What is a Registered Holisitic Nutritionist (RHN)?
A holistic nutritionist works on the body as a whole (mind, body and spirit) and helps each client individually by addressing their personal health concerns and nutritional imbalances.  Holistic practitioners are aware that the client holds the key to their health and it is our job to guide them to the threshold. 

How is a Holistic Nutritionist different from a Dietician?
Both Holistic Nutritionists and Dieticians believe nutrition plays a critical role in overall health. Dieticians are primarily trained within the disease model in medicine and generally give nutrition advice as it relates to a medical diagnosis.  An integral part of the Holistic Nutritionist studies is the connection between body, mind and spirit.  Concentration is on individual health concerns, which uses natural nutrition to promote balance and optimal well-being.  Preventative nutrition is key!

Why is eating nutritious FOOD so important?
Wholesome foods are needed to sustain life!  It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to function optimally and heal it self.  Our job is to give the body what it needs and it will do the rest.  Wholesome foods promote and foster a clear mind, calm attitude and strong body. 

                             Ron Garner (winner of the prestigious Nautilus Award in 2007 for Best Health and   Healing Book) states it well in his award winning book, Conscious Health:

                            “Ignorance is not a defense of the law, meaning that lack of knowledge is not a valid excuse for breaking the law and will not save us from the consequences.  So it is with our bodies.  They have requirements that must be met to be healthy.  Ignorance of any of these needs, be they nutritional, energetic or attitudinal, does not nullify the consequences of degenerating health as we grow older.”  

Wholesome foods have three characteristics;  live, natural and good quality.
Live, meaning the food still contains live enzymes (i.e. fresh vegetables, sprouts and fruit).  Natural, meaning unrefined and unprocessed (ie.100% whole grains, raw nuts and seeds).  Good quality, meaning grown in soil rich in essential nutrients and free of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers (organically grown foods and even some local farmers may produce good quality food, but aren’t approved organic yet).

Will I be put on a “diet”?
Simply, NO!  I personally don’t like the word diet because it makes me think of limiting foods, rigid menus, strict exercise regimes and bland tasting rabbit food.  I wouldn’t want any part of that.  Each body is unique and thrives on a wide variety of different foods.  There is no one-menu-fits-all approach and it’s proven that dieting doesn’t work.  As Holistic Nutritionists, we assess your individual nutritional imbalances and see what foods can help bring nutritional balance and resolve your health concerns.  We discuss adding or subtracting (not forever!!) certain foods to your daily meals.  Making a few gradual changes at a time to ensure they will last and become part of your healthy lifestyle.  

                  A good rule of thumb:

                      Eat nutritious, wholesome food 80% of the time and the    other 20% gives you room for dinning out, desserts, treats and the like.  

How do I know when I need to see a Registered Holistic Nutritionist?

If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, I can help you!

     - fatigue, low energy                    - weight problems
     - anxiety, depression                    - brittle finger nails, dry hair
     - digestive problems                     - irritable, mood swings
     - crave sugars, breads, alcohol     - insomnia
     - indigestion or heartburn             - gas and bloating after meals
     - stress                                        - skin/complexion problems
     - constipation/diarrhea             

OR   You may want to:  educate yourself on what and how to eat; food products and food myths
                                     learn how to use food to manage or prevent specific health problems    or diseases
                                        (i.e. diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity, cancer)
                                     detox
                                     are healthy and want to stay that way!

I welcome clients of all backgrounds and dietary preferences.
All ways of eating can be nutritious with the right know how.


How long do I have to follow my nutritional program?

It is ideal to follow your nutritional program until your desired health goals have been reached.  Every person will have different needs and programs to help them achieve nutritional balance and overall well-being.  Many times focusing on one or two body systems will bring balance and relief to other areas of the body.  There are certain circumstances where it is in your best interest to choose specific foods, as well as avoid others, for a certain time (not forever!).  The food and lifestyle changes that you make, I hope will find themselves deeply rooted in your being and remain with you long term.  The knowledge and tools you acquire will provide you with strategies for a life time of balance.