Holistic Nutrition is looking at ourselves as one whole entity. Mind, body, and spirit. Mental health, physical health, and spiritual health are all connected. So we must approach our healing in a way that focuses on all three of those aspects.
There are many different ways to approach holistic nutrition. There are lots of layers and aspects to this type of healing. Finding the root cause of the problem and healing that, rather than treating symptoms is a big part of holistic health. Getting back to what is natural and using what mother earth has provided us with to do some of this healing also plays a large role. For example, eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables to get in a lot of our important nutrients. Supplementation is also a big part of initial nutritional protocols because sometimes our bodies need some extra help at the beginning of our healing journeys. Eventually the goal is to get all your nutrients from foods. Herbal medicine is a category that also falls under holistic nutrition, using the healing benefits of plants to help aid in your journey. Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient style of Indian medicine that can also be an approach some nutritionists take. This is when you eat for your Dosha, which is your Ayurvedic body type. Chinese medicine is also an approach some nutritionists refer to. Most nutritionists will incorporate a little bit of everything to create the perfect protocol for you! In holistic nutrition, we tend to look at whats going on in the gut and digestive organs, blood sugar management, how the endocrine systems seem to be functioning, micronutrient imbalances, sleep, stress management and more! Stress is the number one cause of chronic illness and disease. So, finding a good balance in life is very important and a holistic nutritionist can help you with that!
In the initial consultation with a nutritionist, lots of questions will be asked. It is important to find a practitioner you trust and feel comfortable with because they will be getting kind of personal in these sessions. There will usually be a questionnaire that you fill out as well, that when inputted into a computer program, can help the nutritionist determine which endocrine system and micronutrient imbalances you may have. There are many ways to get to the root cause of your health concerns like symptomatology, diet diaries, elimination diets, questionnaires, etc.
When creating a nutritional protocol for you, a holistic nutritionist will provide you with information on all the things I discussed in the previous paragraphs, diet, food, supplementation, how and why to consume certain things, as well as what and why not to. A holistic nutritionist will also assess other aspects of your life like mental health, stress, sleep, exercise and activities, work, relationships, etc. They will provide you with lifestyle changes and recommendations to help you create a life that is not just better for you physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.
Usually a nutritional protocol lasts for 8 weeks. Holistic nutrition is a great and healthy approach to healing but it can take more time to notice more drastic results. It doesn’t happen over night. Patience is definitely a practice that needs to be used as you begin to transform your life in this way. It takes time for your body to adjust, to break old habits and build new ones. After the initial consultation, your nutritionist will see you for a follow up where they will give you your protocol, go over it with you and answer any questions you may have. This protocol will have an assessment of what may be going on in your body to help you better understand why it is they are providing you with these suggestions, lifestyle changes, food and diet recommendations, supplementation, and anything else your nutritionist feels is important to add in for your specific needs and journey. You will most likely have another follow up half way through the protocol to see how you are feeling and make any changes if necessary. You will definitely have a follow up appointment after the 8 weeks to have another assessment. Your nutritionist may keep you on the same protocol or create a new, updated one for you to live by moving forward for another 8 weeks if you choose to continue working with them. They will be there to support you through this journey the whole way through.
Working with a holistic nutritionist can be life changing. When you choose to take this path you know you are making changes that will last a life time. Creating a life that will be healthy and strong for you as you move forward through each chapter. Unlike other methods that sometimes just temporarily mask the real issue, holistic nutrition will help you get to the root and heal you from the inside out so you can thrive. You will learn so much about your body, food, and life. You will learn how to best take care of yourself and get yourself to a point of optimal health. This way of life can also be a form a preventative health care. Preventing you from developing any chronic health issues in the future. Set yourself up for happiness and success by embarking on this journey with a holistic nutritionist.