Have you had a chat with you doctor where they have told you that you need to change your diet. Or you read an article about vitamins that can have a profound effect on your health? Or you just got over a nasty flu and wish your immune system was stronger. Or, maybe, it is as simple was getting home from work and going, “What am I going to have for dinner that is healthy?”. This is where a holistic nutrition coach can support you.
What is a Holistic Nutrition Coach?
I graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN), and I am Certified in Holistic Nutrition (C.H.N.) with a Diploma in Natural Nutrition. There are several holistic nutrition programs and schools in Canada. There is The Institute of Holistic Nutrition (IHN), Pacific Rim College (School of Holistic Nutrition), and several online programs. I can only speak to my experience at CSNN, my experience at the school. The different schools and programs will have different lengths and are certified differently.
Graduates from the different schools will have different professional titles and, in each province, we can have different professional titles. In Alberta I can go by Certified in Holistic Nutrition (C.H.N.) or by Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant (C.H.N.C.). In several other provinces in Canada Registered Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.) is the professional title.
As a graduate of CSNN, I follow a Code of Ethics and a Scope of practice for CSNN Graduates.
“The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition has as its mission the education of the individual in the principles of holistic health care and the principles of natural nutrition, to further the well-being of people and the healing of planet Earth.” – Code of Ethics for CSNN Graduates.
What exactly does a Holistic Nutrition Coach do?
Being a professional Certified in Holistic Nutrition, and as a graduate of CSNN, I follow a Scope of Practice. This scope of practice outlines everything I am able to do as a professional Certified in Holistic Nutrition. The basics of this scope of practice are: I use science and evidence based tools to support clients towards achieving overall health goals. I view each individual as unique; I bring an awareness to the interrelationship of mind, body and spirit and the importance of the interrelationship. I advocate for the use of whole, locally grown and organic food. I support local farmers that use sustainable farming practices, as this provides nutrient dense foods. I encourage the use of non-toxic cleaning products and personal use products (soap, body wash, toothpaste, etc). I will not diagnose, prevent, treat, cure or heal, as this is out of my scope of practice. I may recommend supplementation but only to supplement whole and nutritious foods. Communicate respectfully with my clients, work with them in a positive and cooperative manner and acknowledge their choices, we are all unique. Work in a positive manner and accept the unique contributions of other health care providers working with my clients. Acknowledge they have a skill set that also supports the clients health and working together can support our clients health and lifestyle goals.
The main services a CSNN graduate can provide are:
- Document goals, needs, and plans
- Evaluate food selection (where and what you buy), preparation (cooking skills and equipment), and intake (what you eat and how much you eat)
- Review lifestyle (movement, sleep, stress levels and habits) and how that affects overall well being
- Review current supplements (brands and type of supplements)
- Identify nutritional imbalances and lifestyle habits without diagnosing and/or directly ordering labs as this is outside of my scope of practice
- Work with other healthcare professionals that support your health, when applicable, to support your nutrition and lifestyle
- Create a wellness program to support overall health and to achieve goals; includes using nutrient dense whole foods, menu plans, excellent supplements (if needed) and lifestyle modifications, including environmentally friendly personal and household products
- Provide educational support in the areas of food labels, shopping tips, andmeal preparation
- Support by implementing a long term personal health plan, to meet goals, needs and plans
- Provide holistic nutritional education to support goals
- Create accountability and provide support and encouragement on your health journey
- Provide support to the community by educating the public and healthcare professionals
- Support healthy communication in schools, workplaces and community agencies about holistic nutrition
- Where appropriate, educate other professions in the philosophy of holistic nutrition, displaying our knowledge and principles
A holistic nutrition coach can work with a single individual, with a family or a group of people. But in all of these situations they must remember that each individual is unique and those unique qualities need to be met. Holistic nutrition coaches can also run workshops, classes and fun programs for large groups of people.
