What is a Holistic Nutritionist?

What is a Holistic Nutritionist? Good question! A Holistic Nutritionist is a dedicated, trained professional who uses a natural, science-based approach to health – an approach where each individual is considered unique. Holistic Nutrition recognizes the importance of addressing a person as a whole (body, mind and spirit) to allow for optimal health and vibrancy. Holistic Nutrition focuses on determining the root cause of different health conditions – treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms.

The main role of a Holistic Nutritionist is one of education. Holistic Nutritionists take relevant, up-to-date nutrition information and make it accessible, tangible and easy to put into practice. They also seek to empower clients to take ownership of their health and healing – to become an advocate for their own well-being.

How Can a Holistic Nutritionist Help?

A Holistic Nutritionist evaluates a client’s health status through a comprehensive review of their health history and targeted diet & lifestyle questionnaires. Symptoms are reviewed and root causes considered. Based on the information obtained, a Holistic Nutritionist will create a personalized a wellness plan and/or meal plan to address any nutritional imbalances through changes in diet & lifestyle. Natural supplements and therapeutic foods may also be recommended. Holistic Nutritionists provide coaching and support as people implement diet & lifestyle changes.

Are Holistic Nutritionists Certified?

Although Holistic Nutritionists are not yet government-regulated in Canada, they are certified by accredited schools and backed by professional associations. These professional associations uphold high educational standards while providing strict codes of ethics to their members.

During the certification process, Holistic Nutritionists complete courses such as: anatomy & physiology, nutritional pathology, biochemistry, chemistry, cellular biology, disease prevention, symptomatology, nutritional research, sports nutrition, allergies, endocrinology, alternative & comparative diets, eco-nutrition and nutrition throughout the lifecycle.

Why Invest in a Holistic Nutritionist?

Investing in the services of a Holistic Nutritionist is an investment in yourself. Holistic Nutritionists provide clients with simplified nutrition information, lifestyle recommendations and the strategies to implement them into daily life. They not only educate their clients, but empower and equip them with the tools they need to lead a vibrant, healthy life. Holistic Nutritionists provide accountability and ongoing coaching & support to ensure clients can meet their personal health & wellness goals.

A Holistic Nutritionist can be an integral member of your health care team! Holistic Nutritionists often work in conjunction with other health practitioners such as family doctors, naturopathic doctors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, athletic therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists to provide well-rounded care and support.

Will My Insurance Cover Your Services?

As the fields of Holistic Nutrition and Natural Nutrition continues to develop, more and more insurance companies are covering the services of Holistic Nutritionists – especially in Canada. Whether or not the services are covered depends on which insurance company you use and what is included in your policy. Be sure to look for an indication of coverage in your insurance plan under “Nutritional Counselling/Nutritionists” – which is not the same as being covered by a Registered Dietitian (a different service). If you have a “health spending account”, you are likely covered. Contact your insurance provider to to be on the safe side.

What Conditions Can Holistic Nutritionists Help With?

Holistic Nutritionists are qualified to assist in addressing the nutritional imbalances that may be contributing to issues such as: fatigue, insomnia, blood sugar imbalances, weight gain & weight loss, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic constipation or diarrhea, acid reflux, bloating, gall stones fatty liver disease, mood disorders, thyroid conditions, food allergies & sensitivities, weakened immune systems, arthritis, skin conditions, auto-immune diseases and reproductive conditions.

Who Do I Help?

While I am certified to help individuals with a variety of conditions, I specialize in assisting women experiencing reproductive health issues such as: premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, adenomyosis, cystic breasts, uterine fibroids, infertility and irregular or absent periods. I also focus on assisting women navigate transitional times such as perimenopause and menopause naturally.

Will I Have To Eat A Specific Diet?

I strongly believe that the key to optimal, sustained health is following a diet that suits your biology and fits your lifestyle. There is no such thing as a diet that is right for everyone. There are certain principles that I teach all of my clients, but we tailor them to fit their personal needs and preferences. Although I follow a plant-based diet, I do not require my clients do the same. Depending on the conditions being address, I may recommend a therapeutic diet such as Low FODMAPs or GAPS be followed for a specified period of time (not long term).

What Kind of Recipes Do You Provide?

Good food is my passion! I truly believe that eating well does not mean you need to lose flavour. Food is meant to be enjoyed! Food shouldn’t be complicated, nor require expensive, obscure ingredients or a ton of different gadgets. When providing my clients meal plans, I focus on recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less, contain less than 10 ingredients and are as flavourful as they are nourishing. Although I may introduce some new foods to clients such as quinoa or chia seeds, I do so in a tangible & delicious way.

What Equipment Do You Recommend Clients Have?

A few items that I recommend be in every healthy chef’s kitchen are: a good chef’s knife for slicing & dicing, a high-speed blender for making smoothies, soups and sauces, a 6 or 8 cup food processor, a few baking sheets, a good-quality saucepan and some mason jars (in different sizes) with lids. Painter’s tape & a sharpie are also great to have on hand for labelling food.

Do You Offer One-on-One Appointments in Person or Online?

Both! I know that life can get busy and it’s not always easy to meet for an in-person appointment. For this reason, I am happy to offer consultations through an online video platform such as Zoom or by telephone in addition to in-person consults.

Do You Only See Clients in Winnipeg?

As I am able to provide one-on-one consultations through the online video platform Zoom, I consult with individuals throughout the world.

How Can I Book An Appointment?

If you’d like to learn how I can help guide, support and empower you to live your best, healthful life – please contact me to book a free 15 minute clarity call. I’d love to hear from you.

All photos by my amazing friend & photographer Jamie Mandap.