, there is misinformation about this nutrition philosophy.

Holistic nutrition is not:

• A trendy diet: Holistic nutritionists will never ask you to give up entire food groups or practice extreme calorie restrictions. It’s all about learning to trust your body and eat intuitively.
• Highly restrictive: You do not have to give up your beloved pizza or your favorite cookies. You can also enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and navigate the holiday season. A holistic nutritionist will help you balance your diet while enjoying occasional treats.
• Bad for your health: A certified holistic nutritionist or holistic dietitian will focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
• Extremely difficult to practice: It may come as a surprise, but a structured, personalized holistic diet plan will give you enough nutrition and dietary fiber throughout the day. You may find cravings for salty, sugary, and fatty foods subside, and it may even be easier to get the nutrition you need.
• Rigid and inflexible: Think of holistic nutritionists as your personal health coaches. These nutrition specialists are there to help you learn to live a healthy lifestyle that works for you in the long term. If something isn't working for you, feel free to discuss it with your dietitian.
• Expensive and hard to sustain: The right holistic dietitian will customize your holistic nutrition plan based on your budget, food preferences, and the availability of foods near you.

Find a holistic nutritionist who accepts your insurance

The best way to find a certified holistic nutritionist near you is through Fay. It only takes a few clicks. Select your state and insurance provider and view all available options.

Use Fay helps you find a nutritionist who accepts your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.

Key Points

• Holistic nutritionists believe in the mind-body connection and design personalized nutrition plans that promote overall health.
• While anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or holistic nutritionist, a certified holistic nutritionist must study nutrition science and pass an exam.
• A powerful alternative is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN), who combines a holistic approach with time-tested, science-backed methods.

Food is a powerful medicine that fuels the health of your body, mind, and soul. This is the core principle that guides holistic nutritionists.

These experts blend proven nutrition science with lifestyle changes to boost energy, support a healthy weight, and promote healthier choices for lasting wellness.

But can a holistic nutritionist help you achieve your health goals? What’s the difference between a holistic nutritionist and a general nutritionist? Who is right for you? This guide can help you decide.

What is holistic nutrition?

Holistic nutrition focuses on the deep connection between mind and body. What we eat and how we eat impacts our physical and mental health. Small, strategic changes can create lasting improvements in health and mood.

A holistic nutritionist tailors a personalized blend of whole foods based on what your body needs.

These professionals also act as your personal health coaches, offering strategies to reduce stress, improve sleep, practice mindful eating, and help you manage food-related emotions.

What does a holistic nutritionist do?

Feeling tired all the time? Wish you had more energy for the things you love? While occasional fatigue is normal, constant sluggishness might signal a need for change. A certified holistic nutritionist may be able to help.

Alternatively, a registered dietitian who integrates holistic nutrition principles into their approach is well-qualified to help you apply science-based techniques to achieve whole-body wellness.

A certified holistic nutritionist will develop a customized holistic nutrition plan based on your:

• Health goals
• Daily diet
• Challenges and stressors in your life
• Sleep quality
• Exercise and movement patterns
• Medical history and any prescription medication you may be on.

A holistic nutritionist can also help identify and address emotional triggers that may undermine your efforts to eat more nutritious foods.

What holistic nutritionists won't do

A reputable certified holistic nutritionist will never recommend:

• Fad diets that are highly restrictive or non-nutritious
• Aggressive, quick-fix diets or weight loss strategies
• Eliminating several food groups
• Nutritional supplements apart from those needed to address specific nutritional deficiencies
• Outdated diet advice
• An all-or-nothing approach to nutrition
• Cookie-cutter nutrition plans.

Get your personalized holistic nutrition plan now. Use Fay to meet with a holistic nutritionist dietitian, online or in person.

What does a nutritionist do?

All holistic nutritionists are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are certified holistic nutritionists or dietitians.

The term nutritionist is a broad, catch-all designation for anyone who offers nutrition-related advice. In other words, anyone can be a nutritionist; there are no qualifications or certifications.

So, evaluating a nutritionist may be challenging because you do not have any professional qualifications to rely on.

Look for holistic nutritionists who are board-certified. To qualify, these professionals must pass an exam and attain a Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board certification.

What is the difference between a holistic nutritionist, a nutritionist, and a registered dietitian?

Key differences between a holistic nutritionist, nutritionist, and dietitian are:

• Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or holistic nutritionist, as there is no formal education or certification required.
• A certified holistic nutritionist is a nutritionist who gets accredited by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board after studying nutrition sciences and passing an exam.
• A Registered Dietitian is a licensed expert in nutrition and dietetics. Nowadays, many dietitians incorporate holistic nutrition into their approach.

Why a Registered Dietitian who is a holistic nutritionist may be right for you?

An excellent alternative is a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) who believes in the mind-body connection. This way, you get the best of both worlds.

According to Board-certified Registered Dietitian Rita Faycurry, RD, "A Registered Dietitian is a certified nutrition specialist. They must have advanced degrees in nutrition sciences, undergo rigorous training, gain hands-on experience under supervision, and continue to stay updated on the latest in nutrition and dietetics practices. Their practice is regulated, and they offer nutritional guidance using scientifically proven methods."

Registered dietitians are authorized to practice Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to help manage nutrition related to conditions like high blood sugar, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and eating disorders. They can also offer these services in private practice, hospitals, and other health centers.

Plus, seeing a nutritionist can get expensive without insurance. Most health plans cover registered dietitian services, but you may have to check with your insurance provider about holistic nutritionists or nutritionists.

*Fay can help you find the best holistic nutritionist dietitian, covered by insurance.**

What are the benefits of a holistic nutritionist?

The benefits of a holistic nutritionist or holistic dietitian are:

A diet rich in whole foods for overall health

Most holistic nutritionists prioritize fresh, whole foods and balanced meals to support overall health of both mind and body. While eating whole foods is the first step, the details matter. Holistic nutritionists are experts in combining the right foods in the right portions for optimal health.

Here are some examples:

• The right amount of protein at every meal can help control blood sugar levels by lowering insulin spikes. This also helps manage that dreaded post-meal crash that makes you crave sugar.
• Too much protein is not healthy, no matter what online influencers tell you. Anything eaten in excess will be stored as fat. Too much protein, especially when combined with large amounts of saturated fats, may elevate cholesterol. People with gout and certain nutritional deficiencies may need to limit their protein intake.
• Sugar is needed for our brains and bodies to function. Getting the right amount of sugar in whole fruit or dairy can help you balance energy levels. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), Americans get almost 17 teaspoons of sugar a day, with a majority of this being from added sugars consumed in ultraprocessed foods. Instead, whole fruit offers sugar packaged in dietary fiber, which prevents insulin spikes.

Personalized, balanced nutrition plans

A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for nutrition. This is why there are many diets available online but most people on diets fail.

The best approach is to find a nutrition plan designed for long-term health and wellness. Holistic nutritionists learn about your history, food preferences, dietary challenges, stresses of daily life, and medical conditions (if any) and evaluate nutritional deficiencies. They also understand the emotional and cultural forces that impact how you eat.

Holistic dietitians tie all these factors together with robust nutrition science to tailor a highly personalized nutrition plan for healthy eating.

Stress reduction

Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, is released when our body feels we have to prepare for attack. It raises our heart rates and blood pressure, stimulates blood sugar release for instant energy, and increases water and sodium retention and fat storage to help us fight or flee.

While this is useful in short bursts, chronically high stress causes undesirable side effects. High levels of cortisol and stressful situations can also stimulate our appetite for sugar and fat, leading to weight gain.

Better sleep

Poor and inadequate sleep can lead to several health issues, including a higher risk of heart disease.

Our sleep quality also affects how we eat.

Studies show that lack of sleep increases cravings for quick-energy foods. These are often ultraprocessed packaged foods that are easy to reach out for. As a result, we tend to eat fewer whole foods, which, in turn, negatively impacts our sleep quality. It's a vicious cycle.

A holistic nutritionist can help reset your gut health and work with you to develop effective sleep routines that promote health.

Nutrition Coaching

All plans work in perfect, ideal environments. However, in life, there are tempting cookies on a co-worker's desk, tons of Halloween candy, lavish Thanksgiving dinners, and Holiday parties galore! There's also just regular life where you're exhausted, do not have the time or energy to cook, and reach for a bag of chips or cookies to relax or unwind.

How can you apply holistic nutrition principles in everyday life??

To paraphrase the old saying, it's better to teach someone to fish versus giving them a fish. Holistic nutritionists not only provide a personalized plan but also coach you on making sustainable, nutritious choices.

It's an ongoing commitment to your health by helping you understand the emotional and daily challenges that may prevent you from getting the nutrition you need.

FAQs about holistic nutritionists vs nutritionists

1. Can holistic nutritionist professionals or nutritionists prescribe medication?

No, holistic nutritionists, nutritionists, and dietitians cannot prescribe medication. However, a Registered Dietitian can help manage your health condition through personalized nutrition following a diagnosis from a healthcare provide

2. How long do holistic nutritionist sessions last?

You can meet with a holistic nutritionist as often or as little as you like. Most people prefer regular meetings once or twice a week, either online or face-to-face. The actual number of sessions may vary based on your specific conditions as well as preferences.

For example, in the beginning, most people prefer regular check-ins, either online or in person. These sessions may taper off as they get comfortable and confident in sustaining their new nutritional plans. During your first session, discuss your expectations with your dietitian nutritionist.

4. Can I meet with my holistic nutritionist online?

Yes. In fact, Fay makes it super easy to find a holistic nutritionist dietitian who accepts your insurance. All Fay dietitian nutritionists are available to meet at your convenience, even in the evening and on weekends.

5. What foods can I eat on a holistic nutrition diet?

Holistic nutrition focuses on whole foods combined together in balanced proportions for sustained physical and mental health. These nutrition plans are designed to be anti-inflammatory and are tailored to your specific health goals.

Says Faycurry RD, "Whole foods are proven to help improve your energy levels and inflammation, which leads to poor gut health, chronic conditions, stress, and sleep issues. Eating a healthy diet with whole foods can help you improve your mood and memory and alleviate certain mental health conditions."

Here are the foods you will find on a holistic diet plan:

• Whole vegetables and fruit
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats like nuts and seeds
• Lean meats (if you eat meat)
• Lifestyle changes to help reduce alcohol intake, tobacco use, binge eating, restrictive eating, stress, and improve sleep patterns.

6. What are some common holistic diet myths?

Holistic nutrition is simply a return to a well-balanced way of life. It combines ancestral and cultural wisdom with time-tested nutrition science to offer guidelines for healthy living. However, there is misinformation about this nutrition philosophy.

Holistic nutrition is not:

• A trendy diet: Holistic nutritionists will never ask you to give up entire food groups or practice extreme calorie restrictions. It’s all about learning to trust your body and eat intuitively.
• Highly restrictive: You do not have to give up your beloved pizza or your favorite cookies. You can also enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and navigate the holiday season. A holistic nutritionist will help you balance your diet while enjoying occasional treats.
• Bad for your health: A certified holistic nutritionist or holistic dietitian will focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
• Extremely difficult to practice: It may come as a surprise, but a structured, personalized holistic diet plan will give you enough nutrition and dietary fiber throughout the day. You may find cravings for salty, sugary, and fatty foods subside, and it may even be easier to get the nutrition you need.
• Rigid and inflexible: Think of holistic nutritionists as your personal health coaches. These nutrition specialists are there to help you learn to live a healthy lifestyle that works for you in the long term. If something isn't working for you, feel free to discuss it with your dietitian.
• Expensive and hard to sustain: The right holistic dietitian will customize your holistic nutrition plan based on your budget, food preferences, and the availability of foods near you.

Find a holistic nutritionist who accepts your insurance

The best way to find a certified holistic nutritionist near you is through Fay. It only takes a few clicks. Select your state and insurance provider and view all available options.

Use Fay helps you find a nutritionist who accepts your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.