What is a holistic nutritionist? Everything you need to know

Key Points

• A holistic nutritionist integrates all aspects of your physical health, lifestyle changes, and mental health, with a focus on overall health.
• Registered dietitians who practice holistic nutrition use proven, natural methods to offer sound advice rooted in nutrition science.
• Get an individualized holistic nutrition plan made just for you for optimal health.

Holistic nutrition is about much more than what's on your plate. 

Holistic nutritionists connect food, stress, sleep, and other lifestyle factors to your emotional well-being.

This approach to nutrition has roots in many cultures and has gained popularity among Americans in recent years. Many people seek holistic nutritionists for overall health or to address issues like chronic fatigue, low energy, or inflammation.

However, myths persist. 

Some believe that holistic nutrition is a new-age fad or based on unproven methods. In reality, many registered dietitian nutritionists combine clinical nutrition with holistic principles, focusing on whole foods and a healthy lifestyle to create personalized, lasting health plans.

What is holistic nutrition?

Holistic nutrition focuses on nourishing the body with whole foods while avoiding processed foods.

The field looks at the bigger picture, considering how all areas of life connect to our well-being. This includes the physical, mental, and emotional aspects.

This approach doesn’t only focus on natural foods as fuel. It recognizes how every aspect of your life can influence your health. 

A holistic nutrition professional can enhance overall health and well-being by addressing various health concerns through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

For instance, did you know that over 90% of your body’s serotonin, the feel-good hormone, is produced in the gut? An imbalance in your digestive system can affect your mental health, worsening anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. The right diet can help ease these symptoms.

Think of it like caring for a plant. A plant needs more than water to thrive; it requires sunlight, healthy soil, the right nutrients, and regular care to grow. Your body works the same way. It needs a balance of nutrition, mental wellness, and a healthy environment to flourish. Most holistic nutritionists aim to bring these elements together with a healthy diet at the root of your wellness.

This holistic approach can also include specific diets, like Ayurveda, a Vegan diet, anti-inflammatory diet plans, or ancestral foods. It’s all about what works for you.

What does a holistic nutritionist do?

Holistic nutritionists take a whole-body approach to health, focusing on how all aspects of your well-being interact. 

They go beyond creating meal plans by considering how your diet, lifestyle, and emotional health work together to support overall wellness. 

Here’s a closer look at what they do:

• Develop personalized nutrition plans: Holistic nutritionists design nutrition plans tailored to your specific needs, taking into account the connections between your physical, emotional, and mental health, and health history.
• Focus on whole-body wellness: They address how factors like stress, sleep, and healthy habits impact your well-being, in addition to providing nutritional advice.
• Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods: A 2024 review in the British Medical Journal looked at 45 studies involving nearly 10 million people. It found that ultraprocessed foods are linked to a higher risk of death. They are also tied to 32 health problems, including heart disease, mental health issues, and type 2 diabetes. Holistic nutritionists encourage whole, nutrient-dense, healthy food that helps nourish the body and promote gut health.
• Boost the mind-body connection: Studies show that whole foods are linked to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. As a result, holistic nutritionists focus on how your physical health affects your mental and emotional health.
• Provide tools for stress and emotional balance: To enhance your mind-body health, holistic nutritionists may suggest strategies like journaling, mindfulness, and stress management techniques.
• Nutrition coaching: Holistic nutritionists help you develop a better understanding of your body’s natural hunger cues and foster a healthier relationship with food. They aim to educate and empower you to make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle.
• Offer support for long-term health: No quick fixes or fad diets here. Holistic nutritionists approach health by focusing on creating lasting change. They can help you make more nutritious choices, understand the emotional reasons why you eat, bust diet myths, and help you manage food cravings that may derail your best intentions.

Working with a holistic nutritionist offers you a comprehensive approach to health. This approach addresses the interconnectedness of various health aspects, such as mindset and nutrition. 

Holistic nutritionists provide tailored nutritional counseling services to support optimal health and well-being.

Use Fay to meet a holistic nutritionist who takes your insurance.

What are the benefits of holistic nutrition?

 Holistic nutrition can help you:

• Lose weight
• Improve gut health by addressing issues like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux
• Boost energy levels
• Improve sleep quality
• Reduce chronic stress
• Strengthen immunity
• Address nutrient deficiencies
• Manage pregnancy nutrition and balance hormones for PCOS, menopause, and insulin resistance
• Control blood pressure and lower blood sugar
• Manage side effects of prescription medications
• Fight binge eating urges, ‘food noise,’ and carb cravings

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

The main difference between a holistic nutritionist and a registered dietitian (RD) lies in their education, credentials, and approach. Today, many dietitians blend evidence-based nutrition science with holistic practices to offer a well-rounded approach to health.

Registered dietitians use medical nutrition therapy to manage specific health issues, emphasizing their role in medically necessary symptom management.

Registered dietitian nutritionists

Registered dietitians must complete an advanced degree in nutrition and dietetics, gain over a thousand hours of supervised experience, and pass a national exam. Their work is regulated and focuses on evidence-based methods to help manage health conditions like weight management, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, and heart disease.

Holistic nutritionists

Holistic nutritionists focus on the connection between food, a healthy lifestyle, and overall wellness. They build a strong foundation in nutrition and may complete university-level programs along with specialized courses in holistic health.

To become board-certified, they must pass an exam from the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board. This credential verifies their ability to provide personalized, whole-body wellness plans.

Is a holistic nutritionist right for you?

How do you know if a holistic nutritionist is right for you? The best way to know is to evaluate your beliefs surrounding nutrition.

Here are some questions to get you started:

1. Do you believe in the power of food as medicine and the deep connection between mind and body?
2. Are you open to making lifestyle changes for lasting health, including stress reduction, exercise, and mental wellness activities like journaling?
3. Are you interested in adding more whole, unprocessed vegetables, fruit, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet?
4. Would you like to learn how to read your body’s natural hunger cues and satiety cues and respond to them intuitively?
5. Are you curious about how certain food combinations can boost nutrient absorption? For instance, adding a squeeze of lemon to your spinach salad can enhance iron absorption. Similarly, combining turmeric and black pepper can help lower inflammation.

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you may benefit from holistic nutrition services from a holistic nutritionist or holistic dietitian.

Book a virtual or in-person session with a Fay holistic nutritionist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are holistic nutritionists covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for holistic nutritionists varies based on your provider and health plan. Check with your insurer to confirm your coverage. Alternatively, consider a Registered Dietitian who takes a holistic approach to nutrition, as most health plans cover dietitian services.

2. What is a holistic diet?

A holistic diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods to nourish both body and mind. It’s based on the idea that everything in the body is connected, and what you eat affects your energy, mood, sleep, and overall health.

Studies show that whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are linked to improved mental health, while processed foods are often tied to inflammation and low energy.

Rather than restrictive rules, an integrative nutrition holistic approach focuses on individual needs and mindful choices. The focus is on building a healthy relationship with food and recognizing its impact on your overall wellness.

3. What foods are part of a holistic diet?

A holistic diet is defined by a focus on:

• Whole vegetables
• Whole fruit
• Healthy fats like nuts and seeds
• Lean, unprocessed meat
• Healthy habits that include regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and lower stress.

Your holistic diet can be plant-based, vegan, or include lean meats and seafood, depending on your preference. A holistic nutritionist works closely with you to create a personalized holistic nutrition plan that works best for you.

4. Can you lose weight with a holistic diet?

A diet rich in refined carbs, sugar, and salt leads to bloat and weight gain. While weight loss isn’t the primary focus of a holistic diet, eating whole foods, balancing your plate, eating mindfully, and lowering your stress levels can help you lose weight naturally.

Additionally, addressing the emotional reasons behind your eating can help you nourish your body with the right nutrients and relax around food.

5. How often should you meet with a holistic nutritionist for best results?

During your first session, you and your holistic nutritionist will discuss your health goals, preferences, and meeting schedule. Most people meet their holistic dietitian once or twice a week. Over time, these sessions typically taper off based on your progress.

6. How can you find a certified holistic nutritionist near you?

The easiest way to find a certified holistic nutritionist near you is through Fay. Simply select your state and insurance provider to view available options nearby. Plus, all Fay nutritionists offer virtual meetings, so you can connect with your preferred expert, regardless of zip code.

Use Fay to 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.