What is Holistic Nutrition?

Holistic nutrition is a comprehensive science-based approach founded on unique attributes relating to the body, mind and spirit and how food and lifestyle affect these attributes. It recognizes that everyone is unique, and facilitates optimal health, by recognizing the specific needs for each individual. Holistic nutrition not only reviews when, what and how we like to eat, but also stress, sleep, exercise, mood and how these interact for the overall health of the individual.

Overall Fundamentals of Holistic Nutrition

Nutrition

Food that are nutrient dense, that are in their natural state or minimally processed so they are close to their natural state. Foods rich in essential nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and that support overall health. Complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean proteins to provide the building blocks to support your health. Also, holistic nutrition does not eliminate a food group or restrict diet unless there is a reason to make these changes. It provides a variety of foods to meet the nutritional needs of any nutrition protocol for each unique individual.
Everyone is unique, we are diverse beings from race, gender and age to medical conditions, lifestyle and personal preferences. Holistic nutrition reviews this information when creating an individualized nutrition protocol. Each individuals unique requirements is met to support overall health and increase the chance staying committed to this life change.
Emphasis on organic and/or locally-sourced foods, are typically more nutrient dense (as they do not travel as far or the soil that grows the food healthier and more nutrient dense) and sustainable than what is typically purchased at the grocery store. Shopping at the local farmers market allows you to purchase the most nutrient dense and freshest food. In addition to the great quality food, you get to know the local farmers and can learn how they grow their food, how they maintain the soil and how long it is from the moment the food is harvested to when you purchase it.
Mindfully eating a meal, being present and focus on eating to know when you are full or thirsty. Also allows a person to notice the flavours of the food and how it makes them feel. Improves our relationship with food from something you need to eat to something you want to eat, creating that healthy relationship with food. It also improves our relationship with family as eating together, allows the time to acknowledge each other’s days and connect on a personal level.

Stress Management

Reviewing the stress level of an individual. Being unique individuals, stress affects everyone differently. Providing healthy ways to work through stress benefits overall health. Journalling, yoga, meditation, going for walks in nature, talking to someone and other stress management tools should be encouraged to benefit and support overall health.

Exercise Routine

Exercise is an important factor in maintaining health. Being unique individuals, exercise is viewed differently. Supporting a client into starting a movement program, walking the stairs in a house, to walking the street or providing the nutrients an individual needs for a cross-fit program. Starting a movement program or maintaining one benefits an individual’s overall health, and also supports stress management.

Sleep Routine

Sleep plays a key role in our overall health. Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern, going to bed at the same time each night, to getting up at the same time each day benefits an individual’s health. Everyone is unique, some people can sleep less than 8 hours a day, some need more. Finding an individual sleep requirement and then creating a healthy sleep schedule and supporting the sleep schedule with a healthy bedtime routine will promote health.

A holistic nutritionist will use nutrition, stress management, movement (exercise) and a sleep program to support and encourage healthy moods for everyone. Using these building blocks in incremental stages to build the skills required to change old habits and create new healthy habits to support overall health.

Health Benefits of Holistic Nutrition

By consuming nutrient dense food, blood sugar levels are stabilized, leading to steady energy levels all day and decreased cravings.
By consuming nutrient dense foods, building blocks required for hormone balance are received, supporting hormone health.
Improve sleep by creating habits related to healthier evening routine like yoga, limit screen time, no caffeine, sugary foods or alcohol and create a bedtime routine.
Improved health from increasing or maintaining movement programs, which support stress management, weight loss, muscle growth, balance, improved sleep
and improved bowel movements.
Improved gut health by increasing fibre and probiotic consumption. Also review for allergies, sensitivities and any other gut imbalances. Stress management is also
reviewed to support overall digestion.
Promote mental well-being by consuming foods rich in omega 3’s, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and vitamins to support brain health and improve mood.
Improve immunity by consuming nutrient dense foods to supply the vitamins required for a strong immune system and to support gut health to decrease inflammation.
Improved stress management by providing the tool kit needed to review stress. Tools like journalling, gardening, walks, talking to friends and/or exercise. Provide tools that are easy to use and implement.
Holistic nutrition supports attaining a healthy weight by providing the nutrient dense foods to decrease cravings, support hormone health and, helps keep you feeling full longer with higher levels of protein and fibre. It encourages daily movement (walking, yoga, body weight, etc.) and creates a positive relationship with food through mindful eating.
Holistic nutrition encourages hydration as it is critical to our mental, physical and spiritual well-being. It aids in digestion, detoxification, blood flow, healthy skin, and brain function. Best sources of water are spring, mineral and filtered.

Holistic nutrition is not a fad diet. It is not a quick fix to an imbalance in the body. It is a lifestyle change that requires a person to commit to a new way of thinking about food and overall health. It promotes a balanced body, mind and spirit, and is built on the premise that everyone is unique. Support comes from consuming whole foods and staying hydrated. Proponents of holistic nutrition learn to mindfully eat, reduce stress, move during the day, get proper sleep and take care of their spirit (journal, practice yoga) to improve overall health. Holistic nutrition is more than simply food, it is also support for lifestyle goals leading to improve health and vitality.